Game #14 Miami Marlins (7-4) @ Toronto Blue Jays (6-8) - game recap

 

Travis Shaw knocked in the winning run as the Blue Jays knocked off the Marlins 5-4 in 10 innings for their first extra innings win of the season 

After a marathon 21 day road trip, the Blue Jays FINALLY returned to their temporary home in Buffalo. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, Danny Jansen, Reese McGuire, Randal Grichuk, Teoscar Hernandez, Anthony Alford, Santiago Espinal, Billy McKinney, Sam Gaviglio, Jacob Waguespack, Nate Pearson, Wilmer Font, Jordan Romano, Anthony Kay, and Ryan Borucki have all played at least a couple of games for the Buffalo Bisons either as the final stop in their minor careers or as a rehab stint, so most of the team will be familiar with their home city and ball park.The Blue Jays were wearing their 3rd jersey's (baby blue) for the unofficial home opener. Hyun-jin Ryu got the start today, looking to build off a solid start last Tuesday. The usual suspects in your typical every day Blue Jays lineup, except Joe Panik served as the DH today. Danny Jansen was also back behind the plate after having Sunday off and Vlad was back in the field as 1B after DH'ing Sunday. Could the Blue Jays win their unofficial home opener in their temporary new home? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Marlins took the lead in the top of the 3rd as Brian Anderson lined a solo shot to left
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 6th on a three-run blast to left by Bo Bichette, also scoring Danny Jansen and Cavan Biggio
• Elieser Hernandez pitching line: 5.1IP 4H 3R (all earned) 1BB 5K 82 pitches (53 for strikes)
• Hyun-jin Ryu pitching line: 6IP 2H 1R (earned) 2BB 7K 92 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Biggio singled home Randal Grichuk
• The Marlins tied the game in the top of the 9th as Francisco Cervelli cranked a three-run blast to left-center; also scoring Jon Berti and Anderson
• The Blue Jays walked it off in the bottom of the 10th as Travis Shaw lined a single to right scoring Anthony Alford
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Marlins 4

My take:

•  A starter NOT named Matt Shoemaker managed to pitch into the 6th inning. Hyun-jin Ryu had his best start in a Blue Jays uniform, firing 6 strong innings, allowing just one run on 2 hits while walking 2 and striking out three. More important, he was pretty economical with his pitches and just four batters worked him to a full count. Ryu has proven to be a smart off-season signing by the Blue Jays. Hopefully he can maintain the consistency over the length of the 4-year deal
• Offensively, the Blue Jays got some timely hitting with Bo Bichette putting the Blue Jays in the lead with a 3-run blast. Cavan Biggio singled home an insurance run the next inning. The Blue Jays had a great approach in the 10th with Danny Jansen advancing the runner with a perfect sac bunt and the next two batters drawing walks (one intentional and one not) then Shaw came throw with a clutch single
• The bullpen blew the save today, after a strong week last week. Anthony Bass put himself in a tough position, getting behind Cervelli with 3 straight balls. A lot of times, managers give veterans the green light to swing at the pitch on a 3-0 count. Also, a lot of times, the batter will let thar pitch go, knowing that he has 2 more strikes if the next pitch is a strike. A lot  of times, the pitcher is just trying to throw a strike on a 3-0 count, so the pitch is a meatball down the middle. To be honest, I'm surprised more batters don't swing on a 3-0 count with the pitch likely being a desirable one to hit.
• Joe Panik and Travis Shaw were the only Blue Jays batters in today's lineup who had never played in Buffalo. They had 1 hit (Shaw's game-winning single) in 8AB combined
• AJ  Cole got his first win in a Blue Jays uniform, pitching the final 1.1 innings
• Up next, the Blue Jays look for their first series win and sweep as they wrap  up this short two game series. Nate Pearson gets his 3rd career start. The Marlins will counter with Hawaiian-born righty Jordan Yamamoto