After narrowly defeating the Yankees last night to stave off being swept for the first time this season, the Blue Jays hit the road, opening a 4-game series in Cleveland. The Blue Jays were 5-2 last season against the Guardians (formerly known as the Indians), outscoring the Ohio-based squad 40-22. Jose Berrios got the start. George Springer got the complete day off with Bradley Zimmer in CF. Zack Collins served as DH. Could the Blue Jays make it two in a row and start the road trip with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hammered a 2-run bomb to left; also scoring Bo Bichette
- The Indians tied the game in the bottom of the 3rd as Steven Kwan whacked a 2-run blast to right; also scoring Austin Hedges. It was Kwan's first career jack
- The Indians took the lead in the bottom of the 4th on a ground out by Amed Rosario that scored Franmil Reyes
- The Indians added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Josh Naylor singled scoring Myles Straw
- A batter later, Reyes singled home Kwan
- A batter after that, Andres Giminez doubled home Naylor
- Jose Berrios pitching line: 4.2 IP 8H 6R (all earned) 1BB 0K 82 pitches (59 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays got a pair back in the top of the 6th as Zack Collins doubled scoring Bichette and Guerrero Jr.
- Aaron Civale pitching line: 5.2IP 6H 4R (all earned) 0BB 8K 99 pitches (60 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 7th as Alejandro Kirk drilled a solo bomb to left
- Emmanuel Claee threw a perfect 9th for his 5th save of the season
- Final score: Guardians 6 Blue Jays 5
My Take:
- Jose Berrios battled through 4.2IP giving up 6 runs on 8 hits while walking 1 and striking out none. It was his second worst outing of the season (he recorded just one out on opening day). You know a pitcher is off when they do not record a strikeout. There was cause for concern about the performance given Pete Walker and trainer Jose Ministral came out to check on him in the 5th inning. He would remain in the game for three more batters before being removed from the game
- Blue Jays relievers game up a further three hits and a walk while striking out 3 over the final 3.1 innings
- The offence is still trying to find their game. They showed signs of life tonight, cutting a 4-run deficit to a 1-run deficit with 9 outs to play with. Alas they were unable to bring the tying run home. Their best chance came in the 7th with runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. grounded into a fielder's choice to end the threat
- Every Blue Jays starter except Raimel Tapia, Gurriel Jr. and Matt Chapman had at least 1 hit
- The Blue Jays were a brutal 1-10 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Kevin Gausman starts against Guardians righty Shane Bieber
