The Blue Jays opened a 10-day 11-day homestand - their final homestand in Dunedin. They will play home games out of Buffalo either for the bulk of the season or until they can play in Toronto. The two squads split the season series last season with the Phillies outscoring the Blue Jays 31-23. Some bad news to start the day. Nate Pearson is dealing with right shoulder impingement and will miss at least one start. Steven Matz got the start tonight. Ryan Borucki was placed on the 10 day IL with a left flexor strain. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Rowdy Tellez at 1B. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate after the day off yesterday. Could the Blue Jays make it 4 wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- Steven Matz pitching line: 5IP 4H 0R 3BB 9K 106 pitches (65 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 6th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. cranked a solo blast to the opposite field in right
- Vince Velasquez pitching line: 5.2IP 3H 1R (earned) 3BB 7K 94 pitches (58 for strikes)
- The Phillies tied the game in the top of the 7th on a bases loaded walk to JT Realmuto that forced in Andrew Knapp
- A batter later, Rhys Hoskins doubled scoring Jean Segura and Bryce Harper
- A batter after that, Alec Bohm doubled home Realmuto and Hoskins
- Final score: Philles 5 Blue Jays 1
My Take:
- Steven Matz had a solid outing throwing 5 shutout innings, while walking 3 and striking out 9. He threw a ton of pitches, needing an average of over 20 pitches to get through an inning. I'm sure Matz would rather have avoided walking the three batters he did to save a few bullets. At one point, Matz retired 6 in a row.
- It was a big 5-run inning that was the difference in this one. Trent Thornton and Tim Mayza combined to allow 5 runs on 4 walks and 2 20run doubles (Andrew Beasley actually gave up the second 2-run double, but the runs were charged to Mayza
- Offensively, the Blue Jays were 0-7 with runners in scoring position
- Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was the only Blue Jays hitter with multiple hits (2). Vlad was also on base multiple times coirtesy of a solo home run and a walk
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Aaron Nola gets the start against an unannounced Blue Jays pitcher
