Toronto Blue Jays Prove They Are Tough AL East Competitors Winning 2 out of 3

The Toronto Blue Jays indicated throughout the offseason and into spring training that they would be fierce competitors, and they have proved that they can battle through a difficult game with their second consecutive extra-innings win.

The Blue Jays and the Cleveland Indians went head-to-head for a second game in a row. The Jays won the second game of the series with a four-run rally in the 12th inning in a 7-4 victory over Cleveland.

Toronto had just finished an all-out battle the day before by going 16 innings against the Indians. To come out and play another 12 innings the next day after an exhausting game—and then win—is a phenomenal feat.

The Toronto bullpen showed incredible stamina by fighting through two long games. If anyone had any questions about the moves that general manager Alex Anthopoulos made this year, the first two games should be a clear indication of the strength of the team.

Even with the loss in the third game of the series, Toronto still appeared to be a strong and solid team.

In the Opening Day game, Toronto and Cleveland made major-league history by going 16 innings. In the second game, they set another record by being the first teams since 1969 to have their first two consecutive games of the season go 12 or more innings.

Blue Jays pitcher Brandon Morrow and Indians pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez each went hitless in the first four innings of the second game and dominated batters.

Brett Lawrie broke up Jimenez's bid for a no-hitter in the sixth inning, tying the game with a hit, and ended up with three hits in the game.

Blue Jays closer Sergio Santos gave up a home run in the ninth inning to Asdrubal Cabrera, sending the game into extra innings.

The Blue Jays have had to work extraordinarily hard in the first two games to win, but they proved that they have the offensive and defensive strength and stamina, as well as the pitching staff to perform under pressure.

Cleveland took game three of the series with a 4-3 win. Although the Blue Jays lost, after two grueling games that went deep into the Toronto bullpen, they will be better prepared and rested for their home opener against the Red Sox.

The 2012 season has a long way to go, but all signs indicate that Toronto will be the tough team to beat in the AL East.