Sunday, April 21, 2019

Game #23 Toronto Blue Jays (11-12) @ Oakland A's (11-13) - game recap

Justin Smoak was 4-5 with a pair of RBI and a run scored as the Blue Jays edged the A's 5-4

The Blue Jays rallied nicely behind injured starter Matt Shoemaker, putting together a big five run inning to ensure the team would win for him. As expected, Matt Shoemaker was placed on the 10 day IL with Richard Urena keeping the seat warm for Vlad's debut next week. Aaron Sanchez got the start, looking to continue his strong start to the season. The Blue Jays were looking for their first series sweep since sweeping Baltimore August 20-22 last season. Could the Blue Jays end the road trip victorious? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:
  • The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Alen Hanson singled home Rowdy Tellez
  • Two batters later, Randal Grichuk singled scoring Hanson. A's starter Brett Anderson injured his ankle on the play stumbling awkwardly off the mound
  • Brett Anderson pitching line: 2.2IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 2K 42 pitches (30 for strikes)
  • The A's got one back in the bottom of the 4th as Marcus Semien scored on a double play ball hit by Kendrys Morales
  • Aaron Sanchez pitching line: 4IP 2H 1R (earned) 3BB 2K 59 pitches (35 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as Brandon Drury scored on a sac fly by Tellez
  • The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 7th as Justin Smoak smoked a 2-run bomb to right-center, also scoring Freddy Galvis
  • The A's got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Semien singled scoring Ramon Laureano
  • A batter later, Robbie Grossman scored on a sac fly by Matt Chapman
  • A batter later Khris Davis singled home Semien
  • Ken Giles got the final 4 outs for his 7th save of the season
  • Final score: Blue Jays 5 A's 4
My Take:
  • Both starting pitchers were knocked out early by injuries. Brett Anderson left in the 3rd inning after twisting an ankle stumbling off the mound after a ground ball. Aaron Sanchez was done after four innings after breaking a fingernail. Sanchez didn't have his best stuff today, barely getting strikes on half his pitches. The righty walked three batters and had a ton of deep counts. Expect Sanchez to go on the 10 day IL tomorrow.
  • Once again, the Blue Jays executed the first two runs on small ball plays. First, Billy McKinney moved the runners ahead with a sac bunt and Grichuk singled home a run on the next AB. Then, the Blue Jays executed a perfect double steal, which was followed by another run-scoring single. More please.
  • The Blue Jays made a pair of good plaus defensively. Aaron Sanchez picked off Matt Chapman at second base to end the 1st inning. Teoscar Hernandez gunned down Laureano at 1st base for an inning-ending double play.
  • Great win to end a great road trip. 6 wins in 7 games? I'll take that every week thank you very much.
  • Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays open a quick two-gamer against the San Francisco Giants. Kevin Pillar makes his return to Toronto after the trade to SF two weeks ago. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could make his MLB debut in this one if the rumors are true. Trent Thornton will be trying for his first career win. The Giants will be starting righty Jeff Samardzija. Who will get the loudest cheer: Pillar or Guerrero Jr.?