ST. PETERsburg, Florida: Toronto Blue Jays starter JA Happ was struck in the head with a line drive and taken off the field by stretcher in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday.
American Happ was left bloodied as he went down when Desmond Jennings’ blast deflected off the left side of his head and into right field for a triple.
Jays medical personnel immediately ran to the mound to tend to the 30-year-old pitcher. He was immobilised on a stretcher, but the left-handed pitcher waved to the crowd before heading off the field to receive further medical treatment.
Happ was taken to hospital and was reported to be in stable condition Tuesday.
The Jays won the contest 6-4.
Meanwhile, Paul Goldschmidt hit a two-run homer to snap a 3-3 tie in the ninth inning and visiting Arizona won its second straight in the series. Didi Gregorius contributed three hits and several sensational plays at shortstop and Eric Chavez had two hits, a walk and an RBI for the Diamondbacks, who have won 14 of the last 17 against the Dodgers.
Nick Punto doubled, homered and drove in two runs and Matt Kemp had two hits for the Dodgers, who have lost six in a row.
Elsewhere, Will Venable hit a two-run homer and Eric Stults allowed one run over 6 1/3 innings as host San Diego defeated Miami.
Venable added a third RBI when he hit into a fielder’s choice in the eighth. Yonder Alonso and Everth Cabrera also drove in runs as the Padres won their third straight game.
Elsewere, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard homered and Kyle Kendrick tossed seven strong innings as Philadelphia won its second straight game against San Francisco. REUTERS
