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| Shane Bieber threw 6 shutout innings in a 1-0 shutout win over the White Sox |
After a blowout loss yesterday after a bad day for the pitchers, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 3 game skid and avoid their 16th series loss of the season. Brendon Little and Lazaro Estrada were recalled from AAA-ball and lefty Adam Macko and righty CJ Van Eyk were optioned to AAA-ball. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Jonatan Clase in LF. Nathan Lukes got the start in RF. Andres Gimenez was at SS and Ernie Clement was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and avoid their 16th series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 4th as George Springer singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Davis Martin pitching line: 5.2IP 4H 1R (earned) 2BB 5K
- Shane Bieber pitching line: 6IP 3H 0R 2BB 6K 80 pitches (51 for strikes)
- Louis Varland threw a perfect 9th for his 20th save of the season
- Final score: Blue Jays 1 White Sox 0
My Take:
- Shane Bieber fired 6 shutout innings, scattering 3 hits, walking 2 and striking out 6. This was his best start of the season after missing 2 months with issues ramping up in spring training. He could be one of the assets traded at the deadline unless the Blue Jays get hot and quick. Bieber won the 2020 Cy Young, so he can pitch when he is locating his pitches as he was today. He avoids a tough Rays lineup. Lets see how things go in Boston next week.
- The bullpen threw 3 shutout innings, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out 4. Louis Varland is definitely getting some Cy Young votes and should seriously be considered for reliever of the year. He's been automatic with save opportunities, notching 20 straight saves.
- The offense did juuust enough to carry the day. George Springer knocked in the only run on a clutch RBI single in the 4th on a day where apparently the bats were most impacted by the delayed start due to the pregame ceremony honoring the 2 world series teams
- Fun fact: I have a ball autographed by one of the entire world series squads (I can't remember whether it was the 1992 or 1993 team). Also Roberto Alomar autographed a different ball at a signing event at Metrotown mall when I was volunteering nearby)
- Both teams were 1-1 on ABS challenges
- The Blue Jays were 1-4 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 12th series win of the season. Trey Yesavage starts against White Sox righty Sean Burke
