Toronto Blue Jays take down Tampa Bay Rays 9-2
By Mackenzie Bruno, WEBN Correspondent
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL – The Tampa Bay Rays suffered a staggering loss against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday afternoon in their Spring Training matchup, 9-2. The Rays struggled from the first inning, with Toronto up 1-0 after the bottom of the first. Blue Jays second basemen Ernie Clement led the way for Toronto from the beginning with 2 RBI on a line drive to left field. Clement would not stop there. He went on to blast a two-run homer at the top of the 2nd inning, sending first basemen Spencer Horowitz home to make it 3-0. The 27-year-old finished the game with a home run and three RBIs.
Toronto never let their foot off the gas pedal against the Rays. Catcher Danny Jensen notched a two-run home run at the top of the fourth inning, and second baseman Davis Schneider launched one over the wall at the top of the sixth inning.
The Blue Jays scored eight of their nine runs in the first four innings. Rays starting pitcher Zach Eflinexited the game early after the first four innings. Eflin allowed eight runs and eight hits and earned four runs against him. Four of Tampa Bay’s first five errors of the game came from Eflin.
The Rays rotated through multiple pitchers throughout the game, including Chris Devenski, Shawn Armstrong, Colin Poche, and Pete Fairbanks. Manager Kevin Cash emphasized the need for Tampa Bay to clean some things up before heading into the regular season.
“We got to do a little bit better job of securing the baseball. Certainly, when Zach Eflin’s out there he’s such a contact-oriented guy he’s going to pitch to contact. The Blue Jays came out and were very aggressive early. We got to be ready to make some plays behind him,” said Cash.
Spring Training is a time to test out different lineups and for players who have not yet made a roster spot to step up into the spotlight. Pete Fairbanks, who saw time in the 9th inning, stressed the importance of staying healthy as he gears up for the long season ahead.
“It’s a chance for you to get your work in and prepare your body for when you have the hard ones and to make sure that you answer those questions before the season starts,” said Fairbanks.
The Blue Jays had six pitching changes, with Mitch White starting at pitcher for Toronto. White struck out two batters, walking one, while giving up five hits and two runs in three innings.
Despite the loss, the Rays were able to score two runs. Harold Ramirez hit a double, leading Yandy Diaz and Rene Pinto to run home in the third inning. Tampa Bay remained scoreless for the rest of the game.
The Tampa Bay Rays take on the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays face the Yankees Tuesday afternoon.