Sunday, August 19, 2018

Game #124 New York Yankees (55-69) @ Toronto Blue Jays (78-46) - game recap

Greg Bird hit a first inning grand slam as the Yankees routed the Blue Jays 10-2 to complete the series sweep

The Blue Jays faced old teammate JA Happ today, who has had produced three quality starts since the trade to the Bronx bombers. Ryan Borucki was looking to bounce back after a rough outing where he was knocked around for 4 runs on 6 hits and he walked 4 batters. He had a foot blister that may have affected his delivery. Could he bounce back and did the Blue Jays get to Happ and the mighty Yankees bullpen? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights

  • The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 1st as Randal Grichuk hit a solo HR to left-center
  • The Yankees tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Miguel Andujar Singled, scoring Aaron Hicks
  • A batter later, Didi Gregorus singled home Giancarlo Stanton
  • Two batters later, Greg Bird hit a grand slam scoring Andujar, Gregorius and Gleyber Torres
  • Ryan Borucki pitching line: 0.2IP 4H 6R (all earned) 2BB 0K 44 pitches (27 for strikes) 
  • The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Kevin Pillar doubled home Kendrys Morales
  • JA Happ pitching line: 5.1IP 7H 2R (both earned) 1BB 8K 103 pitches (70 for strikes)
  • The Yankees added another run in the bottom of the 6th as Stanton singled, scoring Brett Gardner
  • The next batter, Andujar hit into a fielder's choice that scored Aaron Hicks
  • Four batters later, Kyle Higashioka singled home Torres and Ronald Torreyes 
  • Final score: Yankees 10 Blue Jays 2 
My Take

  • Ryan Borucki had the worst start of his young career, not being able to get out of the first inning. He walked the first two batters he faced, then gave up a single followed by a pair of infield singles and capped off by a grand slam (all occurring before he recorded an out). In fact, it took Borucki 37 pitches to record his first out. He would throw a further seven pitches before being removed from the game. One has to wonder if that foot blister was bothering him more than he was letting on. Don't be surprised if Borucki joins Stroman on the DL.
  • This one was basically over after the 1st inning. Against the Yankees pitching staff, it's difficult to come back after spotting them a five run lead 
  • Danny Jansen extended his hitting streak to 5 games
  • Kevin Pillar, Kendrys Morales and Randal Gruchuk all had multi-hit games
  • John Gibbons was ejected in the bottom of the 6th for arguing an earlier call that went against the Blue Jays on a challenge. 
  • Up next, the Blue Jays face their favourite punching bag as the Baltimore Orioles roll in for a three game set beginning Monday. Marco Estrada starts what could be his final game in a Blue Jays uniform against an unannounced Orioles starter. The Blue Jays will be looking to snap a four game losing streak and extend the Orioles losing streak to two. Fun fact: if the Orioles lose tomorrow, they will have as many losses as the Red Sox have wins (88).