DUNEDIN, Florida- The Junior National Team fell for a second time to the Toronto Blue Jays in the Fall Instructional League, this time by a 9-2 score.
The Jays opened the scoring in the top of the first against JNT starter Tom Robson (Ladner, BC) by scoring two runs on three hits and an error.
Robson would hold the Jays off the scoreboard in the second before the Jays touched him up for two more runs in the third. Robson’s afternoon ended with him pitching 2 2/3 innings, giving up four runs on seven hit and striking out four.
Skylar Janisse (Maidstone, ON) replaced Robson and worked three innings, giving up three runs on three hits, three walks and striking out an impressive six batters.
The JNT’s offensive struggles continued as they could only muster three hits on the afternoon. They were able to score two runs during the game with both coming in the seventh inning.
Bryan Saucedo (Toronto, ON) led the inning off with a single and advanced to second on a wild-pitch. After Brandon Collins (Toronto, ON) and Kyle Hann (Oakville, ON) walked to load the bases, Justin Marra (Toronto, ON) was issued a free pass and the JNT was on the board with their first run of the game. Dustin Houle (Penticton, BC) then grounded into a double play to bring Collins in for the second run of the inning.
Nicholas Pivetta (Victoria, BC) pitched the seventh and eighth innings for the JNT and gave up a run in each inning although only one run was earned. Pivetta recorded three strikeouts which gave the JNT thirteen on the afternoon.
Notes: The JNT will hit the field again in Fall Instructional League action with a game against the Atlanta Braves in Orlando at 1pm ET on October 21st…Roberto Suppa (Palgrave, ON) will start for the JNT.
