After seeing their beloved Maple Leafs blow a 3-1 series lead, the Blue Jays suddenly saw their fan base surge with hockey fans turning into baseball fans for the summer. Today, the Blue Jays began a mini two-game series against the Miami Marlins.Last season, the Blue Jays an Marlins split the 4 games with the Marlins outscoring the Blue Jays 22-20. Tonight, Robbie Ray got the start. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing Sunday (Rowdy Tellez served as DH today). Reese McGuire was behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays open the week with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 4th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hammered a three-run bomb to left; also scoring Marcus Semien and Bo Bichette
- The Marlins got one back in the top of the 5th as Starling Marte doubled scoring Luis Marte
- The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning on a groundout by Teoscar Hernandez that scored Semien
- Sandy Alcentra pitching line: 6IP 9H 4R (all earned) 0BB 4K 89 pitches (66 for strikes)
- Robbie Ray pitching line: 6IP 6H 1R (earned) 2BB 9K 96 pitches (64 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. bashed a solo blast to left-center
- Final score: Blue Jays 5 Marlins 1
My Take:
- Robbie Ray threw six solid innings, giving up a run on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 9. It was a good bounce back from his last start when he allowed 5 runs (4 earned) vs. the Yankees. The key for him is attacking the hitters
- It was the Vlad show today. Guerrero Jr. got 4 hits, including a 3-run HR that ignited the offence and was a triple short of the cycle. I can see him being the next Blue Jay to hit for the cycle. He just needs the right ballpark (Fenway park maybe with it's weird triangle in CF?)
- Lourdes Gurriel Jr. also had a good day at the plate with 3 hits, including a solo HR
- Marcus Semien is doing everything he can to remain the leadoff hitter if/when George Springer ever plays. He had 2 hits and scored twice
- The bullpen was solid, giving up a hit and 2 walks (all in the 9th inning by Jordan Romano) and striking out 5 over the final 3 innings
- Up next, the Blue Jays wrap up the mini series vs. the Marlins. Alek Manoah makes his second career start,. He'll be pitching against Marlins righty Pablo Lopez
