| Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a 2-run HR in a 7-3 loss to the Tigers |
After a late-gane rally fell short, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Not surprisingly, Bo Bichette was placed on the 10-day IL with a right calf strain after leaving yesterday's game early with that recurring calf injury. Expect him to remain sidelined longer this time to really heal the injury. Addison Barger was recalled from AAA-ball.Yusei Kikuchi made what could be his final start in a Blue Jays uniform as he is expected to be traded to a contender in the next ten days. Danny Jansen was behind the plate. Leo Jimenez got the start at SS. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 16th series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- Reese Olson pitching line: 2IP 1H 0R 2BB 0K 30 pitches (16 for strikes)
- The Tigers opened the scoring in the top of the 5th as Andy Ibanez doubled scoring Randy Vilade. Ibanez advanced to 3rd base on a fielding error by Daulton Varsho
- The Tigers added 4 runs in the top of the 6th on a grand slam to the second deck in left by Jake Rogers; also scoring Matt Vierling, Mek Canha and Weencel Perez
- Four batters later, Ibanez singled scoring Javier Baez
- Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 5IP 4H 4R (all earned) 2BB 8K 94 pitches (62 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays got a run back in the bottom half of the inning as George Springer singled scoring Kevin Kiermaier
- Two batters later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Spencer Horwitz
- Final score: Tigers 7 Blue Jays 3
My Take:
- Yusei Kikuchi battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 8. To be fair, three of the runs came off the grand slam Trevor Richards gave up, but he was responsible for three of the runners. To me, he did enough for any scouts in the crowd to prove he can be a worthy asset to a playoff-bound team. Don't forget, he has pitched out of the bullpen in a playoff game, so that could be an option if a team isn't comfortable using him as a starter.
- The bullpen, especially Trevor Richards was a disaster, giving up 6 runs (three charged to Kikuchi) on 4 hits and a walk. Every reliever not named Trevor Richards retired every batter they faced. Yimi Garcia struck out the side in his first action in a month.
- Vlad (2-run HR) and George Springer (RBI single) provided the offence.
- The Blue Jays were 1-2 with runners in scoring position\
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2-game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd time this season. Kevin Gausman starts against Tigers righty Keider Montero
