Game #28 Toronto Blue Jays (16-12) @ Minnesota Twins (9-15) - game recap

Justin Smoak was 1-5 with a pair of RBI and 2 runs scored as the Blue Jays defeated the Twins 7-5 to finish April on a 2 game winning streak.

After a difficult homestand that saw Toronto win twice in six games, the Blue Jays started a week long road trip looking to carry the momentum of a solid effort Sunday to start the trip with a victory. Here is today's game recap.

no. twenty-eight 2018: Toronto Blue Jays (15-12) at Minnesota Twins (9-14)

Monday, April 30, 2018

8:10 PM / Bautista Memorial Launching Field / oops I mean Target Field / Minneapolis, MN

Aaron Sanchez (RHP, 1-2, 3.69 era, 1.33 whip, 0 blisters)
v. Lance Lynn (RHP, 0-2, 7.85 era, 2.07 whip)

ten random thoughts week 5 April 23-29

One month of the season is in the books. The Blue Jays are guaranteed to be over .500 for the month for the first time since 2012 when they finished 12-11. The start to the season is a vast improvement from 2017 when they had more than double the number of losses than wins. The team is pretty much healthy which has been a big plus. They have also had unexpected strong starts from players such as Luke Maile and free agent signing Curtis Granderson. The past 2 weeks have been a bit rougher with 3 straight series losses to division rivals NY Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers. Here are 10 random thoughts from week 4 of the MLB.

Game #27 Texas Rangers (11-18) @ Toronto Blue Jays (15-12) - game recap

Blue Jays starting pitcher JA Happ pitched 7 strong innings as the Blue Jays beat the Rangers 7-2

Today was a huge game for the Blue Jays for a number of reasons. If they won today they'd be over .500 after the first month for the first time since 2012. They were also looking to snap a 4 game losing streak. The season series was also on the line. If the Blue Jays won, the season series would be tied but if the Rangers won they would win the season series. Also a Rangers won, it would also mean the first time the Blue Jays have been swept this season. Finally, the Blue Jays embark on a week long road trip starting tomorrow and they would feel a lot better about themselves winning today than losing. Here is today's game recap.

Game #27 - April 29 - Texas Rangers (11-17) at Toronto Blue Jays (14-12)

Sunday April 3, 2018

1:07PM Eastern / 10:07AM Pacific - Rogers Centre, Toronto

Martin Pérez (2-2 9.82 ERA) vs JA Happ (3-1 3.72 ERA)

Game #26 Texas Rangers (11-17) @ Toronto Blue Jays (14-12) - game recap

Bartolo Colon pitched 7 strong innings as the Texas Rangers handed the Toronto Blue Jays their 4th straight loss with a 7-4 victory in a Saturday matinee game.

Game #26 - April 28 - Texas Rangers (10-17) at Toronto Blue Jays (14-11)

Saturday April 2, 2018

4:07PM Eastern / 1:07PM Pacific - Rogers Centre, Toronto

Bartolo Colon (0-0 2.59 ERA) vs Jaime García (2-1 4.57 ERA)

Game #25 Texas Rangers (10-17) @ Toronto Blue Jays (14-11) - game recap

Ronald Guzman was 2-4 at the plate, including a 2-run single in the 6th that proved to be the difference in the game as the Rangers took the series opener 6-4 over the Blue Jays

Game #25 - April 27 - Texas Rangers (9-17) at Toronto Blue Jays (14-10)

VS 

Friday April 27, 2018

7:07PM Eastern / 4:07PM Pacific - Rogers Centre, Toronto

Minor (1-1) 3.86 ERA vs Stroman (0-2) 8.55 ERA

Game #24 Boston Red Sox (19-5) @ Toronto Blue Jays (14-10) - game recap

JD Martinez was 2-4 at the plate, including a game-winning 3-run HR in the 5th as the Red Sox defeated the Blue Jays to take the opening series between the two division rivals.

Game # 24: Boston Red Socks (18-5) @ Toronto Blue Jays (14-9)

Thursday 26 April 2018

7:07PM EDT / Rogers Centre  / Toronto, Ontario
Chris Sale (LHP 1-1 1.86 41K 0.97 ) v. Marco Estrada (RHP 2-1 5.32 18K 1.36)

Game #23 Boston Red Sox (18-5) @ Toronto Blue Jays (14-9) - game recap

Red Sox RF Mookie Betts hit a pair of HR to help lead Boston to a 4-3 victory over Toronto

After a walk-off victory in the series opener, the Blue Jays were looking to continue to add to the Bosox woes. The Red Sox had lost 3 straight coming into this game. Toronto has a chance to get within 2 game of first place in the AL East if they can win this series. Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Mookie Betts led off the game with a solo shot to left
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the inning as Justin Smoak singled home Steve Pearce
• Brock Holt gave Boston the lead in the top of the 5th on a double that scored Jackie Bradley Jr
• The Jays tied it back up in the bottom half of the inning as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. continues to make a good early impression sliding home safely on a Steve Pearce base hit
• Yangervis Solarte gave the Blue Jays their first lead of the game with a solo HR leading off the bottom of the 6th
• Aaron Sanchez pitching line: 6IP 3H 2R (both earned) 2BB 8K 96 pitches (60 for strikes)
• Betts gave the Red Sox the lead back in the top of the 7th with a 2 run shot that also scored Holt
• Eduardo Rodriguez pitching line: 6.2IP 6H 3R (all earned) 1BB 3K 106 pitches (66 for strikes)
• Final score: Red Sox 4 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Key play in the 5th: Brock Holt  doubled to left scoring Jackie Bradley Jr. However Bradley Jr got crossed up running the bases and started to go back to second as he thought the ball might be caught. Meanwhile Christian Vasquez was rounding second. The Blue Jays challenged the play on base runners passing each other. The call was correctly upheld upon replay. Had the play been overturned, Bradley Jr would have been called out and Vasquez would have been granted 3rd base with one out.
• The difference in this one: Boston's bullpen was perfect and Toronto's was not. Danny Barnes gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and that proved to be the difference in this one.
• The score could have been worse if not for a key base running error by Andrew Benintendi who left third too early on a fly ball to right. He was forced to retreat back, which prevented an extra run from scoring.
• Aaron Sanchez battled through 6 innings. He had difficult first and fifth innings. His last inning, he struck out the side. It has to be encouraging that his velocity looked better today than in the previous game. The Blue Jays need a healthy Aaron Sanchez if they are to be successful this season.
• Up next is the rubber match of this series with Marco Estrada pitching against Boston ace Chris Sale

Game # 23: Boston Red Socks (17-5) @ Toronto Blue Jays (14-8)

