Game #33 Toronto Blue Jays (18-15) @ Tampa Bay Rays (14-16) - game recap

Tampa Bay Rays CF Johnny Field was 3-4 at the plate with a RBI and 2 runs scored as the Rays won the opener of this three-game series 6-2 over the Blue Jays 

Here's something quirky: JA Happ (#33) is starting game #33 for the Blue Jays. Was this a good omen for this game? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays took the lead on a sac fly by Teoscar Hernandez that scored lead-off hitter Curtis Granderson
• Andrew Kittridge pitching line: 2IP 2H 1R (earned) 1BB 1K 36 pitches (26 for strikes)
• The Rays tied it in the bottom of the 3rd on a solo shot by Johnny Field
• TB took the lead in the bottom of the 4th as catcher Wilson Ramos Singled home CJ Cron
• Two batters later Matt Duffy scored on a fielder's choice hit by Denard Span
• JA Happ pitching line: 5.2IP 4H 3R (all earned) 4BB 3K 108 pitches (56 for strikes)
• Adeiny Hechavarria singled home Field to extend the lead to 3
• Aledmys Diaz hit a solo shot to get the Blue Jays within 2
• The Rays added two more in the bottom half of the inning as Brad Miller hit a hanger over the wall scoring Span
• Final score: Rays 6 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• The Blue Jays outfield is getting pretty banged up. Steve Pearce was placed on the DL yesterday after leaving the first game of the double-header due to aggravating a rib injury. Tonight Curtis Granderson lasted just one inning. He apparently hurt something running the bases in his only AB. Kevin Pillar is also banged up after jamming his wrist on a sliding catch Wednesday. The injuries mean more playing time for Dalton Pompey and Randal Grichuk. Hopefully Granderson won't be out too long
• The Rays bullpen was excellent tonight. With no 5th starter, the Rays effectively used 4 relievers today. They scattered 4 hits throughout the game and gave up runs on a solo HR and a first inning sac fly.
• JA Happ pitched 5 effective innings then ran out of gas a bit in the 6th. Happ has been the Blue Jays best starting pitcher this season. Most starts he'll give the team a chance to win. Unfortunately today the team did not give him enough run support and his stuff wasn't the best this game.
• Kevin Pillar had his 9 game hitting streak. He has been one of the Blue Jays better hitters this season with a .322 average heading into tonight's game.
• Up next, the series continues with a late-afternoon/early evening game featuring Blue Jays righty Aaron Sanchez pitching against Rays right-hander Jake Faria