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| Alejandro Kirk drove in 3 runs and scored once in a 6-1 win over the Red Sox |
After a heartbreaking extra-innings loss, the Blue Jays were trying to snap the 5-game skid and avoid being swept for the 4th time this season. Righty Brett De Gues was recalled from AAA-ball and Tommy Nance was optioned to the spring training complex. Kevin Gausman got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. George Springer got the complete day off with Nathan Lukes in RF. Jonatan Clase was in CF and Joey Loperfido was in LF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner. Leo Jimenez got the start at 2B and Alejandro Kirk served as DH. Could the Blue Jays snap the 5-game skid and avoid being swept for the 4th time this season? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 4th as Alejandro Kirk doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Two batters later, Ernie Clement singled home Kirk
- The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 5th as Kirk singled scoring Jonatan Clase and Tyler Heineman. Kirk was thrown out at 2nd trying to stretch the single into a double
- The Red Sox got one back in the top of the 6th as Triston Casas singled scoring Jarren Duran
- Richard Fitts pitching line: 5IP 6H 4R (all earned) 2BB 2K 78 pitches (56 for strikes)
- Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 3BB 3K 93 pitches (59 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 7th as Clase whacked a 2-run blast to right-center and into the Red Sox bullpen
- Final score: Blue Jays 6 Red Sox 1
My Take:
- Kevin Gausman had a solid final start of the season, throwing 6 strong innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 6. He retired 9 of the first 11 batters he faced and the only real jam he got into was the 6th, when he allowed his only run. There's no doubt that Gausman is likely disappointed overall with how his season went. His strikeouts were way down (he had 164 this year vs. 237 in 2023). He also walked 4 more batters and gave up 11 more HR this season. You have to wonder if the injury he dealt with in spring training may have lingered through the season but he didn't say anything to either the trainers or Pete Walker or John Schneider. It felt like the team may have rushed him back when he wasn't fully stretched out. Perhaps he could have benefited from another rehab start or two. Gausman finishes 2024 with a 14-11 record and a 3.83ERA oveer 31 starts.
- The bullpen threw 3 shutout innings, giving up three hits, walking none and striking out 2. Erik Swanson retired every batter he faced.
- Alejandro Kirk led the offense today, driving in 3 runs and scoring once. Jonatan Clase also contributed a 2-run HR - the first HR of his career.
- Every Blue Jays starter except Nathan Lukes, Leo Jimenez and Addison Barger reached base at least once and all but Barger, Lukes, Jimenez and Tyler Heineman had at least one hit
- The Blue Jays were 3-8 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, after a final off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays open the final series of the season against the Marlins. The Blue Jays won the season series against the Marlins in 2023, but the Marlins outscored the Blue Jays 14-8. Jose Berrios makes his final start of the year Friday. The Marlins haven't set their rotation for the series yet.
