| Yariel Rodriguez threw 6.2 strong innings in a 3-1 loss to the Astros |
Happy Canada day to all you loyal readers of this blog. After a blowout loss yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to start the weekith a win. Their record on Canada Day to date was 18-28. There was no Canada game in 1981 (strike), 1993 (off-day) and 2020 (pandemic. Season didn't start until July 24). The longest game was in 2016 (19 innings in a 2-1 loss to the Rays). Last season, they lost 7-6 to the Red Sox. This season, the Houston Astros will be their opponent. The Astros took 2 of 3 in Houston way back in the first full week of the season, Outscoring the Blue Jays 19-2. Danny Jansen was placed on the paternity leave list. Brian Serven was recalled from AAA-ball to back up Alejandro Kirk, who was behind the plate today and catching Yariel Rodriguez. Bo Bichette was back in the field and at SS after the complete day off yesterday. Vlad was a late scratch due to sore fingers from getting hit in the hand by the Gerrit Cole fastball yesterday. Spencer Horwitz took his spot at 1B. IKF was also a late scratch with a knee injury. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays start the week with a win and improve their Canada Day record to 19-28? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Astros opened the scoring in the top of the 5th as Jeremy Pena whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
- Yariel Rodriguez pitching line: 6.2IP 2H 1R (earned) 2BB 6K 83 pitches (51 for strikes)
- Hunter Brown pitching line: 6IP 2H 0R 3BB 5K 99 pitches (62 for strikes)
- The Astros added a pair of runs in the top of the 9th as Yordan Alvarez hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Alex Bregman
- The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Ernie Clement belted a solo jack to left-center
- Josh Hader got the last three outs for his 13th save of the season
- Final score: Astros 3 Blue Jays 1
My Take:
- Yariel Rodriguez had his best start in a Blue Jays uniform, firing 6.2 strong inning, giving up a run on 2 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. It's unfortunate that one of the hits Rodriguez allowed went over the left field fence for a home run. Otherwise, the Blue Jays rookie matched Astros veteran Hunter Brown pitch for pitch in a classic pitcher's duel. Rodriguez was even a bit more efficient, needing just 83 pitches to get 20 outs, whereas Brown needed 99 pitches to get 18 outs. Today's game is trending towards starters throwing 6 innings and the bullpen getting the last nine outs.
- The bullpen gave up a costly pair of insurance runs in the 9th. The way the offence is functioning, the bullpen can ill afford to give up extra runs. Trevor Richards retired every batter he faced
- Two bases loaded chances, zero runs scored. In the 2nd inning, the Blue Jays loaded the bases with one out only to see Ernie Clement pop out and Kevin Kiermaier strike out swinging. Same scenario bottom of the 8th: George Springer lined out and Daulton Varsho grounded out.The Blue Jays batters in today's bullpen need to apologize to Yariel Rodriguez, who did not deserve to lose today
- The Blue Jays were 0-6 with runners in scoring position; just not good enough
- Someone needs to be fired by the all-star break
- Up next, the Blue Jays aim to snap the 2-game skid and avoid their 6th season series loss of the season. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Astros righty Spencer Arrighetti
