Blue Jays MiLB recap: 2-0 to start the week

Jays Journal takes its daily look into the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system, today looking at the AAA-A levels. The team’s played a combined two games on Sunday, going a perfect 2-0 on the day. The affiliates are back in action on Tuesday, where they will look to continue their great play from Monday.

AAA: Buffalo Bisons – OFF DAY

The Buffalo Bisons had a day off on Monday, giving the team a nice break before another stretch of games begins. The team is back in action on Tuesday when they begin a series with the Indianapolis Indians. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EST.

AA: New Hampshire Fisher Cats – DAY OFF

Much like the Bisons, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats had a much-needed day off on Monday. Surely the players and coaches enjoyed it, but they are back to work on Tuesday when they begin a series with the Hartford Yard Goats. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EST.

A+: Dunedin Blue Jays vs. Palm Beach Cardinals (Cardinals) – 6-3 win

After being swept in four games by the Fort Myers Miracle, the Dunedin Blue Jays began a series with the Palm Beach Cardinals on Monday. The Blue Jays swung the bats and pitched well, leading them to a 6-3 win. With the victory today, the team now sits with a season record of 63-57.

John Straka (3-1) started the game for the Blue Jays, and he gave the team a great outing. The right-hander picked up the win after he pitched seven innings, allowing two runs off of seven hits and one walk while striking out two.

The two pitchers to toe the rubber out of the pen for the Blue Jays were Philip Walby and Zach Jackson. Walby was first to pitch out of the bullpen and he pitched 0.2 of an inning, allowing one run off of one hit and one run. Jackson then pitched a shutout 1.1 innings, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two, en route to his fourth save of the season.

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At the plate, the Blue Jays hit the ball very well. The team scored six runs off of 10 hits and three walks – a total that will win you games in most cases.

The players to contribute on offense were Edward Olivares (0-5, R), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (0-4 R), Connor Panas (2-4, HR, 4 RBI, R), Juan Kelly (2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, BB, 2 R), Cavan Biggio (0-3 BB), Jake Thomas (2-4, 2B), Josh Almonte (1-4), Ryan Hissey (1-4) and J.C. Cardenas (2-3, BB, R).

After taking game one of their series with the Cardinals, the Blue Jays will be looking for a victory in game two. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST.

MVDJ: Connor Panas – 2-4, HR, 4 RBI, R

A: Lansing Lugnuts vs. Great Lakes Loons (Dodgers) – 5-0 win

The Lansing Lugnuts and the Great Lakes Loons were set to play game one of their series on Monday, and it was a great game for the Lugnuts. The Blue Jays’ lower A affiliate was clearly the better team on Monday, leading them to a 5-0 win. With the win, the Lugnuts now sit with a season record of 58-58.

Mike Ellenbest (5-6) started for the Lugnuts, and he pitched extremely well. The right-hander picked up the win after going five shutout innings, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out five.

The two pitchers to see action out of the bullpen were Juliandry Higuera and Connor Eller. The first pitcher to toss, Higuera, worked for two shutout innings, allowing just two while striking out five. Eller then came in to pitch the final two innings, allowing zero runs, hits or walks while striking out one.

Toronto Blue Jays

While the pitching is what ultimately won the team the game today, the Lugnuts still hit the ball pretty well. The team scored five runs off of 13 hits and one walk, which was more than enough for what they needed on Monday.

The players to make a difference at the plate today were Rodrigo Orozco (2-4, BB, R), Joshua Palacios (3-5, 2B, RBI, R), Nash Knight (3-4, RBI), J.B. Woodman (1-4, RBI), Mattingly Romanin (1-4, R), Yeltsin Gudino (1-5) and Nick Sinay (2-3, RBI, 2 R, SB).

After taking game one of the series, the Lugnuts will be looking to take a commanding series lead with a victory in game two. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EST.

MVL: Mike Ellenbest – 5 IP, W, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 5 SO

Next: Get To Know Left-Hander Tim Mayza

That’s all for today’s MiLB recap. Check back in tomorrow when Jays Journal recaps Monday’s minor-league action.