Wednesday 25 April 2018

7:07PM EDT / Rogers Centre  / Toronto. Ontario
Eduardo Rodriguez (LHP 2-0 3.45 20K 1.28 ) v. Aaron Sanchez (RHP 1-2 3.86 15K 1.44)

PRE-AMBLE: Tonight is a busy night in Toronto sports land. At 7:00 the Leafs are in action for game 7 of the first round of the NHL playoffs in Boston, hoping to advance past the first round for the first time since 2013 . At the same time the Raptors will host the Wizards at the ACC, trying not to choke for the 5th year in a row. Toronto FC is also playing tonight against Chivas in the CONCACAF Cup. I am not sure what that means, but I hear it is kind of a big deal. That game is on at 9:30. And of course just down the street at the Skydome, the Jays will host the Red Sox, looking to win another series and inch closer to first place. If you are going to the game tonight, expect to be the only person in attendance, and also to be weary of traffic as Maple Leaf square will be closed for a "joint tailgating party" as seen in the tweet below. Real disrespectful that there is no mention of the superior Toronto team, The Blue Jays. (I know all the other teams are owned by MLSE and the Jays arent)

Maple Leaf Square to host combined fan tailgate parties tomorrow for an epic night of playoff action for @Raptors and @MapleLeafs. pic.twitter.com/jVCeCyJ43v

— MLSE PR (@MLSEPR) April 24, 2018

OF NOTE: Aaron Sancherson will take the mount tonight for the Jays. He has looked pretty good so far this season but there is some concern over his diminished velocity. Osuna threw over 30 pitches yesterday and blew a save so I would think he is unavailable tonight. Yesterday the Jays only managed 4 hits off of Porcello and Chris Sale pitches tomorrow for the Red Socks. For these reasons and many more, lets score a shit load of runs tonight and beat these bean-eaters!

Also some tidbits from Shi....

John Gibbons says Troy Tulowitzki set to resume baseball activity this week. #BlueJays

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) April 25, 2018

John Gibbons says Josh Donaldson has progressed to long toss, next step is throwing to bases before he can start rehab assignment. #BlueJays

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) April 25, 2018

Key Match-up!

Rodriguez vs. Morsel

1. They both have weird facial hair

2. Morsel has something to prove or he will be DFAed

3. Morsel has faced Rodriguez 16 times and is hitting .313 with a HR and 3 RBI in his career.

Boston Red Socks
RF Betts 
LF Benintendi
1B Ramirez
DH Martinez
3B Devers
2B Nunez
CF Bradley Jr.
C   Vasquez
SS Holt

Toronto Blue Jays
RF Pearce
LF Hernandez 
1B Smoak 
3B Solarte
DH Morales
C   Martin 
CF Pillar 
2B Gurriel Jr. 
SS Diaz 

For some reason the Jays twitter just posted this:

Our new left-handed retriever! #LetsGoBlueJays pic.twitter.com/t8fQNPY7Jr

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 25, 2018

and this was the first thing I thought of as well:  

He’s probably better than Aaron loup

— Adam Parker (@adam35parker) April 25, 2018

This is your GAME THREAD: "Toronto Maple Blue Raptors FC" Edition.

Game #22 Boston Red Sox (17-5) @ Toronto Blue Jays (14-8) - game recap

Curtis Granderson was 3-5 at the plate, including a walk-off HR in the 10th and 3RBI. He also made a huge defensive play in the 9th to keep the game tied as the Blue Jays defeated the Red Sox 4-3

The Red Sox and Blue Jays opened a three game series tonight at the Roger's Center. Both teams were looking to snap 2 game losing streaks. The series should be a good one. Here is today's recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd with Steve Pearce scoring on a fielder's choice hit by Kevin Pillar
• Three batters later, Curtis Granderson hit a hard grounder that deflected off Rafael Devers into left field scoring Aledmys Diaz and Devon Travis
• Boston got on the board in the top of the 6th on a Hanley Ramirez single that scored Brock Holt
• JA Happ pitching line: 7IP 4H 1R (earned) 0BB 10K 97 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Red Sox got within one in the 9th on an Eduardo Nunez single that scored Ramirez
• Two batters later, the game was tied as Holt singled to score Devers
• Roberto Osuna had his first blown save of the season
• Curtis Gramderson hit a walk-off home run with one out in the 10th 
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Red Sox 3

My Take: 

• JA Happ was terrific tonight. He allowed four base runners all game and the one run he allowed was on a bloop single. I honestly would have allowed Happ to start the 8th inning as he had a pretty quick 7th inning and he was still hitting 95MPH on the radar gun his final batter. Happ had 4 perfect 1-2-3 innings and threw 10 pitches or less the 1st 2 innings. He saved the bullpen for later in the series which could be huge if a starter falters this week.
• Roberto Osuna had a tough night, blowing his first save of the night. Curtis Granderson saved his butt throwing out Eduardo Nunez for the 3rd out. Osuna threw a season-high 31 pitches in the inning.
• Nice to see the Blue Jays walk it off in the 10th inning after blowing the lead in the 9th. Craig Kimbrel and Osuna are among the best closers in the game
• Up next, the Blue Jays look to extend the Red Sox losing streak to 4 games as Aaron Sanchez takes the hill vs. Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodrguez

Game #22 - Boston Red Sox (17-4) @ Toronto Blue Jays (13-8)

Tuesday 24 April 2018

7:05PM EDT / Rogers Centre  / Toronto. Ontario
Rick Porcello (LHP 4-0 1.40 23K 0.82) v. J.A. Happ (LHP 3-1 4.50 31K 1.27)

PRE-AMBLE: The Jays are back in action after tonight after a forgettable 4 game series in New York over the weekend. Hopefully the day off yesterday helps reignite our RISP batting after blowing some key opportunities at Yankee Stadium. Both the Red Sox and Blue Jays are both coming in on 2 game losing streaks so tonight is an important game to set the tone for the series. Red Sox send out Cy Young(Rick Porcello) and Jays counter with Happ who has looked solid, but shaky to start the season. 

OF NOTE:  Some "regular" names are absent from the Jays lineup today, with Morales and Grichuk both on the bench. Is this a sign of things to come or is Gibby just playing the hot hands? Will red hot Luke Maile pinch hit tonight if the opportunity arises? Will Hell freeze over? Tune in tonight to find out! 

