Game #54 Toronto Blue Jays (25-29) @ Boston Red Sox (37-17) - game recap

Red Sox LF Andrew Benintendi was 3-5 at the plate with 4 RBI and finished a double shy of the cycle as the Red Soz defeated the Blue Jays 8-3

After a huge series win on the weekend, the Blue Jays look to continue their winning ways with a series against the Bosox. Toronto is also looking to win consecutive games for the first time since April 29-May 1. Russell Martin is playing his 4th position this season. He has started at catcher, third base, shortstop and now left field. Will we see him at first base tomorrow? Here is today's game recap.

Game highlights:

• The Red Sox took the lead in the bottom of the 1st as Xander Bogaerts scored on a JD Martinez ground out
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 4th as Kendrys Morales singled home Kevin Pillar
• The Red Sox took the lead as Rafael Devers scored on a Brock Holt sac fly
• Two batters later, Jackie Bradley Jr. doubled home Eduardo Nunez
• The next batter Andrew Benintendi hit a 3 run HR scoring Bradley Jr. and Christian Vasquez
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Yangervis Solarte hit a sac fly that scored pinch runner Gio Urshela
• David Price pitching line: 5IP 4H 2R (both earned) 4BB 4K 95 pitches (57 for strikes)
• Martinez hit a lead-off solo hr in the bottom of the 6th
• Aaron Sanchez pitching line: 5IP 9H 7R (all earned) 1BB 2K 82 pitches (55 for strikes)
• Benintendi tripled home Bradley Jr. in the bottom of the 6th
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 7th as Teoscar Hernandez tripled home Travis, who had just hit his own triple

My take:

• Russell Martin continues to be placed at different positions this season. Today he made his first career start at LF in one of the more difficult ballparks to play in the outfield. Andrew Benintendi tripled off a ball that caromed off the green monster that Martin misjudhed and the ball bounced over his head and he had to chase it almost to the infield. The Red Sox scored on a sac fly that showed he does not have the arm strength to throw out a base runner. Mind you Rafael Devers is a decent base runner.
• Aaron Sanchez was roughed up again today. He gave up seven runs on nine hits and struggled getting out left-handed batters. Sanchez only got through 5 innings today, putting more pressure on a taxed bullpen. One has to wonder if Sanchez is avoiding throwing certain pitches or not throwing them effectively due to the blister issue he had last season.
• The Blue Jays lost Josh Donaldson who strained his left calf running from first to third. Given the history of injuries to his calf, look for the Blue Jays to take every precaution with Donaldson. I expect him to be put on the DL in the coming days.
• The number of strikeouts by Blue Jay batters continues to be too high. The Blue Jays struck out to end the inning with runners on base in the 2nd, 5th and 9th innings.
• Up next, the Blue Jays continue the road trip in Boston as Marco Estrada gets the start against Red Sox righty Rick Porcello.