Monday, April 24, 2023

Game #23 - Chicago White Sox (7-16) @ Toronto Blue Jays (14-9) - game recap

 

Cavan Biggio hit a go-ahead 3-run HR in a 5-2 come-from behind win over the White Sox.

After ending the road trip on a winning note, thus ending the Yankees streak of series wins, the Blue Jays returned home for a week-long homestand starting tonight against the White Sox. Last season, the Blue Jays won the season series against the White Sox 4-2, outscoring the southsiders 43-31. Adam Cimber, who strained his right rhomboid muscle, was placed on the 15-day IL and Nate Pearson was recalled from AAA-ball. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate.  George Springer got the complete day off with Cavan Biggio in RF. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Brandon Belt at 1B. Could the Blue Jays make it two wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

  • The White Sox opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Andrew Vaughn doubled scoring Luis Robert Jr. and Andrew Benintendi
  • The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 4th as Whit Merrifield doubled scoring Alejandro Kirk 
  • A batter later, Cavan Biggio smacked a 3-run blast to right; also scoring Merrifield and Brandon Belt
  • Lance Lynn pitching line: 5IP5H 4R (all earned) 3BB 4K 101 pitches (49 for strikes)
  • Chris Bassitt pitching line: 6.1IP 3H 2R (both earned) 3BB 4K 98 pitches (61 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Matt Chapman doubled home Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
  • Jordan Romano pitched a perfect 9th for his 8th save of the season
  • Final score: Blue Jays 5 White Sox 2

My Take:

  • Chris Bassitt pitched 6.1 solid innings, giving up a pair of runs on 3 hits while walking three and striking out 4. Bassitt was the first Blue Jays pitcher called for a balk due to throwing over to 1st base too many times. With the new rules, pitchers are limited to 2 pick off attempts per at bat (reset if there is a stolen base or the runner(s) advance due to wild pitch, passed ball or balk). A third failed pick off results in a balk and the runner(s) advancing a base). Overall, a solid effort from the Blue Jays righty.
  • The bullpen gave up just one walk over the final 2.2 innings.
  • How about unlikely heroes? Cavan Biggio hit a huge 3-run jack that proved to be the difference in the game. Whit Merrifield got the Blue Jays on the board right before that with an RBI double
  • The Blue Jays were 3-9 with runners in scoring position.
  • Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to three games and to notch their 6th series win of the season. Jose Berrios gets the start against White Sox righty Mike Clevinger.