Boston Red Sox
RF Betts 
LF Benintendi
1B Ramirez
DH Martinez
3B Devers
2B Nunez
CF Bradley Jr.
C   Leon
SS Holt

Toronto Blue Jays
RF Granderson 
LF Hernandez 
1B Smoak 
3B Solare
DH Pearce 
C   Martin 
CF Pillar 
2B Travis 
SS Diaz 

This is your GAME THREAD: "Super Benintendi Chalmers" Edition.

ten random thoughts: Week 4: April 16-22

It's hard to believe that the Blue Jays are where they are a month into the 2018 season. They started out 0-2 and looked like they were headed to a similar fate as last season when Toronto started 1-9 in their first 10 games, 8 wins in all of April. Toronto already has 13 wins with eight days left in the month. If the playoffs started today, the Blue Jays would be facing the Angels on the road in the wild card game. Here are ten random thoughts from week 4 of the MLB.

1. Some good news and bad news on the injury front. The good news is DH Kendrys Morales returned Friday after missing 10 day-s with a hamstring injury. He had 2 hits in Fridays victory and a pair of runs scored and a RBI in the 8-5 win. The bad news is third baseman Josh Donaldson is a ways away from returning from a shoulder injury. Donaldson was shut down from throwing for a week and is expected to begin a throwing program in the coming weeks.

2. To make way for Morales, the Blue Jays demoted LHP Tim Mayza and the struggling Gift Ngoepe. Mayza had one appearance in the call-up. Ngoepe had the team-worst batting average and only had one hit all year. The Jays also recalled rookie Lourdes Gurriel Jr. who had a fine major league debut with a pair of run-scoring hits. He looks like a definite upgrade over Gift Ngoepe.

3. Ex-Jay Jose Bautista has signed a one year deal with the Atlanta Braves. His career looked over after Toronto opted not to re-sign him. Joey Bats will be playing third base for the Braves, instead of his traditional role in right field.  The 37-year old had a difficult year last year batting .203 with 23HR and 65RBI. The signing reunites Bautista with GM Alex Anthopolous, who was in the same role in Toronto 2003-2015. The Braves face the Blue Jays in Toronto June 19-20.

4. How about the play of Luke Maile? The Blue Jays backup catcher is off to a hot start in 2018, batting .476 with 8 RBI. He is taking full advantage of the extra playing time with starter Russell Martin on a 2 on 1 off playing schedule. It will pay dividends later in the season as Martin will be fresher at the end of the season with the extra rest and the Blue Jays know they can rely on Maile if Martin can't play. Also, Maile could be the starting catcher once Martin's contract ends after the 2019 season. Maile had a tough start Saturday with three wild pitches and a dropped ball on what should have been a force out.

5. Another ex-Jay, Adam Lind signed a minor league deal with the Yankees. Lind was signed by the Yankees but was released after 5 games in spring training after batting .200. The Yankees have a lot of injuries right now and not a lot of depth. Adam Lind will initially start in extended spring training in Tampa Bay but that stint may be short. Lind played for Toronto 2006-2014.

6. A very scary moment from the Chicago White Sox-Houston Astros series when White Sox reliever Danny Farquhar collapsed in the dugout during the 6th inning Friday night. Farquhar was rushed to hospital where it was discovered he had a ruptured brain hemorrhage. As of Saturday he was listed in stable, but critical conditions. We here at JITH wish Danny the best and a speedy recovery.

7. A big test for the Blue Jays this week. The Boston Red Sox are in town for a three game series. After losing the opening game of the season, Boston immediately caught fire and have won 17/20. However, Boston has lost 2 in a row. Then again so has Toronto. The Blue Jays will have to be careful pitching to JD Martinez, Mookie Betts and Mitch Moreland, who are all batting over .300. Their pitchers are allowing 3 runs or less most games. It will be a good early test for Toronto.

8. Age is just a number. Bartolo Colon has been terrific this season. He had a 1.45 ERA going into his Saturday start. The big sexy had a perfect game through 7 innings on April 15. The 44 year old has transformed himself from a power pitcher to a control/contact pitcher. Colon is the last remaining active player to play for the Montreal Expos.

9. A major league record was set on Sunday as Brandon Belt had a 21 pitch AB vs. Angels starter Jamie Barria. Belt eventually flew out to right field. Barria lasted just 2 innings thanks in large part to Belt single-handedly running up the pitch count. The previous record was a 20 pitch at-bat when then Cleveland Indians rookie Bartolo Colon struck out Houston Astro Ricky Guitierrez back in 1988.

10. Blue Jay of the week: Teoscar Hernandez. The rookie outfielder was a bright spot for the Blue Jays this week. He had half of the Jays hits on Sunday and counted the lone run by taking ace Luis Severino yard for the first time this season. He had a big 4-6 night against the Royals on Wednesday and drove in 4 runs while scoring twice himself. Hernandez might be in the majors for life now.

Follow me on twitter @tpoole00 and check out my other blog @ proudbcer.blogspot.com

Game #21 Toronto Blue Jays (13-8) @ NY Yankees (11-9) - game recap

Yankees ace Luis Severino pitched 7 strong innings as the Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 5-1 on Sunday afternoon.

After a difficult 9-1 drubbing yesterday afternoon, the Blue Jays were looking to even the 4 game series and avoid their first series loss of the season. Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Didi Gregorious opened the scoring with a solo HR to right with 2 outs in the bottom of the 1st
• Austin Romine doubled to right scoring Gary Sanchez and Miguel Andujar with 2 outs in the bottom of the 2nd
• Teoscar Hernandez got the Blue Jays on the board with a solo HR in the top of the 6th
• Andujar doubled in the bottom of the 6th scoring Sanchez
• Jaimie Garcia pitching line: 5.1IP 6H 4R (all earned) 3BB 6K 95 pitches (57 for strikes)
• Luis Severino pitching line: 7IP 3H 1R (earned) 2BB 6K 112 pitches (69 for strikes)
• The Yankees added a fourth insurance run in the bottom of the 7th on a sac fly by Gregorius
• Final score: Yankees 5 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• The umpires got one wrong in the bottom of the 8th. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. made a wide call to Justin Smoak that pulled him off the bag. It appeared on replay that Smoak was off the bag when he caught it. Tyler Austin was called out on the play and the call was held up on replay. That meant 2 outs nobody on instead of 1 out one on 1st.
• The difference today was the Jays were facing Yankees ace Luis Severino who was on point. His slider was working leading to swings and misses and weak contact.
• Jaimie Garcia battled through his 5.1 innings of work.He gave the Jays a chance to comeback keeping the score close until he tired in the 6th inning
• Russell Martin continues to slump at the plate. He was 0-3 at the plate today and his average dropped to .130. Even though Luke Maille had a difficult start yesterday, he may be the better catching option.
• Up next: After an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays return home to face the Red Sox, who are first in the majors. Last season Boston took the season series 12-8; including 2 series sweeps (June 30-July 2 and Aug 28-30). Tuesday's pitching match-up sees Rick Porcello facing JA Happ

no. twenty-one 2018: Blue Jays (13-7) at Yankees (10-9)

Sunday 22 April 2018

1:05PM EDT / Yankee Stadium / Bronx NY

Jaime Garcia (LHP 2-0 3.86 17K 0.00) v. Luis Severino (RHP 3-1 2.63 28K 0.00)

Game #20 Toronto Blue Jays (13-7) @ NY Yankees (10-9) - game recap

Aaron Judge was 2-4 at the plate with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored as the Yankees routed the Blue Jays 9-1 on Saturday afternoon.

