Jays v Phillies in Dunedin.
A very hot day and sellout crowd, with Phillies fans making up more than half. Jays need to take them out of the game. Serious stuff today, neither side taking this game lightly.
Line-ups: Jays: Davis, Escobar, Bautista, Lind, Encarnacion, Snider, Rivera, Arencibia and Johnny McDonald. Jesse Litsch pitching.
Phillies: Rollins, Victorino, Ibanez, Howard, Polanco, Goad, Francisco, Ruiz catching, Barfield and Blanton pitching.
On balance looks as if Phillies are stronger but this Jays team has deceptive power, on paper at least.
Litsch has an awful game, did nothing for his chances in the rotation and time is running out on Jesse. 3 1-3 innings. Gave up five hits and four runs.
Jays hitters come back in bottom of the first with yet another leadoff home run by Rajai Davis. This was Rajai's day today, three hits including the home run, a two run RBI double off the wall, and one incredible running catch at full speed into right. Vernon will not be missed this season at all friends. And to add to this
Anthony Gose heir apparent in centre also had yet another strong game with his two rbi triple. This guy has speed.
Two hit games from Lind Snider and Rivera to go with the three hits by Davis. Others to hit today Gose, Encarnacion, McDonald and McCoy.
Phillies were not pitching to Jose as Bautista takes two walks today. I have a feeling we will be seeing much more of that ``off the plate`` pitching to Jose during the season. The ultimate compliment yesterday after Jose hit his monster home run, Manny said this guy "is already locked in". I agree.
Jays down 6-2 get back into the game and finally get ahead in the 7th only to lose it big-time in top of the 8th. Lezedma having a horrible outing and probably earned his ticket to Vegas if not New Hampshire with that performance. You can’t throw eight pitches with nary strike at this level and not get burned, least of all against the Phillies. Abreu was just as bad and these two give up seven runs in the 1 1-3 innings to ruin a great comeback by Jays hitters. Good bye and maybe see you next year in Dunedin.
Jays lose this one 13-7 but the scire does not tell the story.
Poor day at the office: Arencibia yet another ill-advised play with pickoff attempt at third which went wild and resulted in two runs. JP has much to learn yet, and I hope he is not going to be learning during regular season.
More E grade: Runners in scoring position, Jays constant albatross. Today it seemed like every inning a hitter leaving runners ate second and third. Worst offenders today: Rivera, Escobar and Encarnacion all leaving two on base. Gose and Diaz one each.
The slowest pitcher: Frasor loses his record to Phillies Baez. Has anyone seen a slower pitcher? This guy not only steps off the mound every pitch but also asks for a new ball. It was a joke with the fans today. Who is this guy but one reason why the game went on so long this afternoon.
Interesting: Phillies had two players who are sons of former Jays, John Mayberry jr. and Josh Barfield.
Phillies are odds on favourites for the NL title. I am not so sure and will not be betting on them. Line-up is great on paper but they should not have allowed Jays to get back into this one today.
Friday the Yankees are in town.
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