Blue Jays Grapefruit League recap: 3-2 victory over Red Sox

The Toronto Blue Jays welcomed back both Devon Travis and Jose Bautista into their lineup for today’s 3-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

Blue Jays’ Devon Travis made his first Grapefruit League appearance as the second baseman continues to work his way back from a knee injury. Travis batted 7th in a lineup that featured a number of Blue Jays starters. Jose Bautista was the designated hitter batting 2nd in his first contest since tweaking his back at the World Baseball Classic.

The pitching matchup featured 20-game winner J.A. Happ versus Red Sox hurler Drew Pomeranz. Happ looked to be in midseason form throwing 59 pitches in 5.1 innings of work. Happ would scatter 1 earned run over 3 hits while fanning 5 Red Sox batters. His spring earned run average now sits at a minuscule 1.59.

The Jays wasted no time getting on the board as Troy Tulowitzki led off the bottom of the first inning with a double off the left-field wall. Jose Bautista then followed with a double of his own down the third base line scoring Tulowitzki and giving the Jays and early 1-0 lead.

In the second inning, the Blue Jays would tack onto their lead as Kevin Pillar led off the inning slapping a single to the opposite field. Devon Travis would double on the first pitch he saw from Pomeranz cashing in Pillar. Tulowitzki would score Travis on a two-out single giving the Jays a 3-0 lead.

In the top of the 5th, the Red Sox would get two runs back off the bat of Bryce Bentz who connected for a 2-run homer. That would be all the offence mustered as the pitchers would keep the bats in check for the rest of the afternoon.

Aaron Loup, Ryan Tepera, Tim Mayza and Dominic Leone would lock it down after Happ. The four relievers would only allow 2 hits and strike out 4 batters in 3.2 innings of relief.

Game Highlights and Tidbits:

Steve Pearce got the start at first base and looked comfortable including a nice pick on a short hopper from Josh Donaldson.

Bautista went 1-2 with an rbi double and a strikeout.

Travis went 1-2 with a rbi double and hit into a double play.

Ryan Goins came into play first base in the  Top of 6 and looked like he has played there for years. Add that to the list of positions Goins can add to his resume.

The Blue Jays next action is tomorrow versus the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mat Latos gets the ball opposite Michael Pineda.