Scherzer Dazzles in Third Spring Start as Blue Jays Shut Out Tigers
Max Scherzer continued to impress in his third spring training start, striking out six batters over 3 1/3 scoreless innings as the Toronto Blue Jays blanked the Detroit Tigers 5-0 in Dunedin, Florida.
The 40-year-old Scherzer, who signed a one-year, $15 million deal last month, allowed just one hit and no walks, lowering his spring ERA to 2.00.
Offensively, Ernie Clement led Toronto with a three-run home run, while Bo Bichette added an RBI single.
Detroit’s Jackson Jobe, who is 18 years younger than Scherzer, matched up well, throwing 3 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and two walks. Brant Hurter struggled in relief, surrendering five runs (four earned) in two innings.
Braves Mount Ninth-Inning Comeback to Beat Pirates
Matthew Batten delivered a walk-off RBI single as the Atlanta Braves erased a four-run deficit in the ninth inning to edge the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-5 in North Port, Florida.
Marcell Ozuna gave Atlanta an early 2-0 lead with a two-run double, but starter Spencer Schwellenbach allowed three runs on six hits over three-plus innings.
The Pirates built a 5-2 lead behind RBIs from Andrew McCutchen, Endy Rodriguez, Jack Suwinski, Bryan Reynolds, and Matt Gorski. However, reliever Jaden Woods struggled in the ninth, allowing all four Braves runs (three earned), leading to the walk-off win for Atlanta.
Upgrade your betting game! Grab the Bettor’s Handbook for expert picks & strategies! Start now
Twins Walk Off Against Red Sox After Blowing Seven-Run Lead
Despite giving up a seven-run lead, the Minnesota Twins rallied for a 9-8 walk-off win over the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers, Florida.
Minnesota led 7-0 before Boston stormed back, with Trayce Thompson launching a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning to put the Red Sox ahead. Nick Sogard also hit a two-run homer in the seventh to spark the comeback.
The Twins responded in the ninth, winning on Aaron Sabato’s walk-off RBI single. Ty France led Minnesota’s offense, going 2-for-3 with four RBIs, including a three-run homer. Luke Keaschall also hit his first spring homer.
Rays Use Big Seventh Inning to Beat Orioles
Tre’ Morgan capped a five-run seventh inning with a two-run homer, leading the Tampa Bay Rays to a 6-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota, Florida.
Bob Seymour, Tanner Murray, and Jake Mangum all had RBI hits before Morgan’s blast. Kameron Misner added a solo homer in the ninth to seal the victory.
Baltimore starter Charlie Morton was sharp, allowing just one hit over three scoreless innings. Jeremiah Jackson hit a two-run homer, while Adley Rutschman, who is hitting .438 this spring, added an RBI single.
Cardinals Outlast Nationals Behind Vilade, Helman
Ryan Vilade and Michael Helman each drove in two runs, helping the St. Louis Cardinals secure a 5-3 win over the Washington Nationals in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Thomas Saggese went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, while Pedro Pages also crossed the plate twice. Steven Matz turned in a solid start, backed by strong bullpen work.
For Washington, Keibert Ruiz had an RBI single, and Jacob Young went 2-for-3 with two runs. Starter DJ Herz allowed four runs (two earned) over 3 1/3 innings.
Don't just watch—win! Sign in to SportsHub and stay on top of the game. Login Here
Phillies Jump Out Early, Hold Off Blue Jays Comeback
The Philadelphia Phillies built a five-run lead and held on for a 5-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Clearwater, Florida.
Alec Bohm crushed his third homer of the spring, giving the Phillies a 4-0 lead in the third inning. J.T. Realmuto, Bryson Stott, Kyle Schwarber, and Brandon Marsh also contributed RBI singles.
Toronto tried to rally late, with Addison Barger, Alan Roden, and Eddinson Paulino all hitting solo home runs, but Philadelphia’s bullpen held on.
Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis struggled, allowing five runs on seven hits in just 2 2/3 innings.
Final Takeaways
- Max Scherzer looked dominant, showing why the Blue Jays invested in the veteran ace.
- The Braves staged a thrilling comeback, proving their offense can strike late in games.
- Minnesota nearly collapsed but found a way to win, showing both resilience and bullpen concerns.
- The Phillies’ offense looks strong early, while Toronto’s rotation has questions after Bowden Francis’ struggles.
Can Scherzer carry this dominance into the regular season, and will the Braves continue their late-inning magic? The upcoming games will give a clearer picture as teams finalize their rosters.
