JS03

Blue Jays migrate back atop AL East
April 9
Toronto Star: "They return hitting .292, scoring better than 6 1/2 runs a game and, thanks to a 6-3 effort over Scott Kazmir and the rest of the Tampa Devil Rays yesterday, all by their lonesomes, atop the AL East."
<hr> Defence and power cure Doc's drought
April 9
Toronto Sun: "Backed by some fine defence, topped by a terrific double play started by third baseman John McDonald and some timely power, Halladay and the Jays prevailed by a 6-3 decision."

Toronto ends opening trip with a victory
April 9
Globe and Mail: "'We're going home, bro, not a bad road trip,' second baseman Aaron Hill said to one of the equipment managers as he packed his gear after Toronto's latest win, a tidy 6-3 triumph over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays yesterday."
<hr> Kazmir Throws One Strike Too Many
April 9
Tampa Tribune: "But a two-on, two-out fastball meant to jam Reed Johnson strayed into the outfielder's wheelhouse and he jacked it over the left-field wall for a three-run homer, spoiling Kazmir's day and helping Toronto take the series with a 6-3 victory."
<hr> Kazmir not brilliant enough
April 9
St. Petersburg Times: "But Kazmir made one fatal error, and the high fastball over the plate he threw Reed Johnson in the fifth turned out to be the difference in a difficult 6-3 loss to the Blue Jays at Tropicana Field."
<hr> Blue Jays right on target
April 9
Toronto Sun: " The first Blue Jays arm on the mound for tonight's home opener won't be any fuzzy-cheeked kid. Ernie Whitt and Alan Ashby, catchers from the inaugural Jays team 30 years ago, will throw out the ceremonial first pitches before A.J. Burnett faces the Kansas City Royals. "
<hr> Kazmir spoilers
April 9
Toronto Sun: "Tampa starter Scott Kazmir started yesterday's game like a combination of Nolan Ryan and Cy Young as over the first three innings he struck out eight Jays -- all swinging -- including a club record six in a row from the end of the first through the first two outs of the third."
<hr> Blue Jays update
April 9
Toronto Star: "John McDonald got his first start of the season yesterday, filling at third for Troy Glaus. McDonald chipped in with his first two hits of the season and turned in the defensive play of the game when he started an inning-ending double play in the fourth."