Blue Jays Strike Early, Hold on for 6-3 to Split Series

Dunedin, FL — The Blue Jays claimed victory over the Clearwater Threshers, going toe-to-toe with the team with the best record in the Florida State League, clinching a series-split with a 6-3 victory on Sunday.

RHP Eliander Alcalde made his sixth appearance and fifth start for Dunedin this season, giving up an early run in the first and getting out of a jam in the second, but was brilliant from then on forward. Alcalde went six innings pitched, just the lone run allowed while striking out six batters.

Meanwhile, the lineup gave him a comfortable cushion to pitch with. The Blue Jays scored two runs in the first without the benefit of a base hit, and in the second with two outs and Jean Arnaez on second, Manuel Beltre reached with an RBI-single. Tucker Toman followed with a single of his own, and Glenn Santiago blooped in a double, scoring both runners to make it 5-1.

Later in the third, Roque Salinas drew a leadoff walk, and with two outs again, Arnaez ripped a double down the left field line to score Salinas from first. Alcalde continued to shove, finally exiting after the sixth.

LHP Ryan Chasse entered in relief to begin the seventh, but had struggles with his command. Chasse allowed a leadoff homer to Cade Fergus, then walked two and hit two over the next five batters, forcing in another run to make it 6-3 with the bases still loaded. Dunedin manager Donnie Murphy went back to the bullpen, bringing in RHP Grayson Thurman.

Thurman entered with just one out in the seventh and the bases loaded, clutching up with two strikeouts to keep any more runs from coming in. He did allow a double in each the eighth and ninth innings, but Thurman stranded the runners in scoring position each time, earning the save by recording the final eight outs.

With the win the Blue Jays improve to 18-15, dropping Clearwater to 24-9 on the year. Dunedin has a well-earned day off on Monday before starting a six-game series in Tampa against the Tarpons on Tuesday.