After a solid 8-5 victory last night the Blue Jays were looking to win their second straight game. It was a gorgeous day weather-wise at the ball park, a nice change after the rough weather the Jays played in last weekend. Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Aaron Judge opened the scoring with a 2 run HR  in the bottom of the 3rd that also scored Brett Gardener
• Steve Pearce got the Jays on the board in the bottom of the 5th with a single to left that scored Randal Grichuk
• Didi Gregorius extended the Yankee lead to 2 with a single to right scoring Gardene
• Judge extended the lead to three as Luke Maile dropped what should have been a force out with the bases loaded
• Miguel Andujar added two more runs with a double over the head of Kevin Pillar scoring Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Hicks
• Gardener hit a sac fly to Pillar that scored Adujar
• The next batter, Judge, singled to left scoring catcher Austin Romine
• Marcus Stroman pitching line: 5.1IP 5H 8R (6 earned) 4BB 5K 94 pitches (55 for strikes)
• Jordan Montgomery pitching line: 6IP H4 1R (earned) 3BB 5K 91 pitches (54 for strikes)
• Final Score Yankees 9 Blue Jays 1

My Take: 

• Tough game for catcher Luke Maile defensively with 3 wild pitches and a dropped ball on a throw home by Stroman that should have been a force out. He was also 0-4 at the plate. 
• Starter Marcus Stroman cruised through the first five innings but then the Yankees hit him hard in the 6th with a big 7 run, 12 batter innings, 6 runs which were the responsibility of Stroman. Overall, Marcus had good movement on his pitches and deserved a better fate today.
• Blue Jays hitters were cold today. They loaded the bases in the 5th inning but were unable to capitalize. The good thing about baseball is you can put a bad game behind you pretty quick as you generally play the next day.
• Up  next, the Blue jays wrap up this four game series looking for the split as the Jaimie Garcia gets the start against Yankees ace Luis Severino

no. twenty 2018: Blue Jays (13-6) at Yankees (9-9)

Saturday 21 April 2018

1:05PM EDT / Yankee Stadium / Bronx NY

Marcus Stroman (RHP 0-1, 7.98 ERA, 1.91 WHIP, 16 K)
v. Jordan Montgomery (LHP 1-0, 4.70 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 12 K)

Game #19 Toronto Blue Jays (13-6) @ New York Yankees (record) - game recap

Making his major league debut, Blue Jays prospect Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was 2-5 with 3RBI as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Yankees 8-5 to even the series at 1.

After dropping the opener of this four game series, the Blue Jays were looking to get back on track and even the series. Of note, Kendrys Morales was activated from the disabled list and called up Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Both were in tonight's lineup. Being sent down to AAA Buffalo were LHP Tim Mayza, who pitched one inning of relief during this call-up, and Gift Ngoepe, who had only 1 hit this season. Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights: 

• Tyler Austin opened the scoring for the Yankees with a 2 run HR to right, also scoring Aaron Hicks
• The Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Teoscar Hernandez continues to swing a hot bat, smacking a 2 run shot to left-center, also scoring Curtis Granderson
• Giancarlo Stanton gave the Yankees their 2 run lead back in the bottom of the 3rd with an opposite field shot that scored Didi Gregorius
• The Jays got one back in the top of the 4th on a ground rule double by Kendrys Morales scoring Russell Martin
• Newcomer Lourdes Gurriel Jr. gave the Jays the lead with a 2 run single the plated Morales and Kevin Pillar for his first career base hit and first 2 career RBI's
• Sonny Gray pitching line: 3.1IP 5H 5R (all earned) 4BB 0K 73 pitches (39 for strikes)
• The Yankees tied it in the bottom half of the innings as Miguel Andujar went yard for a solo HR; the 4th ball to leave the yard tonight; 5th if you count the Morales ground rule double
• Gurriel Jr. singled to right in the top of the 5th scoring Martin to give the Jays their second lead of the game
• Hernandez picked up his 3rd RBI of the night with a bases loaded walk that forced in Morales
• Yangervis Solarte hit a solo HR to extend the lead to 3
• Marco Estrada pitching line: 5IP 5R (all earned) 1BB 4K 98 pitches (65 for strikes)
• Roberto Osuna notched his 6th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 Yankees 5

My Take:

• Quirky stat of the night: the Blue Jays drew 9 walks tonight but only scored 2 runs off those walks. Nevertheless, those were important walks because they ran the pitch count up on Sonny Gray and Domingo Germane, who were responsible for 8 of the 9 walks on the night. The Yankees bullpen has now had two games in a row where they've had to pitch most of the game. Also, unlike the Blue Jays 'pen, the Yankees relievers have been hit hard by Blue Jay batters
• Starter Marco Estrada got stronger as the game went on. He threw 70 pitches the first three innings with a lot of deep counts. His final inning of work, he got the Yankees in order. Estrada was either affected by the cold weather or having problems with the back that gave him issues last start. Not Estrada's best night.
• Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had a nice major league debut with a a couple of hits in 5AB and 3RBI. He certainly looks like an upgrade over Gift Ngoepe, who was sent down to AAA earlier today.
• Kendrys Morales had a good night at the plate as well coming off the DL. He worked the count in most of his AB's and had a pair of hits and runs scored on the night. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays and Yankees continue the 4 game series with a matinee featuring righty Marcus Stroman taking on Southpaw Jordan Montgomery

no. nineteen 2018: Blue Jays (12-6) at Yankees (9-8)

Friday 20 April 2018

7:05PM EDT / Yankee Stadium / Bronx NY

Marco Estrada (RHP 1-1 4.24 14K 0.00) v. Sonny Gray (RHP 1-1 6.92 15K 0.00)

Game #18 Toronto Blue Jays (12-6) @ New York Yankees (9-8) - game recap

Catcher Luke Maile was 2-3 at the plate, scored a run and threw out two base runners in a losing cause as the Yankees won the opener of this 4 game series 4-3.

