A-Rod Doesn't Disappoint, Jays Claim First

The Dunedin Blue Jays stayed focused through all the A-Rod media distractions and defeated the Tampa Yankees 6-4 on Friday (Aug. 12).

New York Yankees All-Star third baseman Alex Rodriguez, however, lived up to all the hype when he hammered a 3-1 pitch over the left field fence in his first at bat. 

Rodriguez, recovering from knee surgery, slammed a double in the third inning that took the glove off Jays first baseman John Talley's hand. In the fifth inning, A-Rod, as he is affectionately known, struck out looking on a Matt Wright fastball.

Jays catcher A.J. Jimenez delivered a key, two-run single, and then, he scored the eventual winning run in the four-run fifth inning.

On Deck: The first place Dunedin Blue Jays host the Yankees on Saturday (Aug. 13) at . First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Notes:

• Recently promoted D-Jays pitcher Nestor Molina made his Double-A debut for New Hampshire on Friday evening and gave up a single run in six innings with eight strikeouts. Outfielder
• Justin Jackson returned from his second stint in New Hampshire with a disappointing .212 batting average in 85 at bats.
• The 2010 D-Jays closer Matt Daly returned to Dunedin after posting a 6.25 ERA in 36 innings with New Hampshire.
• Wes Etheridge, who has been on the disabled list for the past two weeks, is on his way to Double-A New Hampshire. The veteran reliever is a perfect 32 for 32 in save opportunities this season with the D-Jays.
• The Gulf Coast Blue Jays blew a 5-1 lead, losing to the Gulf Coast Braves 8-5. Eric Arce pounded homer No. 12 in the three-run first. The Tampa native leads the Gulf Coast League in that department by four.