DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP)—Scott Rolen hit his first homer of the spring, John Parrish struck out seven in three innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Detroit Tigers 4-3 Saturday.
Rolen, who was acquired from St. Louis in the offseason, connected for a solo drive against Jeremy Bonderman in the second inning. Aaron Hill had two hits and two RBIs and Shannon Stewart doubled twice for Toronto.
Placido Polanco’s solo homer in the fifth inning was the only hit off Parrish, a non-roster invitee who threw 29 of his 44 pitches for strikes.
“He looked great,” manager John Gibbons said of Parrish. “The key is now that he has found the strike zone. Left-handers are tough to find.”
Toronto starter Shawn Marcum allowed one hit and two runs in three innings. He struck out two, walked two and hit a batter with a pitch.
“I was most pleased keeping the ball on the ground,” Marcum said. “I just tried to throw sinkers.”
Bonderman gave up three runs and five hits in four innings. He struck out two and walked none.
“I’m not happy giving up three runs,” Bonderman said. “But I am very happy with my changeup.”
Mike Hessman homered and finished with two hits for Detroit.
Notes
The Blue Jays optioned LHP Davis Romero to Triple-A Syracuse and returned INF Chip Cannon to minor league camp. … Toronto closer B.J. Ryan (left elbow) faced a group of Triple-A players at the team’s minor league complex Saturday morning. “It was better than last time. I am not thinking about my elbow now, just worried about the end results,” Ryan said. “I threw some good fastballs that were good and lively and finished down in the zone.” Ryan, who is scheduled to throw another simulated game on Tuesday, allowed one hit and struck out two.
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