The red hot Toronto Blue Jays, winners of 4 straight games began a 4 game series vs. division rivals NY Yankees today. The Bronx Bombers are playing .500 baseball. Newcomer Giancarlo Stanton is off to a horrible start with just 3 hits at home and hitting .197 for the season, a far cry from his MVP season a year ago. This will be the second to last game without DH Kendrys Morales, who is scheduled to come off the DL on Saturday. Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights

• The Yankees opened the scoring on a Tyler Wade ground out that scored Aaron Hicks 
• A batter later Ronald Torreyes singled to left, scoring Neil Walker 
• Luke Maile scored on a passed ball to put the Blue Jays on the board
• Maile tied the game on a single that scored Yangervis Solarte 
• CC Sabathia pitching line: 4.1IP 4H 2R (none earned) 1BB 1K 71 pitches (50 for strikes)
• Didi Gregorius gave the Yankees the lead in the bottom of the 5th with a 2 out single that plated Torreyes
• Aaron Sanchez pitching line: 6IP 7H 3R (all earned) 2BB 2K 99 pitches (60 for strikes)
• Aaron Judge doubled the Yankee lead in the bottom of the 7th with a homer to left
• Pinch hitter Curtis Granderson cut the lead to one with a single that scored Teoscar Hernandez
• Aroldis Chapman struck out the side in the 9th for his 3rd save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 4 Blue Jays 3

My Take

• Key play in the 6th inning when Devon Travis flipped the ball to Aledmys Diaz for a force out. Diaz dropped the ball in transferring to throw to first. Unlike the play with the Royals yesterday, Diaz clearly had control of the ball. Had Aaron Hicks been ruled safe on the play, it would have been 1st and 2nd with nobody out. Instead, Neil Walker was on first with one out and Sanchez got the next 2 batters out.
• Catcher Luke Maile had another terrific game. He scored on a passed ball and drove in a run and was 2-3 at the plate. He also threw out two Yankees runners, including Hicks on a strike 'em out, throw 'em out to end the 8th inning to keep the Yankee lead at 1 and giving the Jays an opportunity to come back in the 9th. Assuming there are no ill effects from a foul tip which bent his wrist back, he's earned another start behind the plate. Expect Russell Martin to be at 3rd base if Maile is fit to play.
• Aaron Sanchez battled through his 6 innings of work. The Yankees battrs did a good job in working the count today and getting Sanchez's pitch count up. However, there was a lot of soft contact today and plenty of ground ball outs. This is just one of the better lineups the Blue Jays have faced early on.
• The Blue Jays manufactured another late run in the 8th inning but were unable to get more than the one run despite having the bases loaded on David Robertson. Chapman came on in the 9th inning and literally blew the Blue Jays hitters away. His last pitch was 101mph.
• Up next, the Blue Jays look to even the 4 game series with Marco Estrada taking on Sonny Gray.

no. eighteen 2018: Blue Jays (12-5) at Yankees (8-8)

Thursday 19 April 2018

6:35PM EDT / Yankee Stadium / Bronx NY

 Aaron Sanchez (RHP 1-1 3.66 13K 1.42) v. C.C. Sabathia (LHP 0-0 4.00 7K 1.22)

Game #17 Kansas City Royals (3-13) @ Toronto Blue Jays (12-5) - game recap

Teoscar Hernandez was 4-6 today with 4 RBI's and 2 runs scored as the Blue Jays routed the Royals 15-5 to complete the series sweep

After sweeping the double-header yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to sweep their first series of the season (sorry but 1 win does not make a series so Cleveland doesn't count as a series sweep). Toronto is having an outstanding start to the season with 11 wins in their first 16 games. Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring as Justin Smoak doubled to right scoring Teoscar Hernandez
• The Royals took the lead in the top of the 3rd as Mike Moustakas doubled to left, scoring Alcedis Escobar and Whit Merrifield
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as  Hernandez crushed a 2 run blast to center, also scoring Curtis Granderson
• Two batters later, Yangervis Solarte crushed a solo HR to right to double the lead
• The Royals tied it in the top of the 5th as Meriifield hit a 2 run HR to left, also scoring Jon Jay
• Randal Grichuk got the lead back with a line drive to left that was dropped by Royals LF Paulo Orlando that scored Solarte 
• Two batters later PH Luke Maile singled home Kevin Pilla
• Adam Kennedy pitching line: 5IP 8H 6R (all earned) 3BB 6K 106 pitches (62 for strikes)
• JA Happ pitching line: 6IP 5H 4R (all earned) 2BB 8K 99 pitches (63 for strikes)
• Grichuk scored on a wild pitch with 2 outs in the 7th
• The next batter, Hernandez tripled scoring Maile and Granderson
• The Royals got one back in the top of the 8th as Jorge Soler hit a solo HR to center
• Pillar doubled in the bottom half of the inning, scoring Solarte
• Two batters later, Aledmys Diaz singled, scoring Martin
• Granderson then stepped up hitting a grand slam, scoring Pillar, Diaz and Maile
• Final score: Blue Jays 15 Royals 5

My Take: 

• Today was the first of two Facebook only games. I still think having the game broadcast on Facebook should have just been optional as not every fan has a computer and/or uses Facebook. I am on Facebook so I can give my take on the experience. The stream was very smooth. I stream on reddit.com and it buffers a fair amount. One thing that could have been done differently is they could have included the player's position when displaying who was batting. I liked the in-game interviews with both managers and Danny Duffy and Aaron Sanchez. If you opted to have the comments running on the side, it distracted from watching the game. Overall, I liked the Facebook game and can see the league continuing it in future seasons.
• The Blue Jays will have a big roster decision to make come Friday as Kendrys Morales is scheduled to come off the DL. Call-up Teoscar Hernandez has been excellent going 8-18 with 4 doubles and a HR. He also made a nice catch at the end of the game today. Gift Ngoepe is definitely an option to be sent down. He struck out looking twice today and has just one hit this season. The Blue Jays could also send down a pitcher and go with a 7 man bullpen. Either way, there is no chance Hernandez is going anywhere.
• Starter JA Happ battled through 6 innings today. Happ had two 1-2-3 innings, in the 1st and the 6th. He was pitching with a few extra days rest after the three cancelled games. He should have started on Sunday. 
• The Blue Jays had more late inning heroics, putting up 9 runs combined in the 7th and 8th innings. This speaks to the depth the Jays signed/acquired in the off-season.
• Luke Maile definitely deserves more playing time. Look for him to start tomorrow as the Blue Jays need his hot bat in the lineup.
• Up next, the Blue Jays travel to NY where they will face the Yankees. The two teams split the opening series in Toronto. Aaron Sanchez, will be up against CC Sabathia, who is coming off the DL after leaving his last start with a hip injury.

no. seventeen 2018: Royals (3-12) at Blue Jays (11-5)

Wednesday 18 April 2018
4:07PM EDT / Rogers Centre / Toronto ON

Ian Kennedy (RHP 1-1 1.00 16K 1.06) v. J.A. Happ (LHP 2-1 3.94 23K 1.31)

Game #16 Kansas City Royals (3-12) @ Toronto Blue Jays (11-5) - game recap

Blue Jays catcher Luke Maille hit a walkoff single as the Blue Jays defeated the Royals 5-4 in the second game of today's double header. They also won the first game 11-3.

