Eighth inning rally propels Blue Jays to victory
Dunedin, FL – Blue Jays pitchers limited Tampa to just two hits, while the bats rallied in the eighth to push Dunedin past the Tarpons 5-2 on Friday night at TD Ballpark. Blue Jays’ starter Fernando Perez set the tone early in the game for Dunedin’s pitching staff, allowing just
Dunedin, FL – Blue Jays pitchers limited Tampa to just two hits, while the bats rallied in the eighth to push Dunedin past the Tarpons 5-2 on Friday night at TD Ballpark.
Blue Jays’ starter Fernando Perez set the tone early in the game for Dunedin’s pitching staff, allowing just two baserunners in the first four innings of the game.
Arjun Nimmala delivered instant run support in the bottom of the first, flying a two-run homer to left to give Dunedin a 2-0 lead.
Perez didn’t run into trouble until the top of the fifth with two outs, when Tampa drew back-to-back walks to set up a Coby Morales RBI single that made it a one-run game. Toronto’s No. 24 prospect finished the inning to complete his outing with eight strikeouts.
Kai Peterson picked up where Perez left off, retiring the first six batters he faced. Peterson came back out for the eighth and allowed a one-out walk to Morales.
Peterson bounced back by striking out Yankees No. 3 prospect Roderick Arias, but Morales advanced to second on a wild pickoff attempt. Then, with two outs, Morales stole third and scored as the throw sailed past third baseman Manuel Beltre, tying the game at two.
Dunedin cooked up a quick response in the bottom of the eighth. Jean Joseph started the inning with a double, putting the go-ahead run in scoring position for the leadoff man Victor Arias. After battling to a full count, Arias rolled the 10th pitch of the at bat up the middle, where second baseman Dayro Perez fielded it cleanly, but misfired on the throw to first.
Tampa first baseman Dylan Jasso quickly recovered the throw as it bounced off the first base dugout, and fired a strike to the plate, but Joseph slid around the tag to put Dunedin back in front, 3-2.
Beltre followed with an RBI triple into the alley in right center, driving home Arias to push the lead to 4-2. Yhoangel Aponte added one more run, scoring Beltre on a sacrifice fly to grow the lead to 5-2.
Eliander Alcalde came on for the save in the top of the ninth and ended the contest with a drama free, 1-2-3 frame.
The series is now tied at two games apiece heading into Saturday night’s matchup, with first pitch set for 6:30. To celebrate May 4th, the Jays will wear specialty Star Wars jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game online. Fans can buy tickets now at DunedinBlueJays.com.