Syndergaard makes best 2012 start

The fact that Noah Syndergaard can't pitch deep into games should come as a relief to the rest of the Midwest League.

The Blue Jays' No. 4 prospect allowed one hit and fanned three over three innings as Class A Lansing blanked Kane County, 6-0, on Thursday.

After surrendering a one-out single to Daniel Mateo in the first inning, the 2010 first-round pick retired the next eight batters. Syndergaard faced one over the minimum and, for the second time in five outings this season, did not walk a batter.

"I felt real comfortable out there and it was nice to get back out there after my last outing," Syndergaard said. "My fastball was working really well. I was able to locate it really well and work it off my changeup."

Syndergaard is being limited to three innings early in the season to keep him fresh and prevent him from reaching his innings threshold too early. The 19-year-old right-hander expressed some frustration at the limit, but also understands its purpose.

"Sometimes I'd like to go out there and throw more than three innings. But it's a big picture thing, I'm OK with it," Syndergaard said.

The 6-foot-5 Texan allowed three runs on three hits and walked four over 2 2/3 innings in his previous game on April 21 against Burlington. Syndergaard felt that tonight's outing held a key lesson for him.

"The ability to locate your fastball to both sides of the plate," he said. "The hitters didn't really like inside pitches tonight."

The Lugnuts' bullpen contributed six scoreless innings, with Anthony DeSclafani earning his second win with three one-hit frames.

"The bullpen did a great job tonight. They went out there and threw strikes and competed," Syndergaard said.

Markus Brisker had three hits and drove in two runs while Andrew Burns was 3-for-3 with three runs scored for first-place Lansing.