The Blue Jays won the first game of today's double header as the offence put up 11 runs. They were looking to sweep the double dip today and win their 5th straight series (they won the one game played in Cleveland on the weekend and I say that counts as a series win.) Here is the game recap from the second game of today's double header.

Game Highlights:

• The Royals opened the scoring in the second game in the top of the 1st as Lucas Duda was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in Jon Jay
• The Royals doubled the lead in the top of the 3rd as Mike Moustakas doubled to center scoring White Merrifield
• Abraham Almonte homered leading off the 6th to extend the Royals lead to 3
• Joe Biaghini pitching line: 5.2IP 6H 3R (all earned) 3BB 4K 106 pitches (65 for strikes)
• Danny Duffy pitching line: 6IP 2H 0R 3BB 8K 100 pitches (64 for strikes)
• After Royals reliever Justin Grimm walked the bases loaded, Luke Maille jumped on the next reliever, Brad Keller, and lined a single to right scoring Almedys Diaz and Kevin Pillar
• The next batter, pinch hitter Devon Travis, hit an infield single to score Randal Grichuk
• The next batter, Steve Pearce, singled to score Maille
• The Royals tied it in the top of the 8th, courtesy of an Alcides Escobar solo HR
• Maille hit a walk-off single to right in the bottom of the tenth, scoring Pillar
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Royals 4

My Take:

•  Joe Biaghini had a decent start under difficult circumstances. The Buffalo Bisons have had several of their games wiped out due to  weather, so Biaghini was pitching for the first time since April 9th. He had a difficult first inning, loading the bases and allowing a run on a hit batter. Biaghini settled down after that, allowing 4 more hits and another run and a walk.
• I've said it on here before, pitch counts are a bit ridiculous. Danny Duffy had a 2 hit shutout going when he was pulled after 6 innings. No Blue Jay had really touched him. The Blue Jays made them pay with a big inning in the 7th. The first reliever, Justin Grimm walked the bases loaded. Then Toronto got three straight hits and 4 runs off the next reliever, Brad Keller. If I'm Royals Manager Ned Yost, I send Duffy out to start the 7th and have relievers ready in the bullpen.
• More late game heroics from the Blue Jays today. They have now scored 36 runs from the 7th inning on, first in the AL, second in the MLB behind the Cubs. These late inning heroics will be beneficial as the season wears on and runs become harder to come by.
• Next up, the Blue Jays wrap up this brief home stand with Aaron Sanchez pitching against Ian Kennedy.

Game #15 Kansas City Royals (3-11) @ Toronto Blue Jays (10-5) - game recap

 Randal Grichuk was 2-4 at the plate, including a 3-run HR, his first HR as a Blue Jay as Toronto defeated the KC Royals 11-3 in the opening game of today's double-header

After an unprecedented three day break due to rain-outs in Cleveland and ice ripping a hole in the Rogers Center roof, the Blue Jays return home to face the Kansas City Royals. Last season, the Blue Jays won just 2 of the 6 games played against the Royals. Here is the game recap of game one of today's double-header.

Game Highlights

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in this series courtesy of a Yangervis Solarte 2 run HR, which also scored Steve Pearce
• The Royals answered back in the top of the 2nd with a bases loaded double play grounder by Paolo Orlando that scored Lucas Duda
• In the top of the 3rd, the Royals took the lead on back to back HR by Mike Moustakas and Duda
• Pearce tied the game in the bottom of the 5th with a single scoring Randal Grichuk
• Two batters later, Justin Smoak singled to right, scoring Pearce
• The next batter, Solarte, singled to score Toescar Hernandez
• Jaimie Garcia pitching line: 5IP 8H 3R (all earned) 1BB 5K (86 pitches, 51 for strikes) 
• Eric Skoglund pitching line:5IP 8H 5R (all earned) 1BB 6K (77 pitches, 54 for strikes)
• In the bottom of the 6th, Randal Grichuk blasted a 3 run HR scoring Kevin Pillar and Almedys Diaz
• Three batters later Solarte hit a sac fly to plate Devon Travis
• Two batters later, Pillar doubled to plate Hernandez and Smoak
• Final Score: Blue Jays 11 Royals 3

My Take

• The Blue Jays won this game on the strength of 2 big innings in the 5th and 6th innings. Randal Grichuk was responsible for three of the runs courtesy of a 3 run HR. Toronto scored a lot of their runs today playing small ball, hitting the baseball where the Royals defense was not set up
• Jaimie Garcia continues to be an effective fifth starter for the Blue Jays. He pitched 5 solid innings and really only got in trouble in the 2nd inning when he loaded the bases. He escaped the jam giving up just the one run.
•  Devon Travis was plunked by a pitch in the 7th inning. While he finished the game, look for him to sit out the 2nd game of the double header Even if he wasn't hit by that pitch, I still think the Blue Jays would park him on the bench for the second game, especially with the rest schedule he is on.
• Ex-Jay Ryan Goins made an appearance in the game. He came in as a defensive replacement in the 7th inning. He struck out in his only AB leading off the 9th. Goins spent 5 seasons in the Blue Jays organization as a Utility infielder before being granted free agency in the off-season.
• Up next, the Blue Jays look to sweep today's double header, with Royals lefty Danny Duffy facing Joe Biaghini

nos. 15 / 16 2018: Royals (3-10) at Blue Jays (9-5)

Tuesday 17 April 2018
Rogers Centre / Toronto ON

Game One: 3:07PM EDT
Eric Skoglund (LHP 0-1 9.64 1K 1.71) v. Jaime Garcia (LHP 1-0 3.18 12K 1.15)

Game Two: 6:37PM EDT
Danny Duffy (LHP 0-2 5.40 15K 1.47) v. Joe Biagini (RHP 0-0 0.00 0K 0.00)

no. fifteen 2018: Royals (3-10) at Blue Jays (9-5)

Monday 16 April 2018

7:07PM EDT / Rogers Centre / Toronto ON

Jaime Garcia (LHP 1-0 3.18 12K 1.15) v. Eric Skoglund (LHP 0-1 9.64 1K 1.71)

ten random thoughts: Week 3: April 9-15

Here we are week 3 and the Toronto Blue Jays are exceeding expectations. They sit four games over .500 and the Blue Jays sit 2nd in the AL East. Meanwhile, the Yankees are at .500 and have serious health concerns and major questions about their lineup. Here are ten random thoughts from week 3.

