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| Bowden Francis threw 8 strong innings in a 3-1 win over the Angels |
After a win yesterday thanks to a 5-run 2nd inning rally, the Blue Jays were going for their 3rd straight win overall and 6th straight win over the Angels. Bowden Francis got the start with Brian Serven behind the plate. Vlad was back in the lineup and at 1B after the complete day off yesterday. George Springer got the omplete day off day after serving as DH the last 2 games (Spencer Horwitz served as DH today). Ernie Clement was at the hot corner, Leo Jimenez was at SS and Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games overall and 6 games over the Angels? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Daulton Varsho
- Two batters later, Joey Loperfido doubled home Guerrero Jr.
- Carson Fulmer ptching line: 6IP 7H 2R (both earned) 2BB 8K 88 pitches (65 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays adde a run in the bottom of the 8th as Guerrero Jr. hammered a solo bomb to dead center
- The Angels got one back in the top of the 9th as Taylor Ward hammered a solo bomb to straightaway center
- Bowden Francis pitching line: 8IP 1H 1R (earned) 3B 12K 117 pitches (84 for strikes)
- Chad Green threw a perfect 9th for his 14th save of the season
- Final score: Blue Jays 3 Angels 1
My Take:
- Francis Bowden keeps exceeding his performance from the last start. He was outstanding today, firing 8 strong innings, giving up one run on a solo home run (the only hit he allowed on the day), while walking 3 and striking out a career high 12 batters on a career high 112 pitches. Francis might even be a candidate to be the opening day starter the way he is pitching. At the very least, he'll slot in right behind Jose Berrios.
- Chad Green threw a perfect 9th. He should be a key member of the back end of the bullpen in 2025. I'd make him the closer quite frankly, especially since Jordan Romano can make things interesting in the 9th and has injury questions.
- Offensively, Vlad did the damage, driving in a pair of runs, including a key clutch HR in the 8th for a very important insurance run, and scoring twice. Joey Loperfido and Daulton Varsho were the only other Blue Jays to reach base multiple times
- The Blue Jays were 2-6 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to match their longest winning streak at four games, and complete their 3rd series sweep. Kevin Gausman starts against Angels lefty Tyler Anderson.
