Chris Bassitt threw six strong innings in a 3-1 loss to the Tigers |
After a huge come from behind win yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to four games and earn their first series sweep of the season. Chris Bassitt, who was looking for his first win in a Blue Jays uniform, got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Matt Chapman, who has been dealing with a nagging injury, was given the complete day off. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Brandon Belt at 1B. Whit Merrifield was in LF and Daulton Varsho was in CF. Cavan Biggio got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it four wins in a row and complete their first sweep of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Tigers opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd on a sac fly by Tyler Nevin that scored Nick Maton
- The Blue Jays tied the game in the bottom half of the inning as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Cavan Biggio
- The Tigers retook the lead in the top of the 5th as Zach McKinstry doubled home Akil Baddoo
- Spencer Turnbull pitching line: 5IP 6H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 88 pitches (64 for strikes)
- Chris Bassitt pitching line: 6IP 4H 2R (both earned) 3BB 7K 107 pitches (67 for strikes)
- The Tigers added a run in the top of the 9th as Jake Rogers doubled scoring Spencer Torkelson
- Alex Lange pitched a perfect 9th for his 1st save of the season and 2nd of his career.
- Final score: Tigers 3 Blue Jays 1
My Take:
- Chris Bassitt had his best start in a Blue Jays uniform, giving up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 7 over 6 innings. Bassitt still needs to work on his command, but he pitched well enough to win had the Blue Jays given him a bit more run support.
- The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 3 over the final 3 innings. The extra run against seemed to take the wind out of the Blue Jays sails and they were unable to mount a last AB comeback tonight.
- The Blue Jays had plenty of opportunities to score, but as was been the case in 2022, the Blue Jays could not drive in runners in scoring posittion. In fact, they were a dismal 1-12 in that scenario tonight.
- Up next, the Blue Jays face the only undefeated team in the MLB, division rivals Tampa Bay Rays. Last season, the Rays edged the Blue Jays 10-9 in the season series and outscored the Blue Jays 82-73. Jose Berrios starts against Rays righty Drew Rasmussen.