Drabek on the Right Path, Jays down Orioles 6-3 in Sarasota

Toronto starter and son of 1982 CY Young winner Doug Drabek, Kyle went 3 1/3 innings allowing two runs on three hits while walking two and striking out three. (Eddie Michels photo)

SARASOTA, Fla.—A four-run top of the ninth erased a one-run deficit as the Toronto Blue

Kyle Drabek gets a breather in the Jays dugout when his team was at the dish (Eddie Michel photo)

Jays beat the host Baltimore Orioles 6-3 Wednesday in Grapefruit League play.

Jim Hoey got the win pitching a perfect eighth while Ronald Uviedo got the save despite allowing two hits but he did strikeout three.

Perdo Strop took the loss lasting only 1/3 of an inning allowing four runs, one earned on two hits.

Toronto starter and son of 1982 CY Young winner Doug Drabek, Kyle went 3 1/3 innings allowing two runs on three hits while walking two and striking out three.

“I think he is clearly on the right path,” said Toronto manager John Farrell of Drabek, “He is refining his pitch mix.  Today I thought he threw more curve balls for strikes in the times I have seen him pitch.  He reached his pitch count of 65 and I thought it was important to get him out after his fourth time up and down.”

Veteran Omar Vizquel rips a double (Eddie Michels photo)

Omar Vizquel and Yan Gomes each had two hits for the Jays while Endy Chavez, J.J. Hardy and Adam Jones

Travis Snider also doubled (Eddie Michels photo)

each had two hits each for the Orioles.

Vizquel who will turn 45 next month is making a case for himself to make the Jays opening day roster as going 2-3 on Wednesday raised his spring average to .435.

Toronto outfielder Eric Thames tried to talk his way into the game but Farrell would have none of it.

“He cramped up (calf) last night,” said Farrell, “He tried to talk his way into it but we held him out today.”

TRANSACTIONS: The Cleveland Indians claimed Toronto RHP Rick Vanderhurk off waivers on Wednesday, Toronto now has 40-players in camp.

Omar Vizquel (Eddie Michels photo)

BLUE JAYS NOTES: Manager John Farrell says the team, “Is erring on the side of caution,” concerning when 3B Brett

Outfielder Endy Chavez crosses the plate scoring one of the Orioles three runs. Baltimore is hoping Chavez brings pop to the line up, he batted .301 with the Rangers last year in 83 games. (Eddie Michels photo)

Lawrie makes his return to game action. “If he returns Saturday that’s eight to nine games to get him ready.” …One of the players in the mix for the utility spot on the 25-man roster is Jonathan Diaz.  “Diaz is making an impression like he did last spring,” said Farrell.  Unfortunately for Diaz last season when he was at Triple-A Las Vegas the cab he and his wife were riding in after a game ran a stop sign/light and seriously injured both.  The young man now appears to have made a full recovery. …Farrell is looking at each of his starting pitchers this spring reaching 85-90 pitch level before breaking camp.