Duke: Twice stricken
(c) Associated Press
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Toronto fans will be happy to know that slugger Jose Bautista is ready for the season. The home run champ powered two long balls as the Blue Jays coasted to a 5-2 decision in Dunedin on Saturday. The loss dropped the Astros back to the .500 mark in Grapefruit play at 4-4.
Houston starter Zach Duke gave up the first shot when Bautista blasted a two-run shot in the third. Travis Snider belted a solo homer the following inning. Duke worked four frames, giving up three runs on six hits.
Jordan Lyles worked the last four innings and gave up Bautista's second homer, a solid blast off the center field batter's backdrop. Lyles allowed two runs on four hits.
Houston did not score until the final two innings. George Springer, last June's top draft choice, singled and scored then Jonathan Singleton doubled and came home on a double by Joe Thurston.
Wandy Rodriguez should get the start Sunday against the Detroit Tigers in Kissimmee. The first pitch will be at 12:05 Central time.
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