Game #102 Toronto Blue Jays (47-55) @ Chicago White Sox (36-67) - game recap

Marcus Stroman threw 6.2 strong innings as the Blue Jays doubled up on the White Sox 10-5

With the expected trade of JA Happ to the Yankees, Marcus Stroman becomes the new unofficial staff ace, at least until Aaron Sanchez and Marco Estrada return from injury. When Stroman is on, he pitches like a true ace, but he can get hit hard too, which ballooned his ERA to  over 8.00 at one point. He has been pitching better since coming off the DL. Newcomers Oliver Drake (claimed off waivers) and Brandon Drury (part of JA Happ trade) were both in uniform tonight. Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights

• The Blue Jays jumped out to an early lead on a leadoff solo HR by Curtis Granderson
• The next batter, Lourdes Gurriel JR also went yard to double the lead again.
• The Blue Jays doubled the lead again in the top of the 2nd off a 2 run HR to straightaway center, also scoring Russell Martin
• Four batters later, Justin Smoak doubled home Granderson
• The White Sox got on the board in the bottom of the 3rd as Jose Abreu singled to score Adam Engel
• The Blue Jays added another run in the top of the 4th on a solo HR by Gurriel Jr. to left, his second of the game
• The Blue Jays added another run in the top of the 5th as Kendrys Morales led off with a solo shot to right
• Three batters later, Martin doubled home Teoscar Hernandez
• Reynaldo Lopez pitching line: 4.1IP 7H 8R (all earned) 4BB 3K 93 pitches (50 for strikes)
• Martin scored on a wild pitch by White Sox reliever Thyago Vieira
• Three batters later, Randal Grichuk scored on a sac fly by Granderson
• The White Sox got one back in the bottom of the 7th as Engel hit a ground rule double that scored Nicky Delmonico
• Marcus Stroman pitching line: 6.2IP 7H 2R (both earned) 1BB 3K 106 pitches (68 for strikes)
• The White Sox got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Tim Anderson doubled, scoring Daniel Palka
• Two batters later, Delmonico doubled home Anderson
• A batter later, Engel singled to score Demlonico
• Final score: Blue Jays 10 White Sox 5 

My Take

• White Sox manager Rick Renteria and White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper were both ejected in the 1st inning for arguing balls and strikes in what they felt should have been strike three instead of ball forf on Kendrys Morales. I've noticed that the umpires have been much more tolerant of managers and players arguing with them in recent seasons.
• Marcus Stroman threw 6.2 strong innings today, giving up a pair of runs on seven hits and a walk. With the trade of JA Happ to the Yankees, Stroman is the unofficial ace of this subpar pitching staff.
• Oliver Drake made his Blie Jays debut after being claimed off waivers this week. Oliver was roughed up to the tune of  3 runs on 4 hits over his inning of work
• Brandon Drury also made his Blue Jays debut, striking out in a pinch hit at-bat. He's expected to start the game on Saturday.
• Up next, the Blue Jays will have a bullpen day tomorrow as Happ was due to start this game. Likely Carlos Santos, or Jaime Garcia will get the ball to start the game. The White Sox will counter with righty Lucas Giolito.