1. Toronto received bad news and dodged a bullet on the injury front this week. On Monday, DH Kendrys Morales came up lame while running the bases. He was put on the DL with a grade 1 strain of his hamstring. Early indications are that he will not miss much more than the required 10 day stay on the DL. Resting him for 10 days is the right thing to do, especially with the cold weather Toronto is playing in this coming week. They were in Baltimore and Cleveland this past week and after a brief 3 game series at home, they head to New York for a 4 game set vs. the Yankees. All three road series are experiencing cold fronts at the moment. Besides, you don't mess with hamstring strains.

2. Josh Donaldson also landed on the DL this week with inflammation in his throwing shoulder. On opening day, he was unable to make a throw to first base without bouncing the ball. He DH'd for several games and came back to play third base. Evidently the rest did not help and now JD will head to the Blue Jays training facility in Tampa Bay to begin a throwing program. Quite frankly, Donaldson should have been put on the DL to start the season. He was having trouble with his shoulder almost right from the get go. Expect him to miss more than the mandatory 10 days.

3. The bullet the Blue jays dodged involved Devon Travis. The starting second baseman was hit in the hand by a pitch in the 9th inning of Friday's game. He finished running the bases but was removed from the game in the bottom half of the inning. X-rays taken after the game were negative. Travis was penciled in the starting lineup of Saturday's rained out game. Devon Travis has endured multiple injuries in the past 3 seasons. It would be a shame if he missed significant time again this year.

4. In last week's blog post, I talked about being impressed with a lot of the new signings/acquisitions the Blue Jays made in the off-season. However, two of the acquisitions, RF Randal Grichuk and utility infielder Gift Ngoepe have struggled mightily at the plate. Grichuk was in an 0-26 slump until he got a base hit this week. Ngoepe has managed just one hit in 13 AB this season. Randal Grichuk has big shoes to fill as he is replacing Jose Bautista, who the Blue Jays opted not to re-sign. Manager John Gibbons said Saturday that he believes Grichuk is close to bumping the early slump. If he doesn't do it soon, Toescar Hernandez could get an opportunity to play. Hernandez had two big doubles on Friday. He also looked great in spring training.

5. Saturday and Sunday's rainout will be made up May 3rd as a double-header, taking away a potential off-day. It also means the Blue Jays will have to travel three days in a row, from Minnesota to Cleveland to Tampa Bay. Look for the Blue Jays to fly Friday's scheduled starting pitcher to Tampa Bay Wednesday to avoid having 2 flights to endure. The extra rest will benefit Devon Travis, Russell Martin and any Blue Jay who might have a minor ailment.

6. Congrats to Roberto Osuna for becoming the youngest pitcher to reach 100 saves. The 23 year old has looked like a ten year veteran when coming into save a game. Yankees hall of famer Mariano Rivera holds the all-time record for saves (652)

7. The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry turned nasty last Wednesday with benches clearing twice. Yankees DH Tyler Austin was the catalyst of both incidents. In the 3rd inning he slid hard into second base catching Red Sox SS Brandon Holt. In the 7th inning Boston reliever Joe Kelly drilled Austin in the elbow with a fastball. In all, 4 players were ejected from the game. No further discipline was handed down by the MLB. This game reminds me of this infamous incident from the 2003 ALDS between these bitter rivals. It certainly won't be the last time fireworks break out in a Yankees-Red Sox game.

8. Weather continues to wreak havoc on baseball. On Sunday alone, six scheduled games were postponed. The Blue Jays, Indians, Yankees, and Tigers all had two days in a row wiped out.The White Sox, and Twins  saw the final 3 games of their series snowed out.  Detroit has now had 6 games postponed so far. The baseball season started early this year, March 29, and weather can be bad until the end of April/beginning of May in some places. The options for making up games, especially if the cancellation comes at the end of a series. Schedule makers need to find a place in both teams schedules where both have an off-day. Within league teams (non-divisional games) meet for one series at each team's ballpark. It is easier to reschedule a divisional match up early in the season because division teams meet each other around 20 times in a season. Perhaps baseball might consider extending the season into October a few days. With global warming the MLB must consider options for teams which do not have covered fields. Please comment below with your suggestions

9. Sunday was Jackie Robinson Day. Jackie Robinson day commemorates the day (April 15) when Jackie Robinson broke color barriers and became the first black player to play in the majors in 1947. On this day, all teams wear #42 on the back of their jerseys. Every other day, #42 is retired by all major league teams. Mariano Rivera was the last player to wear #42. Here is how teams celebrated Jackie Robinson day this year.

10. Blue Jays of the week: Aaron Sanchez and Roberto Osuna. Sancheez was outstanding in his start this week, taking a no-hitter into the 8th inning. Aaron Sanchez is definitely back after that disastrous 2017 season, which was wiped out due to a recurring blister. Roberto Osuna gets the nod as well for becoming the youngest player to record 100 saves.

Follow me on twitter @tpoole00 and check out my other blog @ proudbcer.blogspot.com

no. fifteen 2018: Blue Jays (9-5) at Cleveland (7-6)

Saturday 14 April 2018

4:10PM EDT / Progressive Field / Cleveland OH

Jaime Garcia (LHP 1-0 3.18 12K 1.15) v. Corey Kluber (RHP 1-1 1.27 27K 0.65)

Game #14 Toronto Blue Jays (9-5) @ Cleveland Indians (8-6) - game recap

Aledmys Diaz was 2-4 at the plate with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored as the Blue Jays doubled up on the Indians 8-4

