After getting pummeled by the Yankees yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2-game skid and even the weekend series. Hyun-Jin Ryu had successful TJ surgery and will be out 12-18 months. Trevor Richards was placed on the 10-day IL with a neck strain. Lefty Matt Gage was recalled in his place. Alek Manoah got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette was back in the lineup after missing a day with a foot contusion. Matt Chapman was also back in the lineup after yesterday off to rest his sore wrist. Vlad was given the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio at 1B. Raimel Tapia was in LF with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. having the full day off. Could the Blue Jays get back on track after two blow out losses in a row? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Yankees opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Aaron Hicks doubled scoring Anthony Rizzo, Gleyber Torres and Isiah Kiner-Falefa
- The Yankees added a run in the top of the 6th as Kiner-Falefa doubled home Torres
- Alek Manoah pitching line: 5.1IP 6H 4R (all earned) 1BB 5K 94 pitches (58 for strikes)
- Charlie Montoyo was ejected by the 1st base umpire after voicing his displeasure following Manoah's hit by pitch
- Jameson Taillon pitching line: 5.2IP 4H 0R 2BB 8K 88 pitches (58 for strikes)
- Final score: Yankees 4 Blue Jays 0
My Take:
- Alek Manoah battled through 5.1 innings, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. It was really the 4th inning where the Yankees got to Manoah. They loaded the bases on 2 hits and a walk and then Aaron Hicks hit a bases-clearing double. Manoah hit the next batter, which brought Pete Walker out for a chat. Manoah retired 8 in a row before that inning. One of those games where Manoah didn't have his best stuff.
- The bullpen did its job, holding the Yankees to a pair of hits and a pair of walks over the final 3.2 innings.
- The Blue Jays best chance to score was either the 2nd inning when they had runners on the corners with 1 out (Matt Chapman popped out and Santiago Espinal struck out looking to end the threat) or the Blue Jays had the first 2 batters reach base (Vlad and Alejandro Kirk both flew out and Teo struck out looking to end the threat)
- A lot can be said about the poor umpiring against the Blue Jays. However, they should be swinging at a 3rd strike and trying to foul the ball off if it's close to give themselves another strike. You can't be assuming that the umpire will make the call in your favor. Perhaps this is an argument for robo-umps, but it likely won't be seen in the majors imminently. For a lot of traditional fans it is a step too far. The MLB had a big fight on its hands to get instant replay in the game and coach's challenges.
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 3 game losing streak and end the homestand on a winning note. Yusei Kikuchi starts against Yankees ace Garrett Cole.
