Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Game #159 Baltimore Orioles (52-107) @Toronto Blue Jays (65-94) - game recap

Rowdy Tellez hit a pair of solo HR to lead the Blue Jays to a 3-2 victory over the Orioles

After the Orioles took it to the Blue Jays last night, the Blue Jays were looking to finish off the season series with a win. Jacob Waguespack got his final start of the season (he might be available in relief on the last day if we get an 18-inning marathon). Luke Maile got the start behind the plate. Breyvic Valera started at SS for the second straight day. Bo Bichette may have played his last game of the year (today was his first day being symptom-free. Vlad got the half day off, serving as the DH with Brandon Drury at the hot corner. Randal Grichuk got the full day off with Teoscar Hernandez between Billy McKinney and Derek Fisher in the outfield. Rowdy Tellez was at 1B. Could the Blue Jays send Baltimore packing with another loss? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game highlights:
  • The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st on a leadoff HR by Billy McKinney to right and into the Orioles bullpen
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Rowdy Tellez smacked a solo jack to right-center
  • Gabriel Ynoa pitching line: 4IP 4H 2R (both earned) 2BB 5K 83 pitches (51 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Tellez whacked an opposite-field shot to left
  • Jacob Waguespack pitching line: 6IP 4H 0R 2BB 5K 78 pitches (45 for strikes)
  • The Orioles got one back in the top of the 8th on a ground out by Rio Ruiz that scored Austin Hays
  • Two batters later, DJ Stewart drew a bases loaded walk forcing in Trey Mancini
  • Ken Giles struck out the side in the 9th for his 22nd save of the season
  • Final score: Blue Jays 3 Orioles 2
My take:
  • Jacob Waguespack had a strong final start of the season for the Blue Jays, firing 6 shutout innings, scattering 4 hits, walking a pair and striking out 5. He probably could have gone an extra inning, but it's also good to end the year on a high note. If a crazy 18+ inning takes place on the final day, Waguespack could be available out of the bullpen. Otherwise, he has a strong chance of being in the rotation on a full-time basis next year
  • Rowdy Tellez had a strong game with a pair of home runs. He also struck out twice. Tellez is wasting a golden chance to increase his chances of making the team next year. Smoak's contract is up and he's not likely back. Plus, Tellez is out of options next year and must make the team or be DFA'd
  • Billy McKinney also had a strong game with a HR leading off the game and drawing a pair of walks
  • Some nervous moments in the 8th as the Orioles came close to tying with a hit, 2 walks, a hit by pitch and a ground out where Tellez smartly went for the sure out at 1st base.
  • It's nice to see Ken Giles back to full strength after battling elbow inflammation off and on this season. His slider has been deadly recently and his signature fastball has been sizzling in the high 90's.
  • Up next, after one final off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays open up the final series of the season against the TB Rays, who are fighting for a WC spot. They defeated the Yankees today thanks to Charlie Morton, who had a no-hitter broken up in the 6th. I blame MLB's red no-hitter alert. Heading into today's action, the A's had a 0.5 game lead on the 1st WC spot and the Indians were a half game back of the Rays for the 2nd WC spot. Currently, the Indians are down 8-3 to the White Sox in the bottom of the 7th and the A's/Angels are scoreless in the 2nd. I'll update things once the games are finished for tonight. The AL WC could easily end in a 3-way tie. The Twins could wrap up the AL Central if the White Sox hang on. TJ Zeuch will get his final start for the Blue Jays, unless the team changes it's mind and opts to use Wilmer Font as an opener. The Rays have yet to set their rotation for the final weekend.