| Justin Turner drove in 4 runs and scored twice, finishing a triple shy of the cycle in a 9-2 rout over the Rays |
After a second straight loss to the Rays on a mediocre start from Yusei kKikuchi, the Blue Jays were trying to snap the 2-game skid and escape Tampa Bay with a series split. Ace Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer gor the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio in RF. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. Isiah Kiner-Falefa was at 2B. SS Bo Bichette was a late scratch with neck spasms. Ernie Clement started at SS instead. Justin Turner was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid and escape Tampa Bay with a series split? Here is today's game recap
Game Highlights:
- The Blue jays took the lead in the top of the 1st as Justin Turner singled scoring George Springer
- Two batters later, Alejandro Kirk singled home Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- The Rays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Randy Arozarena belted a solo jack to the opposite field in right-center
- Shawn Armstrong pitching line: 1IP 3H 2R (1 earned) 1BB 1K 26 pitches (16 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 2nd as Turner doubled scoring Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Springer)
- The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Turner hammered a solo bomb to left
- Two batters later, Davis Schneider smacked a 2-run jack to left; also scoring Ernie Clement
- Kevin Gausman pitching line: 4.1IP 2H 1R (earned) 0BB 6K 69 pitches (48 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 7th on a fielder's choice hit by Clement that scored Turner. Rays SS Jose Caballero was charged with a throwing error on the play
- Two batters later,
- Cavan Biggio singled home Clement
- The Rays got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Isaac Paredes whacked a solo blast to left
- Final score: Blue Jays 9 Rays 2
My Take:
- Kevin Gausman made his first start of the season 2-3 days later than expected after missing most of spring training with a cranky shoulder. In some ways, pitching him 4th in the rotation could be very advantageous for the Blue Jays since their opponent will likely be running out their 5th starteron the days Gausman starts. It certainly turned out that way today. Gausman was solid today, giving up a run on 2 hits while walking none and striking out 6 over 4.1 innings. He was on a strict pitch limit since he didn't throw for a couple of weeks and wasn't fully stretched out to the 90-100'pitches he'll throw in a typical start.
- The bullpen gave up a run on a hit while waking 2 and striking out none in the last 4.2 innings. Mitch White, who threw three shutout innings was credited with the win
- Justin Turner (Matt Chapman who?) absolutely dominated today's game. He drove in four runs, scored twice and finishes a triple shy of the cycle. Turner is proving there is still some pop in the old bat.
- Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Daulton Varsho and Vladimir Guerrero Jr had at least one hit
- The Blue Jays were 4-11 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays head west to start a three game series in Houston as they continue their ten game road trip to start the season as the Blue Jays wind up their t two year renovation project at the Roger's center. The Blue jays edged the Astros 4-3 in the season series last year, but the Astros outscored the Blue Jays 35-22. No doubt the Astros, who were just swept at home by the mighty Yankees, will be a hungry team. Bowden Francis starts against Astros righty Ronel Blanco.
- Justin Turner absolutely dominated the game today (Matt Chapman who?) Driving in 4 runs and scoring twice. He's proving early that there's still some pop in that old bat. Maybe Joey Votto will do the same after he recovers from the ankle injury caused by stepping on a loose bat in the dugout after his first and only AB of spring training
- Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Daulton Varsho and Vladimir Guerrero Jr had at least one hit
- The Blue jays were 4-11 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays continue the 10-game road trip to start the season as the two year renovation project at the Roger's center winds down. They start a three game set in Houston against the winless Astros, who were just swept at home by the mighty Yankees. The Blue jays edged the Astros 4-3 in the season series last year, but he the Astros outscored the Blue Jays 35-22. No doubt the Astros will be hungry, having just been swept by the mighty Yankees. Bowden Frances starts against Astros righty Ronel Franco.
