In split squad action, the Blue Jays managed to split their games as they were defeated by the Houston Astros 7-5, but defeated the Canada Junior National Team 12-0.
Brad Penny got the nod for the Jays in the game against Houston but was roughed up early and often, giving up three runs in the first frame--two of which off the bat of a Carlos Correa home run.
Despite doubles from Jio Mier and Josh Thole, closing the gap to 7-4, the Jays were never able to surmount a comeback and officially dropped to 10-4 on the spring.
Hitters:
Ryan Goins--1/3
Darrell Ceciliani--0/3
Junior Lake--1/3
Chris Colabello--1/3
Dominic Brown--1/3
Matt Dominguez--0/2
Casey Kotchman--1/4
Jio Mier--1/3
Josh Thole--2/3
Pitchers:
Brad Penny-- 2.0 IP, 4H, 5 ER, 3BB, K
Pat Venditte--1.0 IP
Joe Biagini--2.0 IP, 3H, 2 ER, BB, K
Roberto Hernandez--2.0 IP, H, K
Chad Jenkins--1.0 IP, H, BB
In the second game of the day, although played simultaneously with the game against the Astros, the Jays fared much better with a more major league ready lineup that mashed Canada's pitchers from start to finish.
After scoring one in the first, Connor Panas doubled home two runs in the second inning before scoring while Andy Burns took a walk. Burns later picked up an RBI of his own with a single to left-field in the fourth inning to make it 6-0.
The Jays never looked back with big hits from Ezequiel Carrera (triple) and Panas homering to centre field, defeating the amateur team decidedly 12-0.
Hitters:
Dalton Pompey--1/3
Andy Burns--1/1
Russell Martin--0/1
David Adams--1/1
--Michael Saunders--0/1
Ezequiel Carrera--1/3
Mike Reeves--0/0, 2 BB
Connor Panas--2/3
J.D Davis--0/2
Pitching:
Scott Diamond 2.0 IP, 4 K
The Jays will take on the Astros again tomorrow starting at 1:07. Good news is that you can catch the action on Sportsnet or MLB.tv as Aaron Sanchez looks to continue to lead the race for the final spot in the rotation.