Blue Jays open Grapefruit League play with 3-0 shutout of Phillies
Toronto opened spring training with power from Sean Keys and Dalton Varsho and a multi-pitcher shutout effort that limited Philadelphia to four hits. Nine total hits and early roster depth defined the Blue Jays’ first outing since November.
DUNEDIN, Fla. — The Toronto Blue Jays returned to action Saturday for their first game since Game 7 of the World Series in November and opened spring training with a 3-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at TD Ballpark.
Toronto produced nine hits and received strong work from seven pitchers, who combined to limit Philadelphia to four hits while striking out nine.
Sean Keys provided a key offensive moment, hitting a two-run home run in and Dalton Varsho added a solo shot as part of a two-hit performance. Josh Kasevich went 1-for-2 at shortstop and scored once, while Ernie Clement reached base twice, recording a hit and a walk.
Alejandro Kirk added a hit in two at-bats while fellow catcher C.J. Stubbs and third baseman Charles McAdoo each contributed a hits, and center fielder Rafael Lantigua recorded a hit in his only at-bat. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drew a walk in his lone plate appearance.
Toronto’s pitching staff handled the rest. Eric Lauer opened with a scoreless inning, recording one strikeout while allowing one hit. Ty Rogers followed with an inning of work and allowed a hit. Adam Macko pitched two innings with two strikeouts and one walk.
CJ Van Eyk earned the win, Toronto’s first of the spring, after throwing two innings with two strikeouts, one hit allowed, and two walks. Jack Kushing added one inning with two strikeouts and one walk, Gage Stanifer pitched a scoreless inning while allowing one hit, and Javen Coleman closed the game with one inning and two strikeouts.