Monday, April 5, 2021

Game #4 Toronto Blue Jays (3-1) @ Texas Rangers (1-3) - game recap

 

Steven Matz fired 6.1 strong innings in a 6-2 victory over the Rangers

After a successful series win over the Yankees, the Blue Jays moved onto Texas to take on the Rangers for the first time since August 12-14 at the Rogers Center (of course they only faced the AL East and NL East in the 60 game schedule last season). Texas took two of three at Arlington. It will be vastly different teams facing each other. One familiar face no longer on the Rangers is Elvis Andrus, who is now with Atlanta. Texas lost 2/3 in their opening series vs. Kansas City. Mike Foltynewicz got the start for Texas. He had a rough 2020 campaign, DFA'd after one start and spent most of the season at the Braves alternate training site. He was sharp during spring training, allowing 3 runs over 2 starts. Steven Matz, acquired from the Mets makes his regular season debut for the Blue Jays. Matz looked very good in spring training. Hopefully the good spring training carries over to the regular season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got the half day off serving as the DH, with Rowdy Tellez getting the start at 1B. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate after the day off yesterday. Jonathan Davis got the start in CF. The remainder of the lineup was the same as the first three games of the season. Could the Blue Jays make it two wins in a row? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

  • The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled home Cavan Biggio
  • The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 2nd as Marcus Semien smashed a 2-run blast to left, also scoring Randal Grichuk
  • A batter later, Biggio whacked a solo blast to left
  • The Rangers got one back in the bottom of the 4th as Nate Lowe singled scoring Isiah Kiner-Falefa
  • Mike Foltynewicz pitching line: 4IP 4H 4R (all earned) 3BB 7K 95 pitches (59 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as Grichuk singled scoring Guerrero Jr.
  • Steven Matz pitching line: 6.1IP 2H 1R (earned) 2BB 9K 91 pitches (62 for strikes)
  • The Rangers got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Brock Holt doubled home Nick Solak
  • Final score: Blue Jays 6 Rangers 2

My Take:

  • Steven Matz was excellent in his first start in a Blue Jays uniform, firing 6.1 innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits while walking 2 and striking out 9. The only inning where he really ran into trouble was the 4th where he allowed his only run on a pair of hits and a hit batter 
  • Speaking of hit batters, it was a rough day for Blue Jays batters. Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Rowdy Tellez, Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio were all plunked by pitches. All were ok to finish the game
  • Danny Jansen was unable to finish the game. He took a deflected ball off his right knee. While he finished the inning, he was replaced by Alejandro Kirk to start the 7th.
  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended his hitting streak to 4 games
  • Rafael Dolis continues to make me nervous. He hit the first batter he faced, struck out the next 2 batters, gave up a double before escaping the jam with a strikeout
  • Tim Mayza had another strong outing, striking out a batter after Bichette flubbed a play he should have had 
  • Texas is crazy for allowing a full stadium in the middle of a global pandemic. It'll be a miracle if this event doesn't become a super spreader 
  • Up next, the Blue Jays and Rangers continue the series. Veteran Tanner Roark goes against Rangers rookie Dane Dunning.