Game #52 Toronto Blue Jays (24-28) @ Philadelphia Phillies (29-20) - game recap

Philadelphia Phillies pinch hitter Nick Williams hit the game winning HR as the Phillies edged the Blue Jays 2-1 in a classic pitcher's duel

After a nervous 6-5 victory last night, the Blue Jays were looking for their first win streak since April 29-May 1st and their first series win since taking 2 of 3 in Minnesota April 30-May 2. Since then, the Blue Jays have been hit by injuries and the arrest of Roberto Osuna three weeks ago has had a detrimental effect on the team, especially the bullpen. The Blue Jays bullpen has blown 2 of 3 save opportunities since Osuna was put on administrative leave by the MLB and they nearly blew the one last night too as Ryan Tepera was able to escape a bases loaded jam with 1 out. Here is today's game recap.

Game highlights:

• The Phillies took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Maikel Franco hit a solo HR to left
• Russell Martin broke up the no-hitter and shutout in the top of the 7th as he singled home Justin Smoak
• Aaron Nola pitching line: 6.2IP 1H 1R (earned) 3BB 10K 113 pitches (68 for strikes)
• Jaime Garcia pitching line: 7IP 5H 1R (earned) 0BB 5K 73 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Phillies took the lead in the bottom of the 8th as pinch hitter Nick Williams hit a solo HR
• Final score: Phillies 2 Blue Jays 1

My take:

• Both starting pitchers were excellent in this one. Phillies starter Aaron Nola had a no-hitter through 6.2 innings before Russell Martin broke up the no-hit bid and shutout with an RBI single. Jaimie Garcia was excellent throwing just 73 pitches through 7 innings before being pulled solely because his spot was up in the lineup. If Luke Maile had gotten on base in that AB, it would have been an interesting call to see if Gibby would have let Garcia hit for himself but I still think Kevin Pillar would have batted. 
• The Blue Jays struck out 12 times today, Curtis Granderson and Justin Smoak three times each.
• After today's game, the Blue Jays only have pitchers batting over .300. Every position player is in the .200's or .100's. Luke Maile currently has the best average on the team at .291, followed by Kevin Pillar at .283. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays play the rubber match of this series in a game that will feature some Canadian content as the Phillies send Victoria BC native Nick Pivetta to the mound against the Blue Jays most consistent starter this season, JA Happ