The Threshers faced JA Happ on a rehab assignment tonight. Happ proved to be a formidable foe for the young team.  Happ retired the Threshers in order in 3 of his 5 innings.  He allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and a walk. He struck out five.  In the 4 innings after Happ exited the game the Jays bullpen limited the Threshers to 2 hits and a walk.

Meanwhile, The Jays greeted starter Jon ProsinskI with 4 consecutive hits in the first inning.  ProsinskI settled down and got out of the inning allowing only 2 runs.  He started out throwing in the 87-88 range, but was dealing in the 88-91 range thru most of the rest of his 4 innings.  After the Threshers tied the game in the top of the third, Prosinski allowed single runs in the third and fourth innings.  He threw 46 of his 82 pitches for strikes.  His line was 4 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K.

Kevin Walter pitched 2 innings allowing 3 hits and no runs. His range was 89-90 and he hit 91 once.

Lee Ridenhour pitched the final 2 innings. His line included 5 hits, 4 runs, 2 earned.  His range was 88-89, hitting 90 once.

(Please note that I’m getting the speeds off the scoreboard.  The Threshers’ pitchers chart pitches during the games.  They were in front of me tonight.  About midway through, I started comparing the scoreboard speed versus the pitcher’s gun.  At first, they were the same.  But after awhile, I noticed that there was a 1mph difference between the readings.  So, take the reported readings with a grain of salt.)

The offense was stifled most of the game.  Pete Lavin and Brian Pointer hit 2 out triples in the first and seventh innings but were both stranded at third base.  Justin Parr doubled after a one out walk by Anthony Phillips in the third.  Phillips scored on a KC Serna groundout and Parr scored on a Lavin single.

Lavin was the star of the game going 3 for 4 with a triple, 2 singles, RBI, and 2 outfield assists.  He threw out a runners at home and third.

Miscellany –

1. Lavin’s triple to deep center field glanced off the center fielders glove just as he reached the wall at full speed.
2. Dwight Smith started the Jays first inning rally with a single off the first baseman’s glove.
3. Parr’s double reached the left field wall.
4. Lavin’s RBI line drive single to center came off a 92mph fast ball from Happ.
5. Lavin was picked off first and almost beat the shortstop to second base.
6. Phillips made a nice play going to his right and throwing out a runner at first.
7. Lavin’s assist at home was aided by Logan Moore who fielded an awkward bounce off the mound to make the tag.
8. Lavin’s assist at third came when the runner attempted to tag and advance on a fly ball hit toward the right centerfield gap.
9. Pointer’s triple rolled to the wall when the centerfielder missed a diving catch.

Tomorrow, the Jays again at Bright House.  Everyone anticipates that Cole Hamels may start.  Perhaps Mike Adams will throw an inning in relief.  Charlie Manuel was in attendance again, and was gracious while I struggled to find the words to wish him well.

Coverage will be spotty this week.  The weather is iffy on Monday and Tuesday.  The XST team opens on the road Monday.  I’m doing a hockey tour of Florida Tuesday thru Thursday watching the Flyers play in Miami and Tampa.  I may not see a ball game until Friday when the XST team is in Dunedin.