George Springer scored twice and drove in a run in a 5-0 shutout win over the Guardians |
After another loss where the pitching was solid, but not perfect and the inept offence could only manage 3 hits by 2 players, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and avoid their 11th series loss of the season. It was a bullpen day with Trevor Richards getting the start and Danny Jansen behind the plate. Bo Bichette, who was nursing a cranky calf muscle, got the complete day off with IKF at SS. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner. Spencer Horwitz got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 11th series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as George Springer sinled scoring Justin Turner
- A batter later, Addison Barger singled scoring Daulton Varsho
- Three batters later, Spencer Horwitz singled home Springer
- Trevor Richards pitching line: 2.1IP 1H 0R 0BB 1K 31 pitches (20 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled scoring Springer
- The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th on a double play ball hit by Varsho that plated Danny Jansen
- Carlos Carrasco pitching line: 5IP 6H 5R (all earned) 2BB 2K 81 pitches (52 for strikes)
- Final score: Blue Jays 5 Guardians 0
My Take:
- Trevor Richards did his part in the bullpen day, getting seven outs,, allowing a hit, walking none and striking out 1, on an efficient 31 pitches. Hopefully this is the last time the Blue Jays need a bullpen day with Yuriel Rodriguez potentially set to return next week after a final rehab start tomorrow, which would line him up to start Friday in Cleveland.
- The rest of the bullpen threw 6.2 shutout innings, scattering 7 hits, walking 1 and striking out 3. Zack Pop was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced.
- The offence came through, though not in the 1st inning, with a 3-run rally in the 2nd inning that included Addison Barger with his first career RBI. George Springer also knocked in a run and scored twice
- The Blue Jays were 4-8 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays try for 2 stright wins and try for their 9th series win. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Guardians righty Ben Lively