The Toronto Blue Jays dropped a 9-5 decision to the Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park on Thursday in spring training play. Despite Addison Barger's 2-for-3 with two doubles and two RBI effort at the plate, the Jays could not overcome a sizable deficit. Eric Lauer worked 2.1 innings on the mound, allowing 1 earned run on 3 hits. The Braves out-hit the Jays 14-12 on the day. Despite the result, the coaching staff gathered useful data on the current state of the roster. Spring training losses sting, but the information gained will inform decisions as Opening Day approaches.

Key Performers

Addison Barger was the key contributor at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and two RBI. His aggressive approach at the plate paid dividends. Performances like this give the Jays confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.

Cutter Coffey chipped in, going 1-for-2 with a double and two RBI, Rafael Lantigua added to the attack, going 2-for-2, and Myles Straw provided support, going 1-for-3. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.

On the other side of the diamond, Dominic Smith led the Braves offense with a 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI day. Tristin English also contributed, going 1-for-1 with a double and three RBI. Mauricio Dubón added a 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI effort as well. The Braves offense proved to be too much for the Jays pitching staff to contain on this particular day.

On the Mound

Eric Lauer got the start, struggling with his command, working 2.1 innings while allowing 1 earned run on 3 hits with two strikeouts. He threw 46 pitches in the outing. It was a useful learning experience as the Jays evaluate their pitching depth heading into the regular season.

The bullpen combined for 4.5 innings of work, allowing 8 earned runs while striking out five. Spring training gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate bullpen depth, and today provided useful information about the current state of the bullpen. Each reliever is auditioning for a roster spot, and innings like these factor into those decisions.

Among the relievers, Michael Plassmeyer stood out with 1.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out three. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.

How It Happened

The Jays struck first, tallying a run in the second inning. Braves answered with a run in the third. Braves tacked on two runs in the fourth. The Jays countered with two runs in the fifth. Braves struck back with three runs in the sixth. The Jays answered with two runs in the seventh. Braves responded with three runs in the seventh. The Braves were able to score in four separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Braves out-hit the Jays 14-12, with both teams playing clean defense. A crowd of 4,790 was on hand to take in the action.

Looking Ahead

It was not the outcome the Jays were looking for, but spring training provides a forgiving environment to work through the rough patches. The focus remains on preparation and development, and the coaching staff will use today as a teaching opportunity. The regular season is right around the corner, and every game is a chance to improve.