Saturday, May 20, 2023

Game #46 - Baltimore Orioles (30-16) @ Toronto Blue Jays (25-21) - game recap

 

George Springer drove in three runs and scored twice in a losing effort as the Orioles came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 6-5 in 10 innings

After another disappointing loss, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2-game skid. Alek Manoah got the start wwith Danny Jansen behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (Brandon Belt served as DH today) Santiago Espinal was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

  • The Orioles opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Ryan O'Hearn singled scoring Adam Frazier
  • The Orioles added a run in the top of the 3rd as Cedric Mullins roped a solo blast just over the wall in right
  • The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom of the 5th as George Springer smashed a 2-run blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Santiago Espinal
  • Grayson Rodriguez pitching line: 5IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 6K 91 pitches (54 for strikes)
  • Alek Manoah pitching line: 5.2IP 6H 2R (both earned) 1BB 5K 85 pitches (55 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 6trh as Danny Jansen whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Springer singled scoring Whit Merrifield 
  • Three batters later, Alejandro Kirk singled home Springer 
  • The Orioles tied the game in the top of the 8th as O'Hearn drilled a 3-run bomb to right-center; also scoring Ryan Mountcastle and Frazier 
  • The Orioles retook the lead in the top of the 10th as Mountcastle scored on a fielder's choicee on a ball hit by Austin Hays
  • Final score: Orioles 6 Blue Jays 5 (10 innings)

My Take:

  • Alek Manoah had a better start, firing 5.2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on six hits while walking one and striking out 5. A major gaffe by John Schneider, who came out after Pete Walker had already made a mound visit in the 6th inning forced the removal of Manoah from the game. Interesting decision to use Danny Jansen behind the plate as opposed to Manoah's regular catcher Alejandro Kirk. Either Kirk is a bit banged up and couldn't catch today or the team wanted to try switching catchers to change Manoah's fortunes. Hopefully it's the latter reason.
  • The bullpen blew this game wuth closer Jordan Romano being tagged with his 3rd blown save of the season, giving up a 3-run HR in the 8th inning.The Blue Jays definitely need to add another reliever or two - likely via trade since there aren't many viable options in Buffalo.
  • Offensively, the bats came alive a bit with George Springer leading the way with 3RBI and 2 runs scored, including a game-tying 2-run shot. The two catchers, Danny Jansen and Alejandro Kirk were responsible for the other two runs on a solo hack and RBI single respectively. Unfortunately, the bats did not come through when needed most - the 10th inning down by a run.
  • Up next, the Blue Jays try to salvage a game in this series and end the homestand and week on a winning note. Kevin Gausman starts against Orioles righty Dean Kremer