Toronto Blue Jays' Eloy Jimenez, Josh Kasevich flash power against Boston Red Sox
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays were edged 11-10 by the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, rallying late but ultimately falling short in their second Grapefruit League contest of the spring.
The Toronto Blue Jays (1-1) wasted little time getting on the board, striking for four runs in the opening inning.
Designated hitter Eloy Jimenez delivered an RBI knock, while second baseman Leo Jiménez and shortstop Arjun Nimmala also chipped in with run-scoring hits to give the Blue Jays an early cushion.
Eloy Jiménez with an absolute missile off the baby monster for an RBI double. What a swing. 104.8 MPH/398 FT (HR in 23/30 ballparks)
The Red Sox (2-0), however, responded immediately, matching the four-run outburst in the bottom half to even the score.
The Blue Jays regained control in the sixth inning when Jiménez launched a solo home run right out of JetBlue Park.
Eloy Jiménez figured out the launch angle this time and sent this ball over the baby monster and out of the ballpark! Big, big day for him! 97.7 MPH/29° LA/357 FT
Shortstop Josh Kasevich followed that bomb with a two-run blast of his own pushing Toronto ahead 7-4.
Josh Kasevich just went deep for the #BlueJays down in Fort Myers, 416 feet. Injuries killed some of his momentum, but he's still a top-15 prospect in this system and just turned 25. He could be a real option for a reserve infielder by mid-season if he hits again. Org loves him.
However, the momentum quickly shifted again, as Boston erupted for six runs in the bottom of the frame to seize the lead for good.
After the Red Sox extended their advantage to 11-7, Toronto mounted one final push in the ninth.
Tucker Toman and Yohendrick Pinango each ripped RBI doubles, and Robert Brooks added a run-scoring single to bring the Blue Jays within one.
The comeback bid ended when reliever Jay Allmer struck out Sean Keys to close out the victory.
On the mound, 22-year-old starter Fernando Perez surrendered four runs while recording just two outs.
Yariel Rodriguez also endured a tough outing, allowing six runs in two-thirds of an inning.
Boston racked up 15 hits from 11 different players, with Braiden Ward, Ceddanne Rafaela and Nate Eaton driving in two runs apiece.
The Blue Jays return to action Monday when they host the New York Mets in Dunedin. Toronto opens the regular season March 27 at Rogers Centre against the Athletics.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 22|85 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays' Eloy Jimenez, Josh Kasevich flash power against Boston Red Sox Do you think Eloy Jimenez and Josh Kasevich will break camp with the Blue Jays? | ||
| Eloy Jimenez | 35 | 41.2 % |
| Josh Kasevich | 2 | 2.4 % |
| Both | 15 | 17.6 % |
| Neither | 33 | 38.8 % |
| List of polls | ||