Saturday, April 3, 2021

Game #2 Toronto Blue Jays (1-1) @ NY Yankees (1-1) - game recap

 

Marcus Semien went 2-4 with 2 RBI and a run scored in a losing effort as the Yankees knocked off the Blue Jays 5-3

After a strong come from behind win that saw Julian Merryweather notch his first career save and come a pitch from an immaculate inning (striking out the side on 9 pitches), the Blue Jays continued the season opening series at Yankee Stadium. Ross Stripling, who was 0-2 with a 6.32ERA in 5 starts for the Blue Jays after being acquired at the trade deadline last season, got his first start of the season. The Blue Jays fielded the same lineup as opening day, a rarity in baseball. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 in a row to start the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

  • The Yankees opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd on an infield single by DJ LeMahieu that scored Gio Urshela
  • The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of th e3rd on a throwing error by Gary Sanchez that scored Danny Jansen. Marcus Semien was credited with a stolen base on the play and Cavan Biggio struck out looking
  • The Yankees took the lead in the bottom of the 4th as Gary Sanchez whacked a solo shot to left
  • Five batters later, Aaron Hicks singled home Clint Frazier
  • Ross Stripling pitching line: 3.1IP 7H 3R (all earned) 2BB 5K 77 pitches (49 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays got a run back in the top of the 5th as Semien cranked a solo blast to left
  • Corey Kluber pitching line: 4IP 5H 2R (1 earned) 3BB 5K 74 pitches (45 for strikes)
  • The Ysnkees added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 6th as Jay Bruce singled scoring LeMahieu and Giancarlo Stanton
  • The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 7th on a ground out by Semien that scored Randal Grichuk
  • Chad Green got the final 4 outs for his 1st save of the season
  • Final score: Yankees 5 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

  • Ross Stripling pitched his way in and out of trouble over 3.1 innings allowing 3 runs (all earned) on 7 hits wile waling 2 and striking out 5. He only went to a full count once. He got 2 batters out on the first pitch. ERA is a bit inflated but will go down as he accrues more innings
  • After going 0-5 on Friday, Marcus Semien had a much better day with a 2-4 effort, scoring once, driving in one and forcing a bad throw on his first steal that led to another run
  • The Blue Jays were a dismal 1-12 with runners in scoring position
  • I want to address the fact that Joe Panik pinch hit instead of Alejandro Kirk. I think Monty wanted to played the percentages with a lefty batter. Kirk bats right and Chad Green throws right, whereas Panik bats left. Besides, Panik is supposed to be a pro ball player and should be able to execute in any situation
  • Tim Mayza pitched in his first regular season game after missing 2 seasons with Tommy John surgery. He gave up a single and struck out 2 in an inning of work
  • Rafael Dolis had a rough outing walking 3, giving up a pair of runs in 0.2 innings
  • Every Blue Jays batter except Rowdy Tellez and Danny Jansen got at least one hit (Jansen did draw a walk)
  • Up next, the Blue Jays wrap up the first series of the season. TJ Zeuch gets the start against Yankees righty Domingo German