| Justin Turner scored a run and drove in a run in a losing effort as the Royals came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 3-2 |
After a solid win last night, thanks to clutch hits from Bo Bichette and Daulton Varsho and stellar pitching from Yusei Kikuchi, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to two games. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (Justin Turner served as DH). Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Davis Schneider was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blur Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Justin Turner singled scoring George Springer
- The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th on a sac fly by Alejandro Kirk that scored Turner
- The Royals got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a missed catch error by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a ball hit by Kyle Isbel that scored Michael Massey
- Two batters later, Bobby Witt Jr. doubled scoring Isbel and Maikel Garcis
- Michael Wacha pitching line: 4IP 8H 2R (both earned) 3BB 4K 96 pitches (55 for strikes)
- Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6.2IP 7H 3R (none earned) 1BB 2K 99 pitches (65 for strikes)
- James MacArthur got the last 6 outs for his 5th save of the season
- Final score: Royals 3 Blue Jays 2
My Take:
- Kevin Gausman battled through 6.2 innings, giving up 3 unearned runs on 7 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2. Vlad owes him an apology dinner after he missed a catch that should have ended the inning. Instead a run scored on the play and two batters later, the Royals had a one run lead. Gausman has been pitching better lately after a rough first few starts of the season
- The bullpen gave up a hit in the last 1.1 innings. Tim Mayza is also looking better his last few relief appearances
- Kevin Kiermaier left the game with left hip flexor discomfort. Given his injury history with the hip, expect the Blue Jays ro be cautious with him.
- Offensively, Justin Turner did the damage driving in a run and scoring another. Turner has been the Blue Jays best hitter by far.
- The Blue Jays were 2-10 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to retake the series lead. Yariel Rodriguez starts against Royals righty Alec Marsh
