Game #6 Washington Nationals (2-4) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-3) - game recap

Nate Pearson tossed 5 shutout innings in a losing effort as the Blue jays were defeated 4-0 in 10 innings by the Nationals 

The Toronto Blue Jays have looked like a playoff contender this week with two huge wins over the defending world series champs. Tonight, Nate Pearson made his MLB debut, after shamelessly having his service time manipulated and starting the season on the taxi squad. Pearson was roughed up in the first inning of the first exhibition game in Boston a week ago, but settled down after that. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate after a night off last night.. Bongo moved back to his natural position at 2B with Derek Fisher getting the start in right field. Glad was also back in the field playing 1B with Rowdy Tellez DH'ing. Joe Panik switched positions for the third straight day, playing the hot corner tonight. Could the Blue Jays make it there since in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game highlights:

• Nate Pearson pitching line: 5IP 2H 0R 2BB 5K 75 pitches (48 for strikes)
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 7.1IP 3H 0R 3BB 10K 112 pitches (70 for strikes)
• The Nats opened the scoring in the top of the 10th on an infield single by Adam Eaton that scored Emilio Bonifacio. Cavan Biggio was unable to beat Adam Stevenson to the 2nd base bag. Had he done so, it would have ended the inning
• The next batter, Asdrubal Cabrera lined a triple off the glove of Vladimir Guerrero  Jr. scoring Carter Kieboom, Stevenson and Eaton
• Final score: Nationals 4 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Nate Pearson tossed 5 shutout innings in his MLB debut, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks. His fastball topped out at a sizzling 98.7MPH. Unfortunately, he was facing a three time Cy Young winner, who sure pitched like one today. 
• It's time to stop alternating Vlad between DH and 1B and let him get the practice he so needs. He misplayed  a liner in the 10th that cleared the bases and really put the game out of reach for the Blue Jays. In a 60 game season, you can ill afford to give away games.
• Another thing I want to address is the bullpen. There was lots of harping about Charlie Montoyo's management of the bullpen in the game thread. Guess what? He has zero control over how an individual pitcher performs when called upon. He can only work with what he is given. Also, AJ Cole pitched 2 days in a row, Giles is injured, Borucki pitched Monday (with all the elbow issues he had last year, you can bet the Blue Jays will be extra cautious about his usage this season). Don't forget, the Blue Jays have a double header Saturday. Yes, there's an off-day Friday, but still, some relievers could see action in both games, especially if the starting pitchers still can't pitch past the 5th or one or both games see extra innings
• Up next, the Blue Jays wrap up this series, still going for the series win after taking the first 2 games. Lefty Hyun-jin Ryu makes his second start of the season against Nats righty Erick Fedde.