After a wasted effort by Steven Matz thanks to a brutal defensive play by rookie CF Josh Palacios, the Blue Jays were right back at it, trying to snap the untimely 2-game skid. Alek Manoah got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Kevin Smith at 1B. Randal Grichuk was back in CF after a complete day off yesterday. Teo was given the complete day off. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- Jose Urena pitching line: 3IP 3H 0R 0BB 2K 49 pitches (32 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 6th as Alejandro Kirk smashed a solo bomb to left
- The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 7th as Bo Bichette singled scoring Randal Grichuk
- The Tigers got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Jeimer Candelario singled home Jonathan Schoop
- A batter later, Robbie Grossman scored on a fielder's choice hit by Eric Hasse
- Alek Manoah pitching line: 6.1IP 4H 2R (both earned) 0BB 8K 103 pitches (69 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 10th as Corey Dickerson singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Final score: Blue Jays 3 Tigers 2
My Take:
- Alek Manoah had another brilliant outing. He allowed exactly 2 base runners through the 1st 6 innings (both in the 3rd inning on a hit by pitch and single that he masterfully escaped by inducing an MK special). He had out streaks of 7 and 10. Manoah has the potential to dominate in this league. Charlie Montoyo maybe could have pulled him a batter early, but I can see the reasoning for giving him the opportunity to walk off the field with his teammates after such a gem.
- The bullpen was mostly excellent today. Jordan Romano needed just 20 pitches to get through two innings. He's blossoming into the likes of Tom Henke, Duane Ward and Casey Jansen. Every time he takes the ball, you expect good things to happen. Trevor Richards escaped the jam in the 7th. It's just too bad he couldn't prevent the tying run from crossing the plate.
- The offense continues to look ike it would have trouble scoring if they were trying to hit a beach ball. They had their chances tonight and for the most part struggled to drive anything in, until it mattered. Vlad had a clutch base hit in the 10th to give the Blue Jays a much-needed win. Still, they never should have been in that position. The Blue Jays were an abysmal 1-9 with runners in scoring position tonight. Corey Dickerson had the hot stick tonight, going 3-4, and drove in the game-winning run.
- Santiago Espinal left the game due to an injured hip. Too bad really snce he has been the best 3rd baseman, albeit with limited playing time. Hopefully he's not out too long.
- With the win, the Blue Jays gained a game on the Mariners, who lost to the Royals. They maintaned their position on the A's and Red Sox, who both lost. The Blue Jays are now 6.5 games back of the Red Sox, one game back of the Mariners, who are 5.5 back of the Red Sox and 3 games back of the A's, who are 3.5 games back of the Red Sox.
- Up next, the Blue Jays go for two straight wins. Jose Berros starts against Tigers lefty Matthew Boyd.
