After a win thanks to a 6-run 6th inning capped by a Jesus Sanchez grand slam?, the Blue Jays were looking to make it 2 straight wins and notch their 7th series win and 2nd season series win of the season. Tanner Andrews was optioned to AAA-ball and lefty Aaron Voth was added to the big league roster. Alejandro Kirk was transferred to the 60 day IL. The Blue Jays also acquired righty Connor SeaWorld from the Tigers for minor league lefty Juanmi Vasquez. Jose Berrios was transferred to the 60-day IL. Kevin Gausman got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. George Springer got the full day off with Jesus Sanchez serving as DH. Vlad was back in the lineup after missing a couple of days after getting drilled in the elbow by a pitch in the right elbow. Nathan Lukes got the start in RF. Could the Blue Jaysmake it 2 straight wins and notch their 7th series win and 2nd season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Marlins opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Otto Lopez singled scoring Xavier Edwards
- Eury Perez pitching line: 4IP 3H 0R 0BB 9K 73 pitches (48 for strikes)
- The Blue jays tied it up in the bottom of the 5th as Nathan Lukes doubled scoring Tyler Heineman
- Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5IP 6H 1R (earned) 2BB 5K 95 pitches (56 for strikes)
- The Blue jays took the lead in the bottom of the 6th as Kazuma Okamoto whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-field and into the Marlins bullpen
- Tyler Rogers pitched a perfect 9th for his 2nd save of the season
- Final score: Blue Jays 2 Marlins 1
My Take:
- Kevin Gausman battled through 5 innings, giving up s run on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 5. He was working his way in and out of jams most of the day. Also not his most efficient outing, needing almost 100 pitches to get 15 outs. He seems to be having a regression year. Hopefully his trajectory doesn't continue in this path.
- The bullpen threw 4 scoreless innings, scattering 5 hits, walking none and striking out 3. I've said all along that Tyler Rogers should be the closer. He's been the Blue Jays best pitcher and doesn't mess around when he's on the mound. Jeff Hoffman, who went 2 innings, was credited with the win.
- The offense did just enough to win the day. Nathan Lukes came through with a clutch hit in the 5th and Kazuma Okamoto went deep to the opposite field in right-center. Despite a sore elbow, Vlad was the most effective hitter with 2 hits and drawing a walk. Heck he even managed to steal a base
- The Marlins were successful in the only ABS challenge of the day.
- The Blue jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays head to Baltimore to face their division rivals in the Orioles for the first time this season. The Blue jays took the season series last year 7-6, but the Orioles outscored the Blue Jays 80-70. Patrick Corbin starts against Orioles righty and old friend Chris Bassitt.
