JOEY BATS goes Yard Twice

By Eddie Michels on March 19, 2014

Jose Bautista hits the first homer today off Roberto Hernandez (Eddie Michels photo)

Dunedin, Fla. — Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista connects on the first pitch he sees in the bottom of the third from the Philadelphia Phillies Roberto Hernandez for a two run homer off the scoreboard in left center. The homer ignited a four run inning propelling the Jays to an 11-6 Grapefruit League win. The homer was the first of two, two run homers hit by Bautista, this one hitting dead center of the second “O” in Toronto a top the score board in left center field. Hernandez was roughed up by the Jays, 11 hits, 7 earned runs and exited in the 4th only going 3 2/3 innings and taking the loss. Jose Bautista was 2 for 4 with the two homers and 4 RBI. Bautista’s blasts were his 4th and 5th of the spring. Below is Bautista connecting on the second homer off Brad Lincoln. The Blue Jays were unwelcoming to Lincoln as well 4 hits, 2 earned runs in two innings. Lincoln did post three strikeouts in his six outs. Sergio Sanchez, who entered in the third for J.A. Happ, was credited with the win. Sanchez pitched 1 1/3 inning and did give up a homer to Phillies third baseman Cody Asche.

Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista connects in the sixth, this time off former Jay Brad Lincoln, for a two run homer, his fifth of the spring as the Jays beat the visiting Phillies 11-6 on Wednesday. (EDDIE MICHELS/PHOTO)

Below a big defensive play by the Jays was throwing out Phillies center fielder Ben Revere. Revere was out at third trying to stretch a double into a triple in the top of the second after driving in three runs off Blue Jays starter J. A. Happ. Revere’s drive to left center was run down by Colby Rasmus who threw to Jose Reyes then to Brett Lawrie who applied the tag for the third out of the inning.