Hyun Jin Ryu allowed just one hit and 3 walks in five solid shutout innings to earn his first regular season win in a Blue Jays uniform in a 2-1 victory over the Braves
After an ugly game yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to rebound and snap a 3-game losing streak. Hyun-Jin Ryu was also looking to rebound after getting knocked around in his second start as a Blue Jay. Pretty much the same lineup as yesterday, except Randal Grichuk had the half day off as DH (probably a precaution coming off with Grichuk coming off an injury), Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was in LF after serving as DH yesterday, and Anthony Alford went one position to the left (his left) to play center field after playing in LF yesterday. Could the Blue Jays rebound from a bad day yesterday? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. scored on a sac fly by Danny Jansen
- The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Cavan Biggio singled home Bo Bichette
- Sean Newcomb pitching line: 4.2IP 5H 2R (both earned)1BB 4K 92 pitches (58 for strikes)
- Hyun-Jin Ryu pitching line: 6IP 1H 0R 3BB 8K 84 pitches (52 for strikes)
- The Braves got one back in the bottom of the of the 7th as Adam Duvall cranked a solo blast to right-center
- Anthony Bass pitched a scoreless 9th for his 2nd save of the season
- Final score: Blue Jays 2 Braves 1
My Take:
- Hyun-jin Ryu had a strong rebound game after a rough outing last time out. He allowed just one hit, while walking three and striking out 8 over 5 solid innings. Ryu still needs to work through his command issues as he had a lot of deep counts, which drove up his pitching count. To my eye, there seems to be some inconsistency with his delivery pitch to pitch and perhaps his release point is a tad off. He now has, at least, 5 days to work on things.
- The bullpen was excellent tonight, allowing just a solo HR in the 7th and a single and walk in the 9th. It looks like Anthony Bass will be the closer while Giles is out. He throws almost as hard as Giles (topped out at 96MPH tonight.
- Vlad is having better AB's and is looking better in the field this week.
- Joe Panik might be a better option at 3B than Brandon Drury, who is batting a miserable .095 and gets on base less than a third of the time. He also mishandled a rather routine grounder, forcing Ryu to face an extra batter.
- Up next, the Blue Jays wrap up the series with Atlanta, turning to Nate Pearson, who makes his second career start. The Braves will counter with righty Touki Toussaint, as the Braves try to find some reliable starters who can eat some innings.
