After a rain-delayed shutout of the Rpyals last night on an excellent spot start from Ross Stripling and some excellent work from the bullpen, the Blue Jays were going for two wins in a row and their 11th series win of the season. Danny Jansen is heading back toi the IL after fracturing the fifth metatarsal on his pinky finger getting hit by a pitch last night. Zack Collins will be recalled to take his roster spot and back up Alejandro Kirk. Alek Manoah got the start George Springer got the half day off as DH with Bradley Zimmer in CF. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was given the full day off with Raimel Tapia in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it two wins in a row and 11 series wins? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Matt Chapman doubled scoring Alejandro Kirk and Santiago Espinal
- The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 7th as Raimel Tapia doubled scoring Espinal
- Three batters later, Tapia was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Bo Bichette
- A batter later, Bradley Zimmer scored on a wild pitch by Dylan Coleman
- Brad Keller pitching line: 6IP 7H 3R (all earned) 2BB 4K 79 pitches (48 for strikes)
- Alek Manoah pitching line: 6IP 6H 0R 3BB 4K 90 pitches (56 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 9th as Teoscar Hernandez doubled home Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Final score: Blue Jays 7 Royals 0
My Take:
- Alek Manoah threw 6 shutout innings, scattering 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4. Manoah benefited from a couple of fine defensive plays to help him escape inning, including a fine leaping catch from Bo Bichette to end the second inning and an inning-ending double play in the 3rd inning. It was one of those games where Manoah had to figure out what was working in his arsenal.
- The bullpen was excellent, keeping the Royals to a meaningless 9th inning walk while striking out 3 in the final 3 innings
- The bats are definitely showing signs of last season's success. Patience and perseverance paid off in the 7th inning driving in a run with a clutch double and runs on a bases loaded walk and a wild pitch. Matt Chapman and Teo bookended the scoring with a 2-run double each.
- Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once
- The Blue Jays were 2-9 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays go for their 3rd straight win and third series sweep of the season. Yusei Kikuchi starts against Royals righty Brady Singer
