Jays Streak ends but 22 wins is Spring Record

(Eddie Michels photo)

DUNEDIN, Fla.—The Toronto Blue Jays lost their first game since St. Patrick’s Day, dropping a 4-1 decision to a Minnesota Twins split-squad.

The hang over lasted 13-days as the Jays improved their spring record to 22-4-1 prior to Friday’s loss from 12-4-1 on the 17^th.  The 22-wins is the most in franchise history.

Left-hander Aaron Laffey (left) took the loss allowing four runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out three over five-plus innings throwing 52 of his 88-pitches for strikes.

Casey Janssen relieved Laffey allowing just one hit while getting two ground ball outs and a flyout to end the inning.

“He did exactly what we expected and intended for him to do,” said Manager John Farrell of Janssen

RHP Liam Hendriks got the win with five shutout innings allowing just one hit while walking one and striking out two on 70-pitches 44-strikes.

Minnesota Twins pitcher Liam Hendriks (Eddie Michels photo)

The Jays closer Serigo Santos got three quick outs in the ninth even though it wasn’t in a save situation.

# 21 Sergio Santos (Eddie Michels photo)

“Santos used all three of his pitches,” said Farrell, “He did what we expected.”

Chris Parmelee had a solo homer for the Twins while minor leaguer Dan Perales had a solo shot for the

Casey Janssen (Eddie Michels photo)

Jays.

Omar Vizquel continued his hot hitting this spring with a single in his lone at bat raising his average to .452.  Not bad for a 44 year old who turns 45 in April.

TRANSACTIONS: On Thursday the Blue Jays optioned RHP Drew Hutchinson to their minor league camp.  Hutchinson is a native of Lakeland, Florida.

BLUE JAYS NOTES: Ben Francisco (hamstring) appears to be getting closer to game action.  “With Ben we may send him over to a minor league game just to lead off every inning and get 4-5 at bats” said manager John Farrell. …As to RHP Dustin McGowan (planters fasciitis) Farrell said, “He continues to feel improvement yet not to the point of putting a ball back in his hand.”  Concerning where McGowan will start the season, “With us opening up less than a week from today and he not  able to throw a baseball it’s likely that he does go to the

Eyes wide closed. Jays outfielder Eric Thames tracks a fly ball with his eyes closed. (Eddie Michels photo)

disabled list.  Then at that point we have got to let his body tell us when he is ready and take the appropriate steps to get him back in the game.”  Since 2008 McGowan has had two shoulder/arm surgery’s and one knee surgery not counting an earlier right elbow problem in 2008.

Toronto Blue Jays first sacker Adam Lind leaves the field Friday after participating in a short stretching and long toss workout prior to the game against the Minnesota Twins. "He did some jogging today and hit in the cage," said manager John Farrell, "The low back feels free, he will increase his activities tomorrow. Hopefully he is back in the line up tomorrow." (Photo by Eddie Michels)

Righty Francicsco Cordero (Eddie Michels photo)