Blue Jays: Grapefruit League Game 6 vs. Tigers

The Blue Jays entered Wednesday afternoon’s game against the Detroit Tigers with a 1-4 Spring record. The team struggled at the plate until last game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where they broke out for 12 runs, and won 12-0. Unfortunately, they lost a nail-biter 5-4 on Wednesday, making them 1-5 for the Spring.

Right-handed pitcher Ryan Tepera started the game, pitching a perfect inning to go along with a strikeout. Tepera, who has pitched out of the bullpen for the Blue Jays in the past, is fighting for a middle relief spot with the team. A performance like this can go a long way, and hopefully for both the Blue Jays and Tepera, he continues to pitch with confidence and precision.

After Tepera left the game, the team gave eight pitchers one inning each. Tim Mayza, Chris Smith, Mike Bolsinger, Ryan Borucki and Leonel Campos all pitched shutout innings for the team, while Joe Smith, Bo Schultz and Dominic Leone were roughed up a little bit. Leone was handed the loss, allowing both an earned and unearned run over one inning.

Of these pitchers, Joe Smith and Bolsinger probably have the best shot of making the team out of the bullpen. However, if Smith continues to pitch like he did today, his chances of making the team will dwindle fast. Bolsinger, however, improved his chances of earning a spot on the opening day roster greatly.

At the plate, the Blue Jays totaled seven hits and five walks. While it may not a great showing, it is certainly not terrible.

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Outfielders led the way at the plate for the Blue Jays. Kevin Pillar went 2 for 3 with a double, while Dalton Pompey went 1-1 with a walk and a solo homerun. In addition to those two, Melvin Upton Jr. went 1-2 with a hit, and Darrell Ceciliani went 1-3 with an RBI double.

The other two Blue Jays to register hits were Darwin Barney and Jon Berti. Barney was 1-1 with a single and a walk, while Berti went 1-2 with an RBI single.

A team’s record in spring training really does not matter, but it is always nice to pick up a win for confidence purposes.

The Blue Jays look to improve to 2-5 on Thursday afternoon when they play the Philadelphia Phillies at Florida Auto Exchange stadium in Dunedin, Florida.

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