Atlantic City Press - March 29, 1980

Jay’s Early Explosion Puts Down Phils 6-5

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) – Roy Howell drove in three runs with two singles and a double Friday as the Toronto Blue Jays scored six runs in the first four innings and held on for a 6-5 exhibition baseball victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Losing pitcher Randy Lerch gave up two runs in the first inning, three in the third and the last one driven in on Howell’s single in the fourth. 

Three Philadelphia errors accounted for two unearned runs. The Phillies pulled to within 6-5 in the eighth inning, as Bake McBride tripled in one run and a fly ball by Greg Gross accounted for the second. 

The Phils had the tying run on second with one out in the ninth, but Blue Jay reliever Jerry Garvin retired the last two batters on ground balls. Both teams are 10-5 in preseason play.