Game #29 - Los Angeles Dodgers (18-12) @ Toronto Blue Jays (14-15) - game recap

 

Kevin Gausman threw 7 strong innings in a 3-1 win over the Dodgers

After yet another loss due to the inept offense that could only muster 3 measly his yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 5 game skid and avoid being swept for the first time this season. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate.  George Springer was back in the lineup and in RF after a compete day off yesterday.  Vlad got the half day off as DH with Justin Turner at 1B. IKF got the start at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays snap the 5- game skid and avoid being swept for the first time this season,? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd on a ground out by Daulton Varsho that scored Justin Turner
• A batter later, Davis Schneider scotred on a ground out by Isiah Kiner-Falefa
• A batter after that, Alejandro Kirk whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right
• Michael Grove pitching line: 2IP 4H 3R (all earned) 0BB 3K 34 pitches (23 for strikes)
• The Dodgers got one back in the top of the 6th as Freddie Freeman hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Kevin Gausman pitching line/; 7IP 5H 1R (earned) 0BB 5K 93 pitches (68 for strikes)
• Jordan Romano pitched a perfect 9th for his 4th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 Dodgers 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman threw 7 strong innings, allowing a run on 5 hit, walking none and striking out 5. After a rough first few starts likely due to an abbreviated spring training due to injury, Gausman has looked more like himself. He's still a bit off in my mind since he is not getting as many strikeouts as he does when he is at his best. Nonetheless, this was his best start of the season. Hopefully he continues his run of strong starts in Washington next weekend.
• Yimi Garcia and Tim Mayza certainly made things interesting in the 8th inning. The Dodgers loaded the bases against Garcia on a hit and 2 walks (last one interntional). He bared down and struck out Teo swinging. To me, there was only going to be two possible outcomes in that AB: Teo was going down swinging or he was going to kill his former team with a grand slam. Tim Mayza then came in and got Max Muncy to fly out to the warning track in CF. By contrast, Jordan Romano came in and needed just 11 pitches to retire the side in order.
• Offensively, the Blue Jays manufactured a pair of runs on groundouts and then Alejandro Kirk capped off the scoring with an opposite field solo jack. All that took place in the 2nd inning. Vlad and Kirk combined for 5 of the Blue Jays 8 hits today. Bo Bichette, Davis Schneider and Justin Turner each had a base hit. Baby steps.
• Up next, the Blue Jays face a rematch with the Royals, who took three of four in KC a week ago, outscoring the Blue Jays 11-10. Yariel Rodriguez starts against Royals righty Jonathan Bowlan.