Friday, April 23, 2021

Game #19 Toronto Blue Jays (9-10) @ Tampa Bay Rays (10-10) - game recap

 

Marcus Semien cranked a 1st inning 3-run HR in a 5-3 victory by the Blue Jays over the Rays

The Blue Jays continued the road trip opening a weekend series vs. the Rays. Last season, the Rays took 6 of the 10 games of the regular season series, but the Blue Jays outscored the Rays 48-44. The Rays also swept the Blue Jays 2-0 in the WC series. It was the Blue Jays 1st time making the postseason since 2016 when they were eliminated in 5 games by the WS runners-up Cleveland Indians. Tonight featured a battle of pitchers off to hot starts. Steven Matz won his first three starts and last start he took a no-hitter into the 6th inning before giving up a pair of runs on a 2-run HR by Salvador Perez. Tyler Glasnow came into tonight's tilt with a 2-0 record and a sparkling 0.73ERA. Tyler Chatwood was activated from the 10-day IL, Travis Bergen was recalled from the Alternate training site. Anthony Kay was optioned to the aternate training site. Tanner Roark was placed on the family medical emergency list. Cavan Biggio got the start in RF. Rowdy Tellez served as DH tonight. Joe Panik was at the hot corner and Randal Grichuk was in CF. Could the Blue Jays make it two wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

  • The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Rowdy Tellez doubled home Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
  • Two batters later, Marcus Semien whacked a three-run blast to dead center also scoring Randal Grichuk and Tellez
  • The Rays got three runs back in the bottom of the 5th on a three-run bomb to dead center by Randy Arozarena that also scored Kevin Kiermaier and Yandy Diaz
  • Steven Matz pitching line: 5IP 5H 3R (all earned) 2BB 7K 87 pitches (59 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as Grichuk smashed a solo blast to dead center 
  • Tyler Glasnow pitching line: 6IP 5H 5R (all earned) 2BB 10K 94 pitches (62 for strikes)
  • Rafael Dolis pitched a perfect 9th for his 1st save of the season
  • Final score: Blue Jays 5 Rays 3

My Take:

  • Steven Matz had his roughest start in a Blue Jays uniform. He allowed 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 7. The big hit was the 3-run blast in the 5th that whittled the lead to a run. The Rays got lots of hard contact against the south paw, who did not have his best stuff. He was pitching on 4 days rest, although he only threw 82 pitches Monday
  • Tyler Chatwood threw an inning in relief in his return from a strained triceps muscle, walking 1 and striking out 1
  • The middle of the lineup did the damage offensively, highlighted by a Marcus Semien 3-run shot that gave the Blue Jays a 4-0 cushion, that would hold up in the end. Randal Grichuk provided an insurance run in the 6th with a solo shot to center
  • Danny Jansen was 0-3 with 2 strikeouts today, dropping his average to .054. To put into perspective, even Ryan Dempster, who had a notoriously bad swing in his playing days, had a better career average (.099). If this continues, the Blue Jays may play Alejandro Kirk more or look to get another catcher.
  • Up next, the Blue Jays continue the weekend series in Tampa Bay. Robbie Ray will be looking for a better outing than last Sunday, when he walked a career-high six batters. The Rays will counter with righty Brent Honeywell Jr.