Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Game #103 Cleveland Indians (58-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-64) - game recap

Justin Smoak drove in both Blue Jays runs, including a huge game-tying HR in the 9th as the Blue Jays came from behind to edge the Indians  2-1 in extra innings

Today's game was brought to you by YouTube. Last season, the MLB had weekly games on Facebook, controversial because it eliminated a part of the fan base that didn't have nor want Facebook. This season, the MLB decided to use YouTube as a platform. Aaron Sanchez was looking to snap an ugly three month long losing streak spanning 15 starts. It wasn't going to easy against a Cleveland Indians team fighting for a wild card spot. Luke Maile got the start behind the plate. Justin Smoak was moved up to 3rd in the lineup. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. got the start of the day off with Billy McKinney in LF. Could the Blue Jays snap the two game losing streak? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:
  • The Indians opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Francisco Lindor singled home Greg Allen
  • Aaron Sanchez pitching line: 5IP 5H 1R (earned) 0BB 6K 80 pitches (53 for strikes)
  • Trevor Bauer pitching line: 7.2IP 3H 0R 3BB 9K 117 pitches (68 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 9th as Justin Smoak smoked a game-tying HR to dead center
  • The Blue Jays walked it off in the bottom of the 10th as Smoak singled home Eric Sogard
  • Final score: Blue Jays 2 Indians 1 (10 innings)
My Take:
  • Aaron Sanchez actually had a strong start, allowing just one run on 5 hits, ZERO walks (first time that's happened in 1,100 days) and striking out 6. It was arguably his best start of the season. Unfortunately, his counterpart Trevor Bauer was even better, tossing 7.2 innings of 3 hit ball, walking 3 and striking out 9. 
  • As mentioned above, the Blue Jays were stymied by Bauer through 7.2 innings. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2-3, 1 walk, just missed a HR), and Justin Smoak (drove in both runs, including a game-tying HR) both had strong games. Freddy Galvis, Randal Grichuk and Teoscar Hernandez had the other three hits today.
  • I liked the experience of watching this game on YouTube. Comment below on your impressions
  • Up next, Marcus Stroman's likely final start in a Blue Jays uniform. I just don't see the Blue Jays risking another start so close to the deadline. Stroman could even be gone by the weekend. The A's, Braves, Twins and Yankees are all possible landing spots for Stroman. The Indians will counter with righty Shane Bieber (no relation to Justin Bieber)