Game recap: Blue Jays homer four times in tight affair with Pirates

With the win, the Pirates improve to 7-5, while the Blue Jays fall to 6-4-1 in Grapefruit League action.

The Blue Jays took an early lead in the 2nd inning, on a solo home run from catcher Alejandro Kirk, one one four they would hit on the day.

After Pittsburgh tied it with a single, walk and groundout in the bottom of the fourth, O'Neil Cruz connected for a three run blast off of Jake Bloss to put the Piratesahead 4-1. Jacob Barnes then came on in relief and immediately gave up a solo shot to Joey Bart.

Anthony Santander hit a solo home run of his own in the top of 6th to bring the Blue Jays within three, but the Pirates scored two more off Easton Lucas in the bottom half of the frame to make it 7-2. Damiano Palmegiani doubled home a run in the 7th to bring the Blue Jays to within four.

Toronto made in interesting in the bottom of the eighth. With two out and Davis Schneider on first, Arjun Nimmala launched his first home run of Spring Training to pull the Blue Jays to within two. Alan Roden then hit a solo shot to make it a one-run game.

Ryder Ryan closed it out for the Pirates to seal the 7-6 win.

Kevin Gausman looked sharp in his first spring start, walking one and striking out two in 1.2 innings of work. Jake Bloss continued his rough start, giving up four runs in 1.1 innings. Easton Lucas, in his first appearance out of the bullpen, gave up two runs in two innings. Josh Walker, Richard Lovelady, and Brendon Little also contributed with scoreless appearances.

The Blue Jays continue their slate on Thursday with a home game against the Boston Red Sox.