Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Game #96 Toronto Blue Jays (49-47) @ Boston Red Sox (62-39) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette hit a 2-run HR in a 5-4 loss to the Red Sox

After dropping two of three to the Mets, the Blue Jays opened a 4-game series at Fenway vs. the Red Sox. The Red Spx have won 7 of the 11 meetings so far this season, but the Blue Jays have outscored the Red Sox 65-56 We are five days from the trade deadline. It's likely the Blue Jays will try and pick up an arm or two. Thomas Hatch got the start with Alek Manoah still recovering from a fall down some stairs. George Springer got the half day off, serving as DH with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in LF, Randal Grichuk in CF and Teoscar Hernandez in RF. Reese McGuire was behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays start the week with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

  • The Red Sox opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Alex Verdugo singled home Hunter Renfroe
  • Three batters later, Verdugo scored on a ground out by Michael Chavis
  • The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 3rd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring  Reese McGuire
  • A batter later, Marcus Semien singled scoring George Springer 
  • The Red Sox retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Rafael Devers bashed a solo bomb to right-center 
  • Thomas Hatch pitching line: 3.2IP 7H 3R (all earned) 1BB 4K 73 pitches (48 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 5th as Bo Bichette smacked a 2-run blast over the green monster in left
  • Nick Pivetta pitching line: 4.2IP 6H 4R (all earned) 2BB 3K 92 pitches (59 for strikes)
  • The Red Sox took the lead in the bottom of the 8th as Verdugo smashed a 2-run bomb to right-center also scoring Renfroe
  • Matt Barnes pitched a perfect 9th for his 22nd save of the season
  • Final score: Red Sox 5 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

  • It would seem the Blue Jays options at long man are quite scant. Thomas Hatch got the assignment today with Alek Manoah throwing a stimulated game and aiming to be back Saturday from injuries suffered in a fall down some stairs ten days ago. He did ok in the 1st inning, limiting the damage to a double that advanced to third on a wild pitch. The 2nd inning, Hatch gave up a pair of runs on 3 hits and a walk (one run was conceded on a ground out). Third inning, Devers took Hatch yard. Every inning, Hatch had to pitch his way out of trouble
  • The bullpen blew a late lead. This time, Trevor Richards was taken yard by Verdugo. The Blue Jays should have a dozen more wins if not for the shaky bullpen. You can bet the Blue Jays will try and add an extra arm, maybe for the late innings and/or as a starter.
  • The all-stars once again drove the offence. Vlad and Semien each drove in a run with singles and Bo hit one over the green monster to give the Blue Jays a lead that would last until the 8th.
  • Every Blue Jays starter, except Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Cavan Biggio had at least one hit.
  • The Blue Jays were 3-12 with runners in scoring position
  • Up next, the Blue Jays look to snap the 2-game skid. Robbie Ray gets the start against Red Sox righty Garrett Richards