Game recap: Blue Jays versus Braves

With limited rosters and only so many pitchers available each day, Spring Training games rarely go into extra innings - making ties like this uncommon but not unheard of.

Both teams opted for a bullpen day, giving several pitchers a chance to get work in.

The game remained scoreless until the fifth inning, when Braves reliever Chad Kuhl loaded the bases - allowing a single to Myles Straw, sandwiched between walks to Michael Stefanic and Jonatan Clase.

After the Braves turned to Dylan Covey, Blue Jays first baseman Rainer Nu�ez grounded into a fielder's choice to third baseman Austin Riley, bringing home Stefanic for the game's first run.

The Blue Jays held onto the lead until the seventh, when left-hander Richard Lovelady surrendered a solo home run to Braves shortstop Luke Williams. Mason Fluharty followed with 1.2 scoreless innings, and Hunter Gregory recorded the final out to preserve the tie.

The game featured plenty of defensive experimentation for the Blue Jays. Ernie Clement started at shortstop, while Stefanic - typically a second baseman - lined up at third. Davis Schneider made a rare appearance at second base, Straw started in right field, Jonatan Clase played left, and Nathan Lukes handled centre field duties.

The Braves fielded more regulars than the Blue Jays, but Toronto's bullpen - featuring several pitchers competing for roster spots - held Atlanta's lineup in check.

Jacob Barnes opened the game with a scoreless first inning, followed by Brendon Little, who worked around two hits in the second. Zach Pop tossed a clean third, while Josh Walker and Kevin Gowdy combined for three scoreless innings before Lovelady allowed the home run.

While Little is expected to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster, several others - including Pop, Walker, and Fluharty - helped their case with strong outings.

The Blue Jays' Spring Training schedule continues Sunday at home against the Phillies, with Max Scherzer and Bowden Francis both scheduled to pitch. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Sportsnet.