NORTH PORT, Fla. — Samad Taylor hit a home run in the eighth inning as part of a late Toronto comeback, but the Blue Jays fell to the Atlanta Braves 5-4 on Monday in Grapefruit League play.
William Contreras and Ozzie Albies both had solo shots in the fifth inning to help Atlanta (6-2) take a 3-0 lead. The Braves scored two more runs in the sixth inning to build a 5-0 advantage.
Spencer Strider (1-0) earned the win, striking out two and walking two in a hitless 2 1/3 innings for Atlanta. Seven other pitchers took the mound for the host Braves.
Greg Bird and Kellin Deglan each went 1 for 3 at the plate with an RBI apiece for the Blue Jays (5-5).
Shaun Anderson (0-1) got the start for Toronto, giving up a run and striking out three with three walks over three innings. Five relievers combined to give up four more runs and strike out five more.
