Game #49 Boston Red Sox (26-23) @ Toronto Blue Jays (20-29) - game recap

Michael Chavis hit a go-ahead solo shot in the top of the 13th as the Red Sox edged the Blue Jays 6-5

After each team, won by a rout the first 2 games of the series, the Blue Jays and Red Sox were back at it for round three. Aaron Sanchez started after leaving his last start early with more blister problems. Some potentially bad news emerged this morning when it was announced that Ryan Tepera was seeking the advice of an elbow specialist. He was placed on the IL with right elbow impingement yesterday. The injury news is concerning because this is the second issue Tepera's had with the elbow this season (he was forced to miss the first couple of weeks with an elbow strain sustained in spring training). Worst case, Tepera is heading for TJ surgery, which would effectively end his season and delay the start of next season more than likely. Tepera has struggled this season with an 0-2 record and a 6.55 ERA in 12 appearances. Eric Sogard was back in the lineup after missing a couple of days with a sprained thumb. Could the Blue Jays make it two in a row against their hated rivals? Here is tonight\s game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Red Sox opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Mitch Moreland singled home Jackie Bradley Jr.
• A batter later, Xander Bogaerts slapped one the other way scoring Mookie Betts
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 4th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. crushed a bomb into the second deck dead center for his first HR in front of the home fans.
• Aaron Sanchez pitching line 6IP 4H 2R (both earned) 5K 91 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Red Sox added a run in the top of the 7th as Bradley Jr. scored on a ground out by Moreland
• Rick Porcello pitching line: 6IP 3H 1R (earned) 0BB 4K 80 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 7th on a bases loaded walk by Luke Maile that forced in Freddy Galvis
• The Red Sox added a run in the top of the 8th as Rafael Devers hit an opposite-field shot to left
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Justin Smoak smoked a screamer off the back wall of the Red Sox bullpen
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 9th as Danny Jansen singled home Billy McKinley
• The Red Sox took the lead in the top of the 12th as Betts hammered one to dead center
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Rowdy Tellez smashed one to dead center
• The Red Sox took the lead in the top of the 13th as Michael Chavis crushed one to dead center
• Final score: Red Sox 6 Blue Jays 5

My Take:

• This almost feels like an afterthought the way the game progressed, but Aaron Sanchez had a solid effort tonight giving up a pair of runs on 4 hits and a pair of walks. More importantly, he was able to throw 91 pitches without a blister issue arising. He should be ok next start too, as he'll be in the tropical climate that is Tampa Bay (his next start should be the opener of that series).
• Congrats to Vlad for his first home run at the Rogers Center.
• The Blue Jays got a couple of clutch performances late tonight. Danny Jansen sent the game to extra innings with an RBI single. Rowdy Tellez extended the game in the 12th with a HR. Tellez and Jansen both represented the Blue Jays last chance and both came through
• Due to the bench being empty, we saw some interesting defensive assignments with Richard Urena and Brandon Drury, both traditional infielders, playing the corner outfield positions, and Billy McKinney was at first base for the game's final three innings. McKinney's switch was more intriguing if later in the year Smoak is traded. McKinney could see time at first base when Tellez needs a day off.
• It's unfortunate that so many relievers were used tonight, because tomorrow is slated to be a bullpen day. Likely the Blue Jays will opt to start Sam Gaviglio or Daniel Hudson. They may opt to recall someone from Buffalo too. Don't be surprised if a position player pitches if the game gets out of hand, good or bad.
• It will also be interesting to see who starts in the field tomorrow. I suspect Rowdy Tellez will get the start at 1B with Guerrero Jr. or Smoak serving as the DH. Both catchers played today so it's a coin toss there. Don't be surprised if Charlie Montoyo opts to sit Guerrero Jr. with the short turnaround.
• Up next, the Blue Jays wrap up this four game series vs. the Red Sox with a matinee. Both the Red Sox and Blue Jays will be using starters not expected to go deep in the game tomorrow. The Red Sox will start righty Ryan Weber, who threw 63 pitches over 4 innings in his most recent outing. This will be his first start of the season. The Blue Jays, as mentioned in the points above were supposed to have a bullpen day. However, with so many relievers used tonight, it will be interested to see who starts and who is available to pitch tomorrow.