Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Game #62- Houston Astros (36-25) @ Toronto Blue Jays (34-28) - game recap

 

Kevin Gauman pitched seven strong inninngs in a 5-1 win over the Astros

After a blowout loss on Alek Manoah's worst start of his career, the Blue Jays were trying to even the series and prevent their first season series loss of the season. Lots of moves prior to the game. First, to the surprise of no one, Alek Manoah is being optioned to the Florida training complex to attempt to figure out his pitching issues. Jay Jacksom and Ernie Clement were both optioned to AAA-ball with Santiago Espinal coming off the IL and Chris Bassit coming off the paternity list. Bowden Frances was also recalled from AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after the half day off yesterday. Vlad got the half day off tonight with Brandon Belt at 1st base. Matt Chapman got the full day off with Santiago Espinal at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays bounce back after a tough loss? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

  • The Astros opened the scoring in the top of the 1st on a leadiff solo bomb to left-center by Mauricio Dubon
  • The Blue Jays took lead in the bottom of the 3rd as George Springer drilled a 2-run blast to left-center; also scoring Kevin Kiermaier 
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Daulton Varsho whacked a solo jack just over the wall in dead center
  • Hunter Brown pitching line: 6IP 3H 3R (all earned) 3BB 5K 96 pitches (57 for strikes)
  • Kevin Gausman pitching line: 7IP 4H 1R (earned) 0BB 13K 101 pitches (66 for strikes)
  • The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Bo Bichette cranked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center 
  • Three batters later, Whit Merrifield doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
  • Final score: Blue Jays 5 Astros 1

My Take

  • Kevin Gausman gave the Blue Jays exactly what they needed after the bullpen had to get 26 outs - a dominant 7-inning start. After giving up a lead-off home run to start the game, Gausman allowed just three more hits, walked none and struck out 13. Gausman is getting ever-closer to a career milestone of 1500 strikeouts, which he should reach before this month is over. Gausman's season is akin to the one Manoah experienced last season.
  • The bulpen allowed a walk and struck of out 3 over the last 2 innings.
  • The long ball drove the offence today with four of the five runs scored coming off a home run
  • With home run, Daulton Varsho extended his hitting streak to 10 games
  • Up next, the Blue Jays go for 2 straight wins and to even the season series to set up a final rubber match game Thursday. Chris Bassirr starts against Astros righty Ronel Blanco.