Roy Halladay crafted together another fine outing as the Jays beat the Nationals 7-6 in the home finale of the spring season in Dunedin.
In his final tune-up before Opening Day on Monday, Halladay yielded just two runs (one earned) on five hits over six innings. He struck out five, didn't walk anyone and induced seven groundouts. B.J. Ryan spun a perfect seventh with two groundouts and Scott Downs had a one walk eighth. The good pitching ended in the ninth when lefty Tim Collins struggled to close the door. He was lit up for four runs on four hits and two walks while only getting two outs. Michael Barbara had to put out the fire as he stranded a pair of runners to get the final out and the save for his troubles.
Scott Rolen wielded the hot hickory stick yesterday with a homer, double and walk in a perfect afternoon at the plate. He scored twice and drove in a run. He's now hitting a robust .367. He did make his first error in the spring but we can let that slide! Alex Rios was also perfect at the dish by going 2-for-2 with a walk and is just four points away from .300. Travis Snider is just four points away from Ted Williams territory after doubling twice in a 2-for-3 day. Vernon Wells had one just hit but he made it count for a two-run double, one of seven on the afternoon for the good guys. Wells is hitting .318 on the spring.
Today, the Jays take on the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland. Number five starter Scott Richmond will pitch against Eddie Bonine at 1:05 p.m. EDT.
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In other TDIB notes.....
* Cardinals third baseman and former Jay Troy Glaus could miss more time than expected with his sore shoulder while former Jay/current Cards starter Chris Carpenter tries to overcome a sore calf.
* Former Jays outfielder Frank Catalanotto is out of a job with Texas as Andruw Jones wins the fifth outfielder's spot.
* Indians ace and Cy Young Award stealer, er, winner (kidding!) Cliff Lee is anxious to forget this spring ever happened.
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