Sunday, July 7, 2019

Game #91 Baltimore Orioles (27-62) @ Toronto Blue Jays (34-57) - game recap

Trent Thornton threw six shutout innings as the Blue Jays knocked off the Orioles 6-1

Well, Orioles pitching has been the story of the series with both Dylan Bundy and Andrew Cashner pitching into the 7th inning and both tossed 3-hitters. The Orioles also got timely hitting and deserve to have the series win. Today, the Blue Jays were looking to avoid the series and go into the all-star break feeling somewhat good about themselves. Same lineup as yesterday, except Danny Jansen was back behind the plate and Rowdy Tellez served as the DH. Vlad moved down three spots in the lineup to take a bit of pressure off him and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. slid into the #2 hole in the lineup. Could the Blue Jays beat the lowly Baltimore Orioles? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:
  • The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. crushed a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Freddy Galvis
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Danny Jansen doubled home Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
  • Ashton Wojciechowski pitching line: 4.1IP 4H 3R (all earned) 3BB 6K 80 pitches (53 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Rowdy Tellez doubled scoring Guerrero Jr.
  • A batter later, Teoscar Hernandez singled home Justin Smoak and Tellez
  • Trent Thornton pitching line: 6IP 3H 0R 0BB 5K 89 pitches (63 for strikes)
  • The Orioles got one back in the top of the 7th as Chance Sisco smacked a solo shot to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
  • Final score: Blue Jays 6 Orioles 1
My Take:
  • Trent Thornton was excellent, tossing 6 innings of 3 hit ball. I've said it time and time again this season, but bullpen management has been suspect. Thornton was at 89 pitches, did not appear to be laboring. I would have let him at least start the 7th and had David Phelps warming up behind him in case he ran into trouble. At the end of the day, you have to think long term. The Blue Jays have a stretch of ten straight days without an off day coming out of the all-star break. Thornton's not expected to pitch for 8 days so plenty of time to rest between starts.
  • The Blue Jays struck early courtesy of a two-run blast off the bat of Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Danny Jansen continued to swing a hot stick with another 2 hits today and knocking in one run. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also had a couple of hits and scored twice. He now heads to Cleveland where he will be the first Blue Jays rookie to compete in the HR derby. Marcus Stroman, who will not play in the All-star game will join Vlad repping the Blue Jays in Cleveland.
  • Up next, after the all-star break, the Blue Jays hit the road in New York. Aaron Sanchez is expected to start the first game of the series. The Yankees will likely counter with either JA Happ or James Paxton. The Blue Jays were swept two weeks ago at Yankee Stadium.
  • Enjoy the break guys. I'm taking a few days off blogging until the next recap. My weekly random thoughts post is done and in the queue for tomorrow morning.