FSL1 Dunedin Blue Jays

D-Jays Win Bittersweet Opener with Alford Injured

April 8, 2016 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Dunedin Blue Jays News Release


DUNEDIN, FL - The Dunedin Blue Jays (1-0) went home with an exciting home-opening win in a 6-2 victory over the Clearwater Threshers (0-1) on Thursday night. IF Richard Urena belted the Jays' first home run of the year in the bottom of the seventh to put the game away. OF Anthony Alford left the game in the sixth inning after injuring his leg, colliding with C Gabriel Lino sliding into home.

The game turned when three consecutive Jays, including Alford, reached base to start the bottom of the sixth. OF Jonathan Davis roped a smooth single to left field, and Alford was sent home from second base. The throw to the plate from OF Cord Sandberg sailed high, forcing Lino to jump. Alford's feet-first slide collided awkwardly with Lino's landing, pinning the top prospect's leg. He was ruled safe, tying the game at two. Alford was able to walk off under his own power, but left the game immediately.

Two batters later, OF D.J. Davis' two-run single gave Dunedin their first lead of the year. An inning later, Urena extended the lead to four with a two-run home run to right field.

RHP Luis Santos (W, 1-0) and LHP Tim Mayza sparkled in relief for the Jays. In their four combined innings, the duo allowed just one hit and faced the minimum 12 batters to lock down the win.

Toronto's top pitching prospect RHP Conner Greene received a no decision in his opening night start. Greene tossed five solid innings, scattering six hits and two runs, including a solo shot off the bat of 3B Mitchell Walding. RHP Tom Eshelman (L, 0-1) was handed the tough luck loss after allowing one hit through five innings. The three runs in the sixth, all unearned, were charged to Eshelman.

Friday night, the two teams head over to Brighthouse Field in Clearwater for the Threshers' home opener. RHP Tom Robson (0-0, 0.00) gets his first start of the year while LHP Matt Imhof (0-0, 0.00) toes the rubber for Clearwater.

Check out the Dunedin Blue Jays Statistics



Florida State League Stories from April 8, 2016


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