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| Ernie Clement scored three runs and drove in three runs, including a 3-run HR in a 6-4 comeback win over the Orioles |
After an ugly blowout loss yesterday due to Trey Yesavage and the bullpen imploding, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and avoid their 10th series loss of the season. It was a bullpen day with Brayden Fisher serving as the opener and Patrick Valenzuela behind the plate. Myles Straw got the start in CF. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 10th series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- Brayden Fisher pitching line: 1IP 1H 0R 1BB 2K 18 pitches (10 for strikes)
- The Orioles opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Colton Cowser belted a solo jack to right-center
- The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 2nd as Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Ernie Clement
- The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 3rd as Clement whacked a 3-run blast to left; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Jesus Sanchez
- Three batters later, Andres Gimenez singled scoring Brandon Valenzuela. Okamoto was thrown out at 3rd base on the play
- Kyle Bradish pitching line: 4IP 9H 5R (all earned) 3BB 3K 81 pitches (51 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th on a sac fly by Valenzuela that scored Clement
- The Orioles got a pair back in the top of the 6th as Pete Alonso smacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right-center and into the Orioles bullpen; also scoring Gunnar Henderson
- The Orioles got one back in the top of the 7th as Blaze Anderson smacked a solo blast to left-center
- Louis Varland threw a perfect 9th for his 10th save of the season
- Final score: Blue Jays 6 Orioles 4
My Take:
- Brayden Fisher pitched his way out of a jam after a leadoff walk and base hit to the first 2 batters to start the game. Hopefully this is the last time a bullpen game is needed. Dylan Cease should make his next start barring a setback with the hamstring and Max Scherzer should be set in a start or two. Shane Bieber has started a rehab assignment and could be back either during the next road trip or the next homestand. Just hate seeing a reliever wasted right away.
- The bullpen gave up 4 runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 10 over the last 8 innings. Jeff Hoffman continues to be a frustration as he gave up a 2-run HR after entering the game. It's getting to the point where he might be the odd man out when Yimi Garcia is ready to play again. You can't get much lower leverage than a 5-run lead and a runner on 1st that should have been erased with an inning ending double play. Louis Varland is turning into the Blue Jays best reliever and arguably should have been the closer right from the start of the season.
- It was the Ernie Clement show today, scoring three times and driving in three on a 3-run blast in left and he made a fantastic defensive play at 2B. He's been invaluable to the team with the ability to play the hot corner, 2nd base and SS. His bat has been inconsistent at times this season, but he has the ability to be a difference msaker at the plate. He's a bit of a quirky hitter too since he likes to use other players bats when things aren't going his way. Hey whatever works!
- Adley Rutschman was 1-1 on ABS challenges and the Blue Jays did not challenge any pitches today
- The Blue Jays were 3-10 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 9th series win of the season. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Orioles righty Shane Baz
