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| Bowden Francis threw 7 shutout innings in a 1-0 shutout win over the Cubs |
After another loss in a rain-delayed matinee, the Blue Jays were trying to avoid being swept for the 3rd time and being swept in a season series for the first time this season. Bowden Francis got the start with Brian Serven behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after the half day off yesterday as DH (Alejandro Kirk served as DH today). Joey Loperfido was in CF, Addison Barger was at the hot corner, Ernie Clement was at SS and Spencer Horwitz got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays avoid being swept for the 3rd time and in a season series for the first time this season? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Joey Loperfido whacked a solo blast to right
- Shota Imanaga pitching line: 5IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 97 pitches (69 for strikes)
- Bowden Francis pitching line: 7IP 3H 0R 0BB 7K 95 pitches (71for strikes)
- Chad Green pitched a scoreless 9th for his 13th save of the season
- Final score: Blue Jays 1 Cubs 0
My Take:
- Bowden Francis fired 7 shutout innings, scattering 3 hits, walking none and striking out 7. Francis retired the first ten batters he faced and 12 of the last 13 batters. He is pitching himself into the conversation of being the ace of the pitching staff next year. Francis has been outstanding his last two starts and this one might have been the best of his brief career.
- The bullpen threw 2 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out 1. Genesis Cabrera retired every batter he faced
- Joey Loperfido hir his first HR in a Blue Jays uniform and that was the only run the Blue Jays offence gave the pitching staff. It must be difficult having to pitch perfect every game.
- The Blue Jays were 0-7 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays return to Toronto to begin a week long homestand, beginning against the Reds tomorriow. The Blue Jays took 2 of 3 from the Reds in 2023, outscoring the Reds 14-7. Kevin Gausman starts for the Blue Jays. The Reds have not set their rotation for the series.
