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| Tim Mayza threw 2 perfect innings in a 7-1 loss to the Guardians |
After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays hit the road for a rematch against the Guardians, who they faced a week ago in Toronto. The Blue Jays took 2 of 3 last week, outscoring the Guardians 13-9. Yariel Rodriguez got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Orlevis Martinez made his big league debut at 2B. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and start the weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Guardians opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd on a bases loaded walk to Johnathan Rodriguez that forced in Josh Naylor
- Two batters later, Austin Hedges singled scoring Tyler Freeman and Will Brennan
- A batter later, Steven Kwan Rodriguez scored on a fielder's choice hit by Steve
- Two batters later, Jose Ramirez singled scoring Kwan
- A batter later, Naylor singled scoring Andres Gimenez and Ramirez
- Yariel Rodriguez pitching line: 1.1IP 2H 5R (4 earned) 3BB 1K 52 pitches (32 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 4th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hammered a solo bomb to left
- Carlos Carrasco pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 0BB 7K 74 pitches (43 for strikes)
- Final score: Guardians 7 Blue Jays 1
My Take:
- Yariel Rodriguez was lit up for 5 runs (4 earned) on 2 hits while walking 3 and striking out 1 over 1.1 innings. All the damage was done in the 2nd inning. Rodriguez is a big unknown being a free agent signing from Cuba with zero prior MLB experience. He's also already had an injury, so the Blue Jays are going to be even more cautious with any innings limit. The 5th starters spot may end up being a prototyical bullpen game for the remainder of the season.
- The bullpen gave up a further 2 runs on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6 over 6.2 innings. All but one hit was charged to Bowden Francis, who came into the game with two inherited runners, one scored and he gave up a further three runners. On the plus side, once that horrendous inning ended, the bullpen threw 6 shutout innings. Tim Mayza had 2 shutout innings and retired every batter he faced.
- The offence did nothing other than a meaningless solo shot in the 4th inning. Fitting the game ended on a double play ball off the bat of George Springer. Perhaps Ernie Clement should have pinch hit there?
- Good on Orlevius Martinez getting his first career hit out of the way
- The Blue Jays were 0-4 with runners in scoring position
- The home run jacket should become the player of the game jacket - would be more meaningful and give players a reason to win.
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 4-game skid and even the series. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Guardians righty Ben Lively
