Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Game #110 Toronto Blue Jays (43-67) @ Kansas City Royals (40-70) - game recap

Bo Bichette had a big day at the plate with a 3-5 effort, including his first career HR as the Blue Jays came  from behind to defeat the Royals 4-1

As somewhat expected, the Blue Jays took the first two games of this series against a Royals team that's worse than the Blue Jays (though both teams are pretty bad). Today is trade deadline day. As I type this preamble at quarter after eight my time, squat has happened as far as trades go for the Blue Jays or anyone else. Both Freddy Galvis (as DH as he is still nursing lower back stiffness) and Justin Smoak are in the lineup. One or both could be moved during the game. On the mound, it's a battle of the Jacob's today with Waguespack going for the Blue Jays and Jakob Junis on the bump for the Royals. Not surprisingly, Reese McGuire is behind the plate with the quick turnaround between games. Vlad got the complete day off despite a big day at the plate yesterday. Daniel Hudson was traded to the Nationals in exchange for their 27th ranked prospect Kyle Johnson. Could the Blue Jays sweep the Royals? It was also learned before the game that Ryan Borucki is heading back on the 10 day IL with elbow inflammation. Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:
  • The Royals opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Cam Gallaghrt smacked a solo HR over the wall in left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
  • The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the top of the 6th as Justin Smoak singled home Cavan Biggio
  • The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 7th as Freddy Galvis smack a solo shot to dead center
  • Jacob Waguespack pitching line: 6IP 3H 1R (earned) 2BB 2K 76 pitches (48 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Bo Bichette slammed the ball over the wall in straightaway center for his first career HR
  • Two batters later, Teoscar Hernandez doubled home Biggio
  • Jakob Junis pitching line: 7IP 6H 4R (all earned) 2BB 6K 92 pitches (64 for strikes)
  • Justin Shafer pitched a perfect 9th for his 1st save of the season
  • Final score: Blue Jays 4 Royals 1
My Take:
  • The Blue Jays got some bad news during the game as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was removed from the game after landing awkwardly diving for a ball.
  • Jacob Waguespack had a strong start, allowing one run on three hits while walking 2 and striking out a pair. Waguespack should be thanking the defenders and baseball gods because there were several hard hit balls that landed in Blue Jay gloves for outs.
  • Bo Bichette continues to swing a hot stick. He was 3-5, including his first career HR and he's all mine in the fantasy league. Heh heh heh.
  • The bullpen threw three perfect innings. 
  • Every starter but Randal Grichuk and Billy McKinney got on base at least once.
  • Really liking the late rallies this season
  • Up next, the Blue Jays head to Baltimore to begin a four game series. Who else will be traveling elsewhere. Justin Smoak, Ken Giles, Freddy Galvis, and Aaron Sanchez have all been in trade rumors this week. Neither team has set the rotation for tomorrow yet pending trades. It's possible it could be a bullpen day with Sammy G starting.