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Instant Reaction: Addison Barger hits grand slam in Blue Jays’ 7-6 loss to Red Sox
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Photo credit: © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Mar 2, 2026, 16:15 ESTUpdated: Mar 2, 2026, 16:50 EST
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Exciting games don’t always end up in wins.
On Monday afternoon, the Toronto Blue Jays played the Boston Red Sox, falling 7-6 thanks to a late two-run home run. Their Spring Training record now sits at 2-7-2. Let’s take a look at what went on in this one.
In the top of the second, the Red Sox jumped out to a 1-0 lead, as Max Ferguson hit a double to drive in Allan Castro. In the top of the third, they extended that lead to 2-0 as Mickey Gasper hit an RBI single, then Gasper hit a two-run home run in the top of the fifth to make it 4-0.
Finally, the Blue Jays got going. With one out and the bases loaded, Nathan Lukes grounded out, but Josh Kasevich came in to score the first run of the game. With the bases still loaded and now with two outs, it was a repeat of Game 1 of the World Series as Addison Barger hit a grand slam to give the Jays a 5-4 lead.
In the top of the sixth, Castro hit a game-tying home run off Spencer Miles, making it 5-5. It stood that way until the top of the eighth, as Nathan Hickey hit a no doubter to right field to make it 7-5. Charles McAdoo hit a home run in the bottom of the ninth, but the Jays were unable to get the game-tying run across home plate. The video below was taken by @JaysPlayerDev, an absolute must-follow on Twitter.

Takeaways…

Cody Ponce made his first (televised) start as a Blue Jays, pitching two innings with an earned run allowed and two strikeouts. His command was a bit erratic and he was hit hard, so that’s not perfect.
Out of the bullpen, Brendon Little looked great once again, striking out three and walking a batter in his inning of work. Like his last outing, the left-handed reliever touched over 97 mph with his four-seam fastball, and he generated four whiffs on six total swings. Tyler Rogers also pitched in this one, giving up an earned run in his inning of work.
Right now, Angel Bastardo has looked better than Spencer Miles, who gave up the game-tying home run in the top of the sixth. His fastball sat in the mid-90s in this one, and generated four whiffs on 18 total swings. Jorge Alcala and Devereaux Harrison also pitched in this game, with each pitcher giving up two runs, although Harrison struck out three in two innings of work.
It was a big game for the Blue Jays’ bats. Addison Barger and Charles McAdoo each hit their first home run of Spring Training. McAdoo in particular, has been noticeable this spring, making several strong defensive plays.
Eloy Jiménez hit his third double of the spring, with it coming in with an exit velocity of 105.7 mph. He’s put 13 balls in play so far this spring, with eight of them coming in with an exit velocity of 100 mph or harder. Only four were not 95 mph+. The raw power is real.
The Blue Jays are back in action on Tuesday, as they host Canada’s World Baseball Classic team at 1:07 PM ET in Dunedin. Kevin Gausman is expected to make his second Spring Training start. The next time the Blue Jays face a Major League Baseball team will be on Thursday.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.

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