| George Springer hit a 2-run single in a 3-1 win over the Orioles |
After a dreadful loss thanks to a disasterous effort from the bullpen, the Blue Jays were looking to salvage a series sweep and avoid the first series loss of the season. Max Scherzer was placed on the 15-day IL as he deals with a thumb issue that caused him to leave yesterday's game after just three innings when his right lat tightened up. Lefty Richard Loveday was DFA'd after an ugly appearance yesterday where he was tagged for 4 runs. Lefties Lucas Eason and Mason Fluharty were recalled from AAA-ball. Chris Bassitt got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Anthony Santander got the half day off as DH with George Springer in RF. Myles Straw got the start in CF. Will Wagner was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays earn the series split? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Orioles opened the scoring in the top of the 1st on a wild pitch by Chris Bassitt that scored Ryan O'Hearn
- The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as George Springer singled scoring Bo Bichette and Andres Gimenez
- Tomoyuki Sugano pitching line: 4IP4H 2R (both earned) 2BB 1K 73 pitches (45 for strikes)
- Chris Bassitt pitching line: 6IP 8H 1R (earned) 2BB 7K 106 pitches (69 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Tyler Heineman whacked a solo blast to left
- Jeff Hoffman threw a perfect 9th for his 1st save of the season
- Final score: Blue Jays 3 Orioles 1
My Take:
- Chris Bassitt threw 6 solid innings, giving up a run on 8 hits while walking 2 and striking out 7. He threw a wild pitch in the 1st inning for the run he squandered. He dealt with base runners in every inning, but he was able to pitch his way out of the jams.
- The bullpen threw 3 scoreless innings, giving up a hit, walking none and striking out 4. Little had a nice efficient inning after leaving an appearance 2 days ago with a lat strain. Hoffman also looked good for his first save of the season.
- Offensively, the Blue Jays got the key insurance run from an unlikely source with Tyler Heineman hitting his first home run since way back on September 26, 2019 in his 4th career game. George Springer also contributed with a clutch 2-run single.
- The Blue Jays were 1-5 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays open a 3-game series agaainst the Nationals. The Nats won the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 23-17. Bowden Francis starts against Nationals righty Michael Soroka