Today we scored early and often and then turned it over to the pitchers who shut down the Pirates for the rest of the game. Everything seemed to click for the Jays as they rolled to the 5-0 victory over the Pirates.
Ricky Romero looked as if he could start the season tomorrow. He pitched 4 shutout innings with 5Ks while giving up 1 hit and 2 walks, a much better start compared to his first start of the spring. In an interview in the dugout after he was pulled from the game he indicated that this time out he wasn't working on any one particular pitch and just went out to stay loose and pitch. A good sign.
The rest of the pitchers combined for the shutout and only really looked in trouble in the 6th. Jon Rauch came in for the 5th inning and proceeded to walk the first batter he has faced this spring, he followed that up with a double play and a strikeout to squash any thought of a rally. Frank Francisco was up next also seeing his first action of the spring and you could see the rust, he gave up 2 hits and 1BB to load the bases but was able to get out of the inning with no runs scoring. Carlos Villanueva was next up and pitched a spotless inning striking out one. Lastly Zach Stewart came into the game to pitch the last two innings and looked great. He did throw a lot of pitches but that happens when you strikeout 5 in two innings. Around those 5K's he gave up a hit and 2BBs.
All in all a great day for our pitchers. Only 4 hits against on the day and 13 strikeouts, granted we did walk 6 but when it is still this early in spring that is expected.
Our hitters faired quite well today as well, 10 total hits on the day with 5 runs scoring. Standouts are below:
- Jose Bautista looked in fine form, going 3-3 with 2 Doubles, 1RBI and 2R scored.
- Not to be outdone, Brett Lawrie came into the game for Bautista and proceeded to go 2-2 to bring his spring average up to .400. Queue more people calling for him to make the team out of Spring Training.
- Travis Snider 1-3 with a BB, the one was a well hit double that scored Bautista
- Yunel Escobar 2-4, R, Made some great plays in the field and sparked a bit of discussion in the game thread when he took two double play balls for himself instead of flipping to McCoy.
- Corey Patterson - 1-4 but looked good at the plate and hit the ball hard
- Edwin Encarnacion 0-4 with 4Ks and 7 LOB, not a good day at all
- J.P. Arencibia continues his slow start at the plate going 0-3 with a K but looked good behind the plate.
- Eric Thames - 1-3 with 2RBI, look good today as well and continues to make a strong case that he should at least be considered for a 4th outfield spot along side Patterson.
All in all a good day for the Jays at the plate, even with some sloppy fielding by the Pirates. The Pirates were only credited with one error but there was a couple of plays that I am sure they would say should have been made.
A fine game for our first televised game of the Spring. Great time in the game thread.
Monday is a day off for our Jays but we are back in action on Tuesday at 1PM Est against the Rays.
What was your favorite part of the game? Or were you like me? Just happy to be able to watch the team again?
Today's title from the Late Late show with Craig Ferguson theme song.