Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger, Charles McAdoo show off big power against Red Sox

The big bats showed some serious pop for the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, even if the result didn't go their way.

Facing the Boston Red Sox, the Blue Jays dropped a 7-6 decision after surrendering a late two-run homer.

The loss moves Toronto's Spring Training record to 2-7-2, but there were plenty of encouraging signs, particularly from Addison Barger and prospect Charles McAdoo.

Right-hander Cody Ponce made his first televised start in a Blue Jays uniform, working two innings while allowing one earned run and striking out two.

His outing wasn't without its bumps - command wavered at times and he gave up some hard contact, but it marked another step forward as he builds up this spring.

Toronto's offense finally came alive in the fifth inning after falling behind 4-0.

With one out and the bases loaded, Nathan Lukes grounded out, allowing Josh Kasevich to cross the plate for the club's first run.

Moments later, with two outs and the bases still full, Addison Barger delivered the biggest swing of the afternoon, launching a grand slam reminiscent of his Game 1 heroics in last year's World Series to put the Jays ahead 5-4.

The lead didn't last long. In the sixth, Allan Castro took Spencer Miles deep to tie the game at five.

The score remained deadlocked until the eighth, when Nathan Hickey crushed a two-run shot to right field to give Boston a 7-5 advantage.

McAdoo made things interesting in the ninth, belting a solo homer 425 feet, his first of the spring to pull Toronto within one.

The rally ultimately fell short, but McAdoo continued an impressive spring that has included steady defense and quality at-bats.

Eloy Jimenez also flashed his trademark power, ripping his third double of camp with an exit velocity of 105.7 mph.

Through 13 balls in play this spring, eight have come off the bat at 100 mph or harder, with only four registering below 95 mph. The raw strength has been evident.

All told, it was a productive day offensively. Both Barger and McAdoo notched their first home runs of Spring Training, offering a glimpse of the impact potential within Toronto's system.

The Blue Jays return to action Tuesday afternoon in Dunedin, hosting Canada's World Baseball Classic team at 1:07 p.m. ET. Right-hander Kevin Gausman is scheduled to make his second start of the spring.

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