Sunday, August 22, 2021

Game #122 Detroit Tigers (60-66) @ Toronto Blue Jays (64-58) - game recap

 

Steven Matz threw 6 solid innings in a losing effort as the Blue Jays were defeated 5-3 by the Tigers in 11 innings

After a hard fought win over the Tigers, the Blue Jays  were looking for their second straight win. Alek Manoah was reinstated from the bereavement list with Otto Lopez beng optioned to AAA. Steven Matz got the start. Alejandro Kirk was behind the plate. Corey Dickerson served as DH today with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in LF, Randal Grichuk in CF and Teo in RF. Kevin Smith was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays make it two wins in a row? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

  • The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the second on a fielding error by Jeimer Candelario  on a ball hit by Teoscar Hernandez that scoredBo Bichette 
  • Drew Hutchison pitching line: 4.1IP 4H 1R (unearned) 1BB 1K 61 pitches (42 for strikes)
  • The Tigers tied the game as Miguel Cabrera whacked his 500th career HR on an opposite-field shot to right-center 
  • Steven Matz pitching line: 6IP 5H 1R (earned) 0BB 1K 95 pitches (60 for atrikes)
  • The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 8th as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. singled scoring Corey Dickerson
  • The Tigers tied the game in the top of the 9th on a throwing error by Marcus Semien on a ball hit by Harold Castro that scored Willi Castro
  • The Tigers took the lead in the top of the 10th on a sac fly by Jonathan Schoop that scored Zack Short 
  • The Blue Jays tied the game in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by Alejandro Kirk that scored Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
  • The Tigers retook the lead in the top of the 11th as Daz Cameron doubled scoring Robbie Grossman
  • A batter later, Willi Castro doubled home Cameron
  • Joe Jiminez pitched a perfect 11th for his 1st save of the season
  • Final score: Tigers 5 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

  • Steven Matz was solid, allowing one run (Miguel Cabrera's 500th career HR), plus 4 other hits while walking none and striking out 1. He had one clean inning in the 2nd, but made enough pitches to minimize the damage and escape innings.
  • The bullpen had mixed results today. Trent Thornton and Trevor Richards, two pitchers who you typically cross your fingers and toes that they don't implode, had clean innings. Adam Cimber was victimized by a bad throw from a normally steady Marcus Semien. The two sides traded sac flies in the 10th. Kirby Snead looked like he was going to get hold in the 11th to give the Blue Jays a second chance at a walk off, but gave up back to back doubles after retiring the first 2 batters he faced. You can't really pin this one on the bullpen. The Blue Jays offence has been cold of late. 
  • Offensively, the Blue Jays took advantage of a fielding error in the 2nd, had Lourdes drive in a run via a single and had Alejandro Kirk drive in a run with a sac fly. Note; the Blue Jays did not attempt a sac bunt in either of the extra innings and produced just one run
  • Lourdes and Bo swung hot bats today, both collecting three hits 
  • Every Blue Jays starter, except Vlad (drew 2 walks), Teo and Kevin Smith had at least one hit.
  • The Blue Jays were a brutal 1-17 with runners in scoring position
  • The Yankees and Red Sox were rained out, so the Blue Jays only lost a half game to them. The A's lost to the Giants and the Mariners beat the Astros in 11 innings. The Blue Jays are now 4 back of the A's and Red Sox, who are tied for the 2nd WC spot and 1 back of the Mariners, who are 3 back of the A's and Red Sox.
  • Up next, the Blue Jays begin a 4-game set against the White Sox. The White Sox took 2 of 3 in Chicago back in June and outscored the Blue Jays 13-9 Monday's pitching is Alek Manoah against White Sox righty Lance Lynn.