May 8, 2017 Toronto Blue Jays Minor League Report
By Jay Blue
Blue Jays from Away

Monday got the week started on an even footing with two of the Toronto Blue Jays' affiliates winning and two losing.

Buffalo Bisons 9, Syracuse Chiefs 3

The Buffalo Bisons kept cruising, defeating a much poorer Syracuse Chiefs club 9-3 to open their series. Jason Leblebijian had a four-hit game, going 4/4 with a walk, two RBI and two runs while Raffy Lopez blasted two home runs, going 2/4 with a walk and five RBI. Jake Elmore was 2/4 with two runs and a stolen base and Rowdy Tellez was 2/4 with a walk, an RBI, two runs and a stolen base.

Murphy Smith made a spot start for the Bisons and went three innings, allowing one run on four hits with a walk. Leonel Campos earned the win with two scoreless frames while Chad Girodo finished the game, getting the save with four innings of relief, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits including a home run while striking out four.

Player of the Game: Raffy Lopez and Jason Leblebijian

Roster Notes: Catcher Mike Ohlman was promoted to Toronto while Mat Latos was sent outright to Buffalo after clearing waivers.

New Hampshire Fisher Cats 0, Hartford Yard Goats 5

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats couldn't generate anything with their offense, squandering an outstanding start from Jon Harris in a 5-0 loss to the Hartford Yard Goats. The Fisher Cats had just four hits on the game, including a double from Harold Ramirez while Mike Reeves was 1/2 with a walk.

Harris took the loss but threw seven innings, allowing just one run on seven hits with one walk while striking out six. Jose Fernandez allowed four runs in the eighth before Alonzo Gonzalez came in to retire the final batter of the game.

Player of the Game: Jon Harris

Dunedin Blue Jays 5, Tampa Yankees 6

The Dunedin Blue Jays lost a see-saw battle 6-5 to the Tampa Yankees after they came back in the top of the ninth to take the game into extra innings, ultimately losing in 13 frames. Conor Fisk got the start, throwing six solid innings and allowing three runs on 10 hits without walking anyone and striking out five. Adonys Cardona gave up two runs in the seventh over 2/3 of an inning and Connor Eller stranded the two runners he inherited and pitched a scoreless eighth. Andrew Case tossed three innings of scoreless relief before Jared Carkuff came on for the 12th. Carkuff got through his first inning unscathed but allowed the Yankees to walk off with the victory, giving up a run in the 13th after loading the bases with one out.

D.J. Davis led the offense, going 3/5 with a run and a stolen base but he was also caught stealing three times. Matt Dean was 2/5 with a double and a home run, driving in two runs and Cavan Biggio was 2/5 with a walk and an RBI.

Player of the Game: Matt Dean

Roster Notes: Josh Almonte and Carl Wise were assigned to Dunedin from extended spring training while Deiferson Barreto and Owen Spiwak were both sent back to extended.

Lansing Lugnuts 4, Clinton LumberKings 3

The Lansing Lugnuts are starting to get just enough pitching to rack up some wins and they opened their road trip with a 4-3 victory over the Clinton LumberKings. Mike Ellenbest earned a quality start, going six innings and giving up three runs on seven hits and a walk with one strikeout to bring his ERA down to 6.18 and pick up his first win of the season. Tayler Saucedo provided three excellent innings of relief, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out four to earn his first save of the year.

Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. was the offensive star, with a perfect night, getting on base five times with two doubles, a single and two walks. He drove in a run and scored twice. Joshua Palacios had a pair of hits including a double while scoring a run and Michael De La Cruz was 2/4 with a run and a stolen base.

Player of the Game: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr.

Roster Notes: Carl Wise was moved to the Dunedin Blue Jays' roster (before being activated from the DL) and Bradley Jones was named the Midwest League's Player of the Month for April.

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The 2017 Toronto Blue Jays Minor League Handbook is now available! Check out the Handbook page for more information!