Sunday, August 12, 2018

Game #117 Tampa Bay Rays (60-58) @ Toronto Blue Jays (53-64) - game recap

Kevin Pillar scored the game-winning run on a heads-up base running move touching the plate just ahead of the tag as the Blue Jays edged the Rays 2-1 to avoid the series sweep.

Welp, the first 2 game of this series went sub-optimally. Today, the Blue Blue recalled their top catching prospect Danny Jansen, who will likely be behind the plate for Sean Reid-Foley's MLB debut Monday in Kansas City. Marcus Stroman made the scheduled start, despite a blister problem that is affecting him when he throws a slider. How long did Stroman last today and did he get any run support? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights

  • The Rays took the lead in the top of the 4th as Willy Adames singled home Joey Wendle
  • Marcus Stroman pitching line: 5IP 5H 1R (earned) 1BB 2K 76 pitches (46 for strikes)
  • Tyler Glasnow pitching line: 5IP 2H 1R (earned) 2BB 6K 79 pitches (48 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays tied the game in the bottom of the 6th as Devon Travis singled to center scoring Luke Maile
  • Two batters later, Kevin Pillar scored the winning run on a heads up play where he broke for home as soon as Rays catcher Michael Perez threw the ball hit two feet in front of home plate to first. Pillar just beat the throw back to reliever Ryne Stanek
  • Ken Giles pitched a perfect 9th for his 13th save of the season
  • Final score: Blue Jays 2 Rays 1
My Take

  • Marcus Stroman deserved to leave with the lead. He pitched well enough to win, scattering 5 hits over 5 innings and allowing just one run. Unfortunately Stroman was forced to leave the game after the 5th inning when the blister broke open. On camera, the blister looked sizable and it wouldn't surprise me if Stroman was forced to miss at least one start.
  • Key play in the bottom of the 6th: Kevin Pillar scored the winning run on a ball that was hit 2 feet in front of home plate. Catcher Michael Perez threw to first base to get the out and Pillar broke as soon as the ball was released. Replay upheld the safe call as it was inconclusive whether or not Ryne Stamen had tagged Pillar prior to him touching home plate 
  • The bullpen was rock solid again giving up just a single and a walk (both by Danny Barnes) over 4 innings). Ken Giles needed just 9 pitches to pick up the save.
  • The offence did just enough to eke out a victory today and you could say they got lucky with that victory too. If Pillar had hesitated for a second, he would have been out at home.
  • Up next, the Blue Jays head to Kansas City to begin a 4-game series in hot, hot weather. Righty Sean Reid-Foley will make his major league debut, likely alongside battery mate Danny Jansen. The Royals will counter with right-hander Brad Keller.