Blue Jays use five-run eighth inning to come back for third straight win

DUNEDIN, FL – Trailing by three runs in the eighth, the Blue Jays used a five-run rally to defeat Jupiter 8-6 on Friday night at TD Ballpark. The win marks Dunedin’s third straight, the team’s first three-game win streak in over a month.

The Hammerheads claimed a first inning run off Jays starter Fernando Perez, as Ryan Ignoffo hopped a single off the second base bag to drive in Jordan McCants. Perez limited the damage to one, escaping the inning by inducing a double play.

Perez kept the score at 1-0 by recording four straight scoreless frames.

Dunedin stranded four runners in scoring position in the first four innings of the game, but broke through in the fifth after Hammerheads starter Thomas White exited. With two outs, Manuel Beltre hopped an infield single to third base, which allowed Victor Arias to score from third to knot the game at one.

The deadlock was brief, as Jupiter responded by scoring twice in the sixth inning. John Cruz put the Hammerheads back ahead with an RBI double, which chased Perez from the game. With Bo Bonds on in relief, Brock Vradenburg scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-1.

In the bottom of the sixth, Marcos De La Rosa re-tied the game with a two-run homer – his first hit of the season.

The tie broke in the top of the eighth, as Jupiter tallied three runs against Kai Peterson. After three walks, Yeral Martinez poked a 2-RBI double that glanced off second baseman Bryce Arnold’s outstretched glove, putting the Hammerheads ahead 5-3. The lead swelled to 6-3 as Angelo DiSpigna lined an RBI single to center.

In the bottom half, Dunedin’s offense jolted back to life. Beltre singled to open the inning, and Daniel Perez followed with an RBI double to trim the deficit to 6-4. The next batter, Alexis Hernandez, worked a walk to chase reliver Euri Montero from the game.

Yeuris Jimenez entered to face De La Rosa, and hit him with the first pitch he threw to load the bases. After taking two balls, Arnold sent a line drive into right center for a two-RBI double to tie the game at 6.

Jean Joseph walked to re-load the bases, setting up an RBI ground out from Arias that gave the Blue Jays their first lead of the game. Yhoangel Aponte followed with his own RBI ground out to boost the lead to 8-6.

JJ Sanchez earned the save with a drama-free, 1-2-3 ninth inning to seal the victory.

Dunedin will play for the chance to earn a series victory tomorrow night at 6:30. Fans can secure tickets now at DunedinBlueJays.com.