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| Eric Lauer threw 8 strong innings in an 11-4 comeback win over the Tigers |
After a huge win over the Yankees thanks to a 2-RBI, 2 runs scored effort from Vlad and 7.1 strong innings from Chris Bassitt, the Blue Jays were looking to make it two straight wins as they began a road trip in Detroit tonight. The Tigers took the series in Toronto back in mid-May, outscoring the Blue Jays 9-8. Eric Lauer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Will Wagner at 1B. Joey Loperfido was in LF, Nathan Lukes was in CF and George Springer was in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Tigers opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Jahmai Jones whacked a solo blast to left-center
- The Blue Jays tied it up in the top of the 6th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring George Springer
- Three batters later, Ernie Clement drilled a 3-run bomb to left-center; also scoring Guerrero Jr. and Addison Barger
- A batter later, Joey Loperfido smacked a solo blast to right-center
- Reese Olson pitching line: 5.2IP 6H 5R (all earned) 2BB 4K 95 pitches (57 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 7th as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Nathan Lukes
- Two batters later, Barger tripled scoring Guerrero Jr, and Bo Bichette
- A batter later, Barger scored on a sac fly by Clement
- The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 8th as Lukes hammered a 2-run bomb to right; also scoring Will WaThegner
- Eric Lauer pitching line: 8IP 5H 1R (earned) 0BB 6K 97 pitches (71 for strikes)
- The Tigers got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Spencer Torkelson drilled a solo blast to left
- Three batters later, Riley Greene scored on a ground out hit by Wenceel Perez
- Two batters later, Colt Keith singled scoring Matt Vierling
- Final score: Blue Jays 11 Tigers 4
My Take:
- Eric Lauer was excellent again, giving up a run on 5 hits while walking none and striking out 6. He retired 11 in a row at one point. Lauer is making a strong case to use a 6-man rotation the rest of the way and to be a starter in the playoffs. At this point, I would give him the ball in game 1 of a playoff series.
- Chad Green on the other hand is pitching his way off the team and could be a roster move (DFA) when the acquired players join the team. Green was roughed up for 3 runs on 4 hits in the 9th inning. The Blue Jays almost had to use a second reliever to end the game.
- Offensively, Vlad (2 runs scored, 2RBI), Nathan Lukes (2 runs scored, 2RBI), Addison Barger (2 runs scored, 2RBI), and Ernie Clement (4RBI, including a 3-run HR) carried the team to victory
- Every Blue Jays starter had a hit and all but Tyler Heineman either scored a run or drove in a run
- The comeback kids did it again. The Blue Jays now have 32 comeback wins on the season, They will be a tough elimination in the playoffs
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Tigers righty Keider Montero
