In an eye-opening pre-season clash, the Toronto Blue Jays faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday in Jupiter, resulting in a disappointing 9-5 loss for the Jays.

Starting pitcher Bowden Francis struggled to find his rhythm, surrendering three earned runs over 3 and 2/3 innings. This performance raises concerns as he competes for the coveted fifth spot in Toronto’s starting rotation.

Francis faced a tough lineup, yielding seven hits while managing to strike out five opponents. Despite his efforts, the Cardinals' offense proved too potent, outhitting the Jays 16 to 10. The St. Louis squad showcased their power and depth, indicating a well-rounded team heading into the regular season.

The Blue Jays’ relief pitching also faced challenges, with Brendon Little (1-1) unable to secure a win in his outing. On the other end, the Cardinals’ Andre Pallante (2-0) struck a balance of efficiency and control, contributing five strong innings to seal the victory.

As the Blue Jays prepare for the upcoming season, fans are left pondering what adjustments need to be made, particularly on the pitching front. Can Bowden Francis shake off this rough outing and reclaim his spot as a key starter? Only time will tell as the team gears up for regular-season action!