Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Game #107 Toronto Blue Jays (48-59) @ Oakland A's (64-46) - game recap

Jonathan Lucroy was 3-4 with 4RBI and a pair of runs scored as the A's defeated the Blue Jays 8-3

After two difficult losses, the Blue Jays were looking to avoid the season series sweep (and also win for some positive vibes ahead of my first MLB game). On the mound today was Marcus Stroman, who has had a difficult season but has pitched better since returning from the disabled list June 23. If the Blue Jays don't win, the media and team may face his wrath as Stro has been known to lash out when angry. Did the team should up today? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights

  • The A's took the lead in the bottom of the 2nd as Jonathan Lucroy singled scoring Kris Davis and Matt Olson
  • The A's extended the lead in the bottom of the 4th as Lucroy doubled home Marcus Semien
  • Two batters later, Lucroy scored on a sac fly by Nick Martinni
  • The A's added another run in the bottom of the 6th as Lucroy singled scoring Mark Canha
  • A batter later, Franklin Barreto doubled home Semien and Lucroy
  • Marcus Stroman pitching line: 5IP 11H 7R (all earned) 1BB 6K 94 pitches (63 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 7th as Randal Grichuk doubled to score Aledmys Diaz
  • Sean Manaea pitching line: 6IP 5H 1R (earned) 2BB 5K 99 pitches (64 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays added another 2 runs in the top of the 8th as Russell Martin homered to left-center; also scoring Yangervis Solarte 
  • The A's added a run in the bottom of the 8th Barreto homered to left
  • Final score: A's 8 Blue Jays 3
My Take

  • Marcus Stroman was absolutely rocked today to the tune of 7 runs on 11 hits over 5 innings. He was serving up meatballs all afternoon and with this potent A's lineup you can't do that. This time the Blue Jays defense can't be blamed as they did not commit an error. Stroman can be a great pitcher, but he has many starts like this where he gets rocked. Tings won't get any easier because Stroman's next start will be against the potent Boston Red Sox lineup.
  • This was actually the Blue Jays best game of the three played in Oakland. Randal Grichuk, Yangervis Solarte and Russell Martin all had multiple hits, the Blue Jays scored in multiple innings and they had a clean game defensively
  • The AL West race is shaping up to be a doozie between Oakland, Seattle and Houston. I think the Astros will take the AL West title and either the Mariners or A's will be in the second wild card against either the Yankees or Red Sox (likely the Yankees in NY)
  • The season series sweep by the Oakland A's marks the first time the Blue Jays have been swept in a season series (not including interleague) since 1981 when they were swept 4-0 by the Red Sox. It has never happened in a non-strike year, except 3 or 4 game sweeps by interleague teams. It kind of shows how bad the team is this year.
  • Up next, the Blue Jays head to Seattle (and my first MLB game!). The Mariners took 2 of 3 from the Blue Jays back in May, including a no-hitter by James Paxton. Game 1 Thursday sees former Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez pitching against a Blue Jays reliever (maybe John Axford or Carlos Ramirez or Jaime Garcia). Hopefully someone steps up for the game recap tomorrow