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The Blue Jays put on an absolute show in Montreal today, in front of yet another excellent crowd. Toronto scored 9 runs on 15 hits, while limiting Cincinnati to just 3 hits and 1 late run. The Jays end the spring on a winning note and will now head to New York to get the season started.
On the pitching side, Daniel Norris started the game with 3 innings of 1 hit baseball. He struggled with his command throughout the outing, but also generated plenty of weak contact. Miguel Castro and Roberto Osuna each pitched a clean inning, while generating plenty of swinging strikes in the process.
What a spring for Colt Hynes. The lefty pitched a clean 6th inning while striking out two. It was a great day for the bullpen, as Marco Estrada also pitched a clean inning in the 8th. The Jays' four MLB relievers combined for a line of: 4IP, 0H, 0BB, 6K today.
Luis Perez and Taylor Cole were also given the opportunity to pitch in front of the huge crowd. Cole gave up a two out RBI single in the ninth to Bryson Smith, spoiling the possible shutout. Other than that late hit, it was quite the pitching performance from the Blue Jays.
Offensively, Josh Donaldson opened the scoring in the second with a home run off Anthony DeSclafani. He later singled in the game and sure looks ready for the start of the season. Dioner Navarro hit a pair of doubles, while Devon Travis reached base in all three of his plate appearances. Travis was hit in the hand by a pitch, but thankfully stayed in the game.
Of the twelve hitters who have made the Blue Jays' opening day roster, only Russell Martin and Dalton Pompey failed to join the hit parade. Martin was pulled from the game following a mound visit from his father, receiving a huge ovation in the process.
What a way for the Blue Jays to end the spring. Being able to play in front of a huge crowd in Montreal must really help some of the younger players prepare for their first opening day. The Jays will now have the day off tomorrow, before opening the regular season on Monday. I cannot wait to watch meaningful baseball.