Toronto began the final series of the opening road trip of the season. They won the first 2 series of the trip, defeating Texas and Baltimore. The Blue Jays will have to win this series without DH Kendrys Morales and 3B Josh Donaldson, who were both placed on the 10 day DL this week. Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Indians opened the scoring in the series in the bottom of the 1st on a Yonder Alons single that scored Francisco Lindor
• Two batters later, Tyler Naquin doubled the lead with a single scoring Jose Ramirez
• The next inning Lindor doubled to score ex-Jay Rajai Davis
• The next batter Jason Kipnis hit a ground-rule double scoring Lindor
• Kevin Pillar got the Blue Jays on the board in the top of the 4th with a single that scored Justin Smoak
• The next batter Almedys Diaz tied the game with a 3 run HR that scored Yangervis Solarte and Pillar
• Mike Clevinger pitching line: 4IP 3H 4R (all earned) 2BB 5K 82 pitches (48 for strikes)
• Marcus Stroman pitching line: 5IP 9H 4R (all earned) 2BB 5K 99 pitches (62 for strikes)
• Toescar Hernandez, recalled today from AAA Buffalo, smacked a double to left in the of of the 7th scoring Steve Pearce to give the Blue Jays their first lead of the series
• Steve Pearce added a pair of insurance runs with a double to left scoring Diaz and Devon Travis
• The next batter Hernandez plated Pearce with his own double
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 Indains 4

My Take:

• Marcus Stroman had a rough first 2 innings, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits and a walk. His only clean inning was in the 4th. Every other inning, the Indians had multiple runners on base. Stroman was forced to throw a lot of pitches and that led to an earlier exit.
• On an injury note, Devon Travis was lifted in the 9th after taking a pitch off his right hand. He ran the bases, but Gift Ngoepe came in defensively in the bottom of the inning. We'll have to see if Travis can go tomorrow night. If he can't, three of the four  starting infielders will be out of the lineup (Donaldson and Troy Tulowitzki being the other 2)
• This game came down to one bullpen getting the job done and the other bullpen not being able to shut the door. In the top of the ninth, the Blue Jays got to Indians righty Matt Belisle, scoring three runs on a pair of doubles and a hit by pitch. By contrast the Blue Jays 'pen allowed just three hits over 4 innings of work. Tim Mayza, recalled a few days ago, has yet to make an appearance. He has not pitched competitively since spring training due to rainouts in Buffalo.
• RF Randal Grichuk continues to struggle at the plate. He was 0-3 on the night but he did draw a walk. It will be interesting to see how much patience the Blue Jays will have with him.
• Up next, Lefty Jaimie Garcia pitches against 2-time Cy Young winner (2014 and 2017) Corey Kluber. It should be a good pitching matchup.

no. fourteen 2018: Blue Jays (8-5) at Cleveland (7-5)

Friday 13 April 2018

7:10PM EDT / Progressive Field / Cleveland OH

Marcus Stroman (RHP 0-1 8.38 11K 1.76) v. Mike Clevinger (RHP 1-0 0.71 9K 1.42)

What is your twitter handle?

brentinkorea suggested a post where we can all find each other's twitter handles. I'll update this post as ya'll pass your handles along so it will be easy reference later.

I'm at the official JITH twitter @jaysinthehouse
Mule is @MuleorAstromule
RADAR is @RADAR (expecting something different?)
Fowl is @HouseofLais
Ray is @Beaches_Streets
Steve-O is @freerange_steve
Karen is @mutable_me
Earl is @tonious35
Tom W is @TomWilliams111
justinjam is @justinjamieson
man in the suit is @bluejayhunt (he swears he never uses it though)
it's all over! is @sedin26
Tina is @tpoole00
JM is @jmarkgraham

Off Day Farm Treat (Leafs Game Thread?)

Welcome to our second (hopefully) regular off day farm treat. I had plans to make this another Fisher Cat game thread but later realized that the Fisher Cats and Jays both have scheduled off days today. So we will use this thread to discuss all levels of the Jays farm system. Below I have compiled a very basic introductory to the various Jays affiliates and have highlighted some key prospects that we are keeping tabs on. There are many other players and prospects to watch, but I wanted to keep this post a reasonable length so I only highlighted the big names. All stats are as of end of day Wednesday April 11th.

Game #13 Toronto Blue Jays (8-5) @ Baltimore Orioles (5-8) - game recap

Jonathan Schoop was 2-4 at the plate with 2 RBI and a run scored as the Orioles defeated the Blue Jays 5-3 to avoid the series sweep.

The Blue Jays came into this game having won three straight series. They were looking for their first sweep of the season. Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Kevin Pillar opened the scoring in the 1st with a single to center scoring Justin Smoak
• Jonathan Schoop tied the game in the bottom of the 4th with a double to score Manny Machado
• Three batters later Chris Davis singled to right scoring Schoop
• The next batter Tim Beckham hit a sac fly to plate Pedro Alvarez
• In the top of the 5th Yangervis Solarte singled to score Luke Maille
• Schoop singed home Chance Sisco to double the Orioles lead
• Marco Estrada pitching line: 4IP 6H 4R (all earned) 3BB 5K 87 pitches (53 for strikes)
• Aledmys Diaz cracked a homer to left to cut the lead to one in the top of the 6th
• Sisco scored in the bottom half of the inning, singling to center scoring Beckham
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 6H 3R (all earned) 3BB 7K 106 pitches (68 for strikes)
• Brad Brach pitched a scoreless 9th to pick up his 3rd save of the season
• Final score: Orioles 5 Blue Jays 3

My Take: 

• There was a very key moment in the bottom of the 5th. Manny Machado hit a flyball to right that was slicing foul. Randal Grichuk dove for the ball and deflected it foul. The original call was that Grichuk made contact in foul territory. The Orioles challenged and the call was overturned and the two base runners on first and second were allowed to advance 2 bases edoubleach and Machado was awarded a single. Had the original call stood, Estrada had the chance to get an out. Instead the bases were loaded, Schoop singled home a run a batter later and Estrada was out of the game.
• Through the first 3 innings, it looked like Marco Estrada was going to replicate what Aaron Sanchez did last night. Estrada had a no-hitter through three innings. In the 4th inning, the Orioles got to him with a pair of doubles, a single and a walk. Estrada was forced to throw 30 pitches in the inning. The Orioles appeared to be looking for his change-up and were not missing on it today.
• Baltimore did a good job in limiting the damage of the Blue Jays offence. Gift Ngoepe (who has just one hit this season), Randal Grichuk (0-4 tonight and .077 and is tied with Ngoepe with a team worst batting average) and Devon Travis, who flied out as a pinch hitter are really struggling at the plate this season. These three need to get it going at some point. Luke Maille is playing really well this season. He was 2-3 at the plate tonight and is batting .400 on the season.
• The difference tonight was the Orioles offence got to Estrada and the Orioles pitching shut down the Blue Jays bats
• Up next,  after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays open a three game series against Cleveland. Game 1 sees Marcus Stroman facing Steve Clevinger. Edwin Encarnacion is batting .146 with 3 HR this season. The Indians are 7-5 through 12 games