Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Game #5 Toronto Blue Jays (3-2) @ Washington Nationals (1-4) - game recap

Tanner Roark pitched 5 strong innings as the Blue Jays knocked off the Nationals 5-1

After a solid victory over the Defending World series Champs on the back of 4 solo shots and a lights out performance over the game's final five innings by the bullpen, the Blue Jays were looking to make it two in a row for the first time this season. Tanner Roark made his Blue Jays debut tonight. Randal Grichuk and Bo Bichette remain out with minor injuries, so players were shuffled around. Cavan Biggio moved to Right field for the 8th start of his career at that position, Joe Panik moved to 2B after starting at SS last night, Danny Espinal got his second big league start - first as a SS and Vlad got another half day off, serving as the DH, with Rowdy Tellez at 1B. Reese McGuire got his second start of the season behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays make it a two game winning streak? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:

  • The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 2nd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. lined a solo shot to left-center 
  • The Nationals tied thew game in the bottom of the 3rd as Adam Eaton singled home Trea Turner
  • The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 4th as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hammered a solo bomb to dead center
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Teoscar Hernandez singled home Joe Panik
  • Austin Voth pitching line: 5IP 4H 3R (2 earned) 0BB 2K 70 pitches (45 for strikes)
  • Tanner Roark pitching line: 5IP 3H 1R (earned) 0BB 5K 73 pitches (47 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays added 2 runs in the top of the 8th as Rowdy Tellez singled scoring Cavan Biggio and Hernandez
  • Final score: Blue Jays 5 Nationals 1

My Take: 

  • The Blue Jays couldn't have asked for a better debut from Tanner Roark. Facing his old team, Roark allowed just one run on three hits while striking out 5. He retired the first five batters he faced before allowing a two out single. 
  • The bullpen was also excellent, allowing just a walk and a 9th inning double that was stranded while striking out 
  • One area the Blue Jays have struggled with early on this season is converting with runners on base/in scoring position. It was great to see Tellez come through with a huge clutch 2 out single with the bases jammed in the 8th. It gave the Blue Jays a 4 run cushion and allowed the relievers to relax a bit and not stress as much over every pitch
  • Early on, it's looking like the Blue Jays offense could live and die by the long ball. Two more solo shots went yard today.
  • Up next, the Blue Jays debut flame thrower Nate Pearson, who will face three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer. The 36-year-old righty probably represents the toughest pitching match-up so far this season for Blue Jays batters. It will be the first "home" game for the Blue Jays. They will remain in Washington, but bat last the next 2 games.