Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smashed a 2-run bomb in a 5-2 loss in extra innings to the Indians
After sweeping the Royals in the their first series back in Toronto, the Blue Jays opened a four-game series against the Indians beginning with a holiday Monday matinee. The Blue Jays took 2 of 3 against the Indians (aka giuardians in 2022)) in Cleveland back at the end of May. John Axford was traded to the Brewers for cash. Robbie Ray got the start. Bo Bichette got the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio at 2B (his original position). Alejandro Krk was behind the plate after the day off yesterday. Vlad was back in the field after the complete day off yesterday. George Springer was back in CF after DH'ing yesterday. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. got the complete day off with Teoscar Hernandez in LF. Randal Grichuk was in RF after playing in CF yesterday. Could the Blue Jays make it five straight wins? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Indians opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Harold Ramirez singled scoring Myles Straw. Randal Grichuk threw a strike to Alejandro Kirk to nail Amed Rosario, who tried to score from 2nd base
- A batter later, Oscar Mercado singled home Franmil Reyes
- The Blue Jays tied the game in the bottom of the 6th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smashed a 2-run blast to left; also scoring George Springer
- Robbie Ray pitching line: 6IP 6H 2R (both earned) 3BB 4K 109 pitches (66 for strikes)
- Eli Morgan pitching line; 6IP5H 2R (both earned) 1BB 9K 92 pitches (62 for strikes)
- The Indians took the lead in the top of the 10th as Rosario singled scoring Straw
- A batter later, Jose Ramirez drilled a 2-run bomb off the facing of the 4th deck; also scoring Rosario
- Emmanuel Clase pitched a perfect 10th for his 14th save of the season
- Final score: Indians 5 Blue Jays 2
My Take:
- Robbie Ray battled through 6 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4. A great defensive play kept the damage to 2 runs against. He got stronger as the game went on and retired the final 6 batters he faced.
- The bullpen pitched solidly, at least through the 9th inning. Brad Hand laid an egg and allowed 3 runs (2 earned as the runner that starts the extra inning(s) on 2nd base counts as an unearned run). Right off the bat, Hand threw a wild pitch that advanced Myles Straw, who scored on a single by Rosario. Hand then gave up a moonshot to Blue Jays killer Jose Ramirez. Looks like Pete Walker has some work to do on the Blue Jays latest pet project. Joakim Soria made his Blue Jays debut retiring all three batters he faced and striking out 1
- It seems a complete and half day off respectively did wonders for Vlad and George Springer who combined to score both runs on the day and 2/3 of the Blue Jays hits.
- Alejandro Kirk, battling to keep his job when Danny Jansen returns from the latest hamstring strain, doubled and struck out three times. He was also unable to handle a wild pitch thrown by Hand. Reese McGuire got his chance to shine aas pinch runner in the 10th for Kirk. He had no chance to advance with Cavan Biggio lining out, Springer grounding out to 3B and Vlad ending the game bouncing out to the pitcher
- The Blue Jays were 0-4 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series as ace Hyun-Jin Ryu takes to the bump against Indians righty (and nephew of ex-Jays reliever Dan Plesac) Zach Plesac
