Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Game #18 - Toronto Blue Jays (11-7) @ Houston Astros (8-10) - game recap

 

Chris Bassitt through 6.1 shutout innings in a 4-2 victory over the Astros

After a blowout loss to the Astros last night, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2-game skid. Chris Bassitt got the start. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Whit Merifield was in LF. Santiago Espinal got the start at 2B. Finally, Brandon Belt served as DH. Could the Blue Jays even the series and snap the 2-game skid? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

  • The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right 
  • Two batters later, Matt Chapman went deep to the opposite field in right-center 
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Santiago Espinal singled scoring Brandon Belt 
  • Two batters later, Bo Bichette singled home Whit Merrifield 
  • Jose Urquidy pitching line: 4.1IP 7H 4R (all earned) 2BB 4K 81 pitches (53 for strikes)
  • Chris Bassitt pitching line: 6.1IP 3H 0R 1BB 5K 97 pitches (66 for strikes)
  • The Astros got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Yordan Alvarez singled scoring Mauricio Dubon
  • Two batters later, Kyle Tucker singled home Alex Bregman
  • Jordan Roman threw a scoreless 9th for his 7th save of the season
  • Final score: Blue Jays 4 Astros 2

My Take:

  • Chris Bassitt had his best start in a Blue Jays uniform, firing 6.1 shutout innings, scattering 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. The sinker ball specialist has his best pitch working tonight, getting ten ground outs. He retired the first 11 batters he faced before allowing a walk and a single. Bassitt then retired the next 6 batters. Hopefully he gets on a roll now.
  • The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 5 hits while walking none and striking out four. Even though Tim Mayza gave up the run scoring hits, the runners were the responsibility of righty Yimi Garcia. It was nice to see Jordan Romano back and healthy after he took a line drive to the ribs Saturday. Luckily he was not needed Sunday or Monday due to blowout losses.
  • The Blue Jays got their runs via back to back long balls in the 4th and back to back run-scoring singles in the 5th. It proved to be enough on this night with Chris Bassitt dealing on the mound for the Blue Jays 
  • Every Blue Jays starter except George Springer and Daulton Varsho reache base at least once and all but Springer, Varsho and Brandon Belt had at least one hit 
  • Up next, the Blue Jays go for 2 straight wins and their 5th series win of the season. Jose Berrios is scheduled to start against Astros righty Luis Perez. However, Berrios left his lasr start early after getting drilled in the knee by a comebacker. He could be a game time decision if he is still feeling the effects of that injury.