 |
| Kevin Gausman threw 6 solid innings in a 6-3 win over the Marlins |
After edging the Marlins last night thanks to a pair of clutch 8th inning base hits, the Blue Jays were looking for their 2nd straight win, 14th series win of the season and 6th season series win of the season. Brandon Belt was reinstated from the 10- day IL and served as DH today. Spencer Horwitz was optioned back to AAA-ball. Bo Bichette was scratched from the lineup late with a sore right thumb (Santiago Espinal took his spot at SS). Kevin Gausman got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Whit Merrifield was in LF and Cavan Biggio was at 2B. could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins, 14 series wins and 6 season series wins? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Cavan Biggio doubled scoring Matt Chapman
- Two batters later, Kevin Kiermaier singled scoring Biggio
- Two batters later, George Springer singles scoring Santiago Espinal and Kiermaier
- A batter later, Whit Merrifield singled home Springer
- The Marlins got a pair back in the bottom of the 4th as Garrett Cooper doubled scoring Bryan De La Cruz and Jesus Sanchez
- The Marlins got one back in the bottom of the 7th as Garrett Hampson singled home Jonathan Davis
- Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 8H 3R (all earned) 1BB 6K 100 pitches (72 for strikes)
- Sandy Alcantara pitching line: 7IP 10H 5R (all earned) 2BB 6K 96 pitches (67 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Chapman smashed a solo blast to left
- Jordan Romano pitched a scoreless 9th for his 22nd save of the season
- Final score Blue Jays 6 Marlins 3
My Take:
- With the bullpen running on fumes, Kevin Gausman pitched into the 7th inning, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. Since Alek Manoah was sent back to the Florida development league two weeks ago, the Blue Jays have effectively been going with a 4-man rotation and a bullpen day every 5th day. Unfortunately, Chris Bassitt has had a couple of rough starts lately and Jose Berrios had a klunker a couple of days ago. Luckily Gausman, who has been the most reliable and consistent starter this season, was able to give the Blue Jays 18 outs today.
- The bullpen gave up a hit and a walk over the last three innings. Erik Swanson and Trevor Richards were perfect in their inning of work
- Offensively, the Blue Jays had a big inning where they scored 5 runs on 6 hits. Matt Chapman provided a late insurance run when he went yard in the 8th.
- The Blue Jays were 5-10 with runners in scoring position.
- Up next, after an off day tomorrow, the Blue Jays begin a 9- game, 10- day home stand that starts Friday against the Oakland A's. The Blue Jays and A's split the season series last year with the A's outscoring the Blue Jays 22-19. The Blue Jays have not set their rotation for the series, James Kaprielian will start for the A's Friday night.
