Game #2 Detroit Tigers (1-1) @Toronto Blue Jays (1-1) - game recap

Freddy Galvis was 2-3 with a run scored and a pair of RBI as the Blue Jays shut out the Tigers 6-0

After a suboptimal start to the 2019 season, the Blue Jays were back at it, looking to even their record. There were reasons for concern and reasons to have hope. Marcus Stroman had a solid start with seven strong shutout innings. He struck out the side in the 5th inning and retired the side in order in the 3rd. Stroman needs to control his emotions a bit better, as he is prone to getting too jacked up, leading to overthrowing the ball. I still believe he has the arsenal to throw a perfect game in the future. The bad from yesterday's loss was the Blue Jays had just three base runners and no one advanced past 1st base. In fact, one of the two hits never left the infield. The Blue Jays did a good job at making contact, as they only struck out 7 times. Today, the Blue Jays faced ex-prospect Matt Boyd, who was 1-1 with 13 innings, 10 hits, 7 runs (all earned), 4 walks and 10 strikeouts in two starts vs. Toronto last season. The Blue Jays countered with free agent signing Matt Shoemaker. Who won the battle of the Matt's? Could the Blue Jays score their first run of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 4th as Teoscar Hernandez singled scoring Randal Grichuk
• Four batters later, Freddy Galvis hit a bases clearing single scoring Justin Smoak, Heranandez and Billy McKinney
• Matt Boyd pitching line: 5IP 5H 4R (3 earned) 1BB 10K 85 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 7th off a Smoak single that scored Galvis and Luke Maile
• Matt Shoemaker pitching line: 7IP 2H 0R 2BB 7K 87 pitches (59 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Tigers 0

My Take:

• This game appeared to be going the same way as opening day with nine straight Blue Jays recording outs after the lead-off triple by Brandon Drury. However, the bats came alive in the bottom of the 4th, striking for 3 runs on 4 hits and a walk in the inning
• Matt Shoemaker had a strong first start in a Blue Jays uniform. The veteran righty threw seven shutout innings, scattering a pair of hits and surrendering two walks. Shoemaker came into the game having thrown well against the Tigers, so the dominance is no surprise
• Teoscar Hernandez misplayed one ball today, but was otherwise solid.
• A great bounce-back game after a lackluster performance opening day.
• Up next, the opening 4 game series continues with Aaron Sanchez pitching for the first time this season. Health has been a major concern for Sanchez. Hopefully the injuries are behind him.The Tigers will counter with Springer Turnbull, who is reported to have nasty stuff and a good hard fastball. None of the Blue Jays have ever faced the Tigers prospect.