Sunday, August 1, 2021

Game #102 Kansas City Royals (45-59) @ Toronto Blue Jays (54-48) - game recap

 

Jose Berrios threw 6 shutout innings in a 5-1 win over the Royals

After shutting out the Royals last night, the Blue Jays were looking ro complete the sweep and make it four wins in a row. Jose Berrios and Joakim Soria joined the team and were active for the game (Berrios got his first start as a Blue Jay). Thomas Hatch and Taylor Saucedo were optioned to AAA. Reese McGuire got the start behind the plate. Vlad got the whole day off. George Springer gotte half day off, serving as DH with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in LF, Randal Grichuk in CF and Teoscar Hernandez in RF. Cavan Biggio got the start at 1B. Could the Blue Jays complete the sweep and make it 4 wins in a row? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

  • The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as George Springer doubled home Reese McGuire. Springer was tagged out on the play trying to advance to 3rd base.
  • Two batters later, Marcus Semien drilled a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Teoscar Hernandez
  • Brad Keller pitching line: 3IP 7H 3R (all earned) 0BB 3K 51 pitches (33 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Marcus Semien smashed a solo bomb to left-center 
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th on a bases loaded walk to Semien that forced in Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
  • Jose Berrios pitching line: 6IP 5H 0R 1BB 7K 95 pitches (64 for strikes)
  • The Royals got one back in the top of the 9th as Edward Olivares whacked a solo blast to left
  • Final score: Blue Jays 5 Royals 1

My Take:

  • Jose Berrios was excellent in his Blue Jays debut, throwing 6 shutout innings, scattering 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 7. His command could use a little fine tuning as he hit three batters. Overall a nice debut by the righty.
  • The bullpen did a decent job, striking out 5, although Tim Mayza did allow a solo shot to break the shutout bid.
  • The Vladless line up did a fine job with everyone, but his replacement at 1B, Cavan Biggio getting one hit. Everyone but Bo Bichette, Teoscar Hernandez and Marcus Semien drew at least one walk.
  • Despite all the base runners, the Blue Jays were 0-2 with runners in scoring position
  • Up next, the Blue Jays open a series against the Indians. The Blue Jays won 2 of the 3 games in Cleveland and have outscored the Indians 20-9. Monday's game features Robbie Ray pitching against Indians righty Eli Morgan.