Game #24 San Francisco Giants (10-14) @ Toronto Blue Jays (11-13) - game recap

Rowdy Tellez hit his first career grand slam in a losing effort as the Blue jays were edged by the Giants 7-6

The San Francisco Giants and Kevin Pillar made their quick two game trip to Toronto this evening. Vladimir Guerrero Jr was not recalled by the Blue Jays for this game. This might have been for the better because had he been recalled, Pillar's  return to Toronto would have been overshadowed. Besides, Guerrero Jr. has only played six games so far, and the team wants him to work on defense away from 3rd Base, which may be better accomplished playing at a lower level. Some good news and bad news to report on the injury front. Number two prospect Bo Bichette fractured his hand on a hit by pitch last night and is seeking a second opinion. He'll likely miss a good month at minimum. The two pieces of good news are Aaron Sanchez is expected to make his next start, despite leaving his last start with a broken fingernail. Freddy Galvis was held out of the starting lineup with a sore hamstring that he injured in the ninth inning Sunday. Trent Thornton was still looking for his first MLB win. Luke Maile was behind the plate and Socrates Brito got the start in CF. Could the Blue Jays ruin Pillar's return and beat the Giants? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Giants opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Kevin Pillar singled home Pablo Sandoval
• A batter later, Joe Panik doubled scoring Brandon Crawford and Pillar
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Socrates Brito tripled home Rowdy Tellez
• The Giants added a run in the top of the 5th as Panik smacked a solo shot to right-center
• Trent Thornton pitching line: 5IP 6H 4R (all earned) 0BB 5K 83 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Giants added a run in the top of the 6th as Evan Longria crushed a solo bomb to straightaway center
• Jeff Samardzija pitching line: 5.1IP 5H 2R (both earned) 1BB 4K 85 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Eric Sogard smacked a solo shot to right
• The Giants added a run in the top of the 8th as Brandon Belt belted one into the 2nd deck in right
• Two batters later, Sandoval golfed one just over the wall in center
• The Blue Jays got back four runs in the bottom half of the inning as Tellez tattooed a grand slam to right-center scoring Sogard, Richard Urena and Randal Grichuk
• Will Smith pitched a perfect 9th for his 6th save of the season
• Final score: Giants 7 Blue Jays 6

My Take:

• Trent Thornton battled through five innings, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits while striking out 5. He didn't have is best stuff, but he avoided walking a batter, which is a positive. Thornton is likely to remain in the rotation in the foreseeable future with the injured starters (Borucki and Richards) not close to a return). 
• Strikeouts were a problem again as the Blue Jays struck out 13 times, including twice in the games final half inning. I like that the players are trying to swing with two strikes more.
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for the series split in a battle of ex-Red Sox pitchers. Righty Clay Buchholz will be making his 3rd start in a Blue Jays uniform against Giants lefty Drew Pomeranz, who is still seeking his first W of the season