| Leo Jimenez hit his first career HR in a 4-2 win over the Angels |
After another brutal loss thanks to an ugly start from Chris Bassitt, the Blue Jays were looking to start the week and last west coast swing with a win. Luis De Los Santos was optioned to AAA-ball and Will Wagner was recalled from AAA-bal and got the start at 2B. Bowden Francis got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Joey Loperfido was in LF. George Springer got the complete day off with Steward Berroa in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Leo Jimenez was at SS. Could the Blue Jays start the week with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd on a ground-rule double by Spencer Horwirz that scored Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Two batters later, Will Wagner singled scoring Horwirz
- A batter later, Leo Jimenez hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Wagner. It was the first career HR for Jimenez
- The Angels got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Mickey Moniak drilled a solo blast to right
- Davis Daniel pitching line: 5IP 8H 4R (all earned) 2BB 5K 92 pitches (60 for strikes)
- Bowden Francis pitching line: 7IP 1H 1R (earned) 0BB 8K 81 pitches (57 for strikes)
- The Angels got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Jo Adell smacked a solo blast to right-center
- Chad Green got the last 3 outs for his 12th save of the season
- Final score: Blue Jays 4 Angels 2
My Take:
- Bowden Francis had his best start of his career, pitching deeper into the game than he ever has (7 innings) and allowing a single hit that went over the wall in the bottom of the 4th. At this point, he has a very strong chance at securing a starter's role in 2025.
- The bullpen gave up one solo HR (by closer Chad Green) and a walk over the last 2 innings. Genesis Cabrera retired the only batter he faced.
- The kids got it done offensively today. Leo Jimenez went deep for his 1st career HR. Making his big league debut, Will Wagner, son of legendary closer Billy Wagner was 3-4 on the day, collected his first career RBI and first career run. Spencer Horwitz got the inning start with an RBI ground-rule double
- The Blue Jays were 2-12 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays try for 2 straight wins and 12th series win. Kevin Gausman starts against Angels righty Carson Fulmer
