Monday, July 22, 2019

Game #102 Cleveland Indians (58-41) @ Toronto Blue Jays (38-64) - game recap

Mike Clevinger threw 7 strong innings as the Indians knocked off the Blue Jays 7-3

It was musical chairs day for the roster. Ryan Borucki came off the IL after missing the first 3 months of the season with an elbow issue. Taking his place and on the 10 day IL with elbow inflammation was Trent Thonton. Perhaps that's why he didn't come back after the hour long rain delay Saturday. The Blue Jays must either put Dalton Pompey on the roster today or let him go. Cavan Biggio was back in the lineup after day off yesterday and playing second base while batting cleanup. Randal Grichuk dropped down to 7th in the batting order. Danny Jansen was also back behind the plate and Justin Smoak was back at 1st base. Could the Blue Jays beat the Indians? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:
  • The Indians opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Francisco Lindor singled home Jason Kipnis and Jake Bauers
  • The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Justin Smoak smoked a solo bomb into the second deck in right-center
  • The Indians added a run in the top of the 3rd as Kipnis singled scoring Jose Ramirez
  • The Indians added a run in the top of the 5th Roberto Perez doubled scoring Kipnis
  • The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom half of the inning as Billy McKinney ripped a 2-run blast down the line and just fair to right also scoring Danny Jansen
  • Ryan Borucki pitching line: 4.2IP 7H 4R (2 earned) 4BB 3K 94 pitches (74 for strikes)
  • The Indians added a run in the top of the 6th as  Oscar Mercado tripled home Tyler Naquin
  • Three batters later, Mercado scored on a sac fly by Jose Ramirez
  • Mike Clevinger pitching line: 7IP 5H 3R (all earned) 2BB 7K 104 pitches (63 for strikes)
  • The Indians added a run in the top of the 8th as Mercado smacked a solo blast to left-center
  • Final score: Indians 7 Blue Jays 3
My Take:
  • Ryan Borucki battled his way through 4.2 innings, allowing 4 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits while walking 4 and striking out 3. His command wasn't the greatest, but come on, it was his first start in the majors this season. He's only been pitching every five days for about 3 weeks. It's like spring training for Borucki. It's going to take him a few starts to get on a roll
  • Not a great day at the office for the Blue Jays, who managed 8 base runners all game (1 hit by pitch, 2 walks and 5 hits, including a pair of HR). Vlad had the best day at the plate with a 2-3 effort, but he was thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double
  • The Blue Jays received more bad news on the injury front as Justin Shafer left the game with an elbow injury. Hopefully the prognosis isn't as bad as it looked, otherwise Shafer could be heading for season-ending Tommy John surgery that could threaten his 2020 season.
  • Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series as Trevor Bauer, a possible trade chip, makes his second to last start before the trade deadline. The Blue Jays will counter with righty Aaron Sanchez, who will be looking to snap a career long 11 game losing streak. He hasn't won since May 17 in Chicago