Blue Jays win spring training opener over Phillies, 2-1

Spring training got off to a solemn start as MLB teams wore hats to honour Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 17 people were fatally shot nine days ago.

Stoneman Douglas baseball coach Todd Fitz-Gerald and his two sons were guests of the Houston Astros for their spring opener against the Washington Nationals. Members of the school’s baseball and softball teams were guests of the Marlins and mingled with players, coaches and CEO Derek Jeter.

BLUE JAYS 2, PHILLIES 1

Curtis Granderson homered to right in his first at-bat as the Blue Jays’ leadoff hitter, taking starter Nick Pivetta deep. Joe Biagini started for Toronto and gave up one hit and striking out two over two innings, and seven relievers scattered five hits and struck out eight. Pivetta gave up four hits and walked one in his two innings, striking out three. Mark Leiter worked two innings, striking out two and surrendering two hits. Danny Ortiz belted an eighth-inning homer.

MARINERS 3, PADRES 2

Ariel Miranda started the opener and got the win after two innings of work. Dan Altavilla struck out the side in the ninth for the save. Dee Gordon, acquired from the Marlins in December, made his debut in centre field and doubled in the first inning. Brett Kennedy started and took the loss after giving up three hits in an inning of work. Shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., the 19-year-old son of a former major league third baseman, belted a solo home run to right field in his second at-bat.

The Canadian Press Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Joe Biagini throws out Philadelphia Phillies’ Cameron Rupp at first base during first-inning spring training action in Dunedin, Fla., on Friday. The Jays won 2-1.