ALCS GAME 7 - Seattle Mariners (3-4) @ Toronto Blue Jays (4-3) - Game recap

 

George Springer hit a 3-run HR in a 4-3 comeback win over the Mariners to advance to their first world series since 1993

After a huge win yesterday, the Blue Jys were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and punch their ticket to the world series. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's win. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and punch their ticket to the world series? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Mariners opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Josh Naylor singled scoring Julio Rodriguez
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho singled scoring George Springer
• The Mariners retook the lead in the top of the 3rd as Rodriguez whacked a solo blast to left-center
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 3.2IP 7H 2R (both earned) 1BB 5K 74 pitches (44 for strikes)
• George Kirby pitching line: 4IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 3K 65 pitches (42 for strikes)
• The Mariners added a run in the top of the 5th as Cal Raleigh whacked a solo blast to right and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jaya took the lead in the bottom of the 7th as Springer belted a 3-run jack to left-center; also scoring Addison Barger and IKF 
• Jeff Hoffman pitched a perfect 9th for his 2nd save of the post-season.
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Mariners 3

My Take

• Shane Bieber battled through 3.2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 7 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. Not an efficient game by any means, but the litmus test was alway going to be whether he was getting outs and keeping the score close. Unfortunately tonight, he didn't have the feel for the slider and his command wasn't there either.
• The bullpen held it together aand kept the score close, giving up a run on one hit, while walking 3 and striking out 4 over the last 5.1 innings. Louis Varland gave up a  solo home run. Kevin Gausman, who walked 3 batters, was credited with the win. Jeff Hoffman struck out the side in the 9th with his velo good in spite of 33 pitches thrown yesterday. 
• George Springer provided the Kirk Gibson moment with a HUGE 3-run bomb in the 7th to give the Blue Jays the lead when it looked very much like they were going to fall short. Daulton Varsho drove in the other run to negate the opening inning run manufactured by the Mariners. 
• Every starter had at least one hit. The hallmark of this team all season has been team efforts offensively. They are going to face a much stiffer test against the defending world series champs
• The Blue Jays were 2-6 with runners in scoring position
• The next few days are going to be very telling with respect to the world series roster. Bo Bichette is trying his darndest to make it back for the world series. It would likely be the last time with him in a Blue Jays uniform with Bichette set to hit free agency and cash in after a strong regular season. If Bichette is added to the world series roster, IKF would likely be the odd man out 
• Could we see an encore of Max Scherzer vs. Clayton Kershaw in the world series. Both legends could call it a career after this season (Kershaw has already said he is done)
• There are going to be a lot of fans who were either not alive or are too young to remember one or both world series the Blue Jays one. Yours truly was only 9 years old when Joe Carter hit a walk-off home run to win the 1993 world series and I only remember Carter's home run because I called it while watching with my family. I remember my uncle thinking Darnell Cole, who was on deck would be the hero. I have no real recollection of the 1992 world series
• Up next, the world series against the defending champion LA Dodgers, who have been idle since last Friday after sweeping Milwaukee, who finished with the best record in the MLB. The Dodgers won the season series, outscoring the Blue Jays 18-7. Neither team has set their rotation for the series, but expect Kevin Gausman to get the nod in game 1.

ALCS GAME 6 - Seattle Mariners (3-3) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-3) - Game recap

 

Addison Barger drove in 3 runs, including a 2-run HR in a 6-2 win over the Mariners to force a game 7

After dropping game 5 in Seattle, the Blue Jays were looking to keep their season alive as they returned home to Toronto. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was in the lineup despite leaving game 5 after getting hit in the knee by a pitch. The rest of the lineup was the same as was in Seattle. Could the Blue Jays win and force a game seven? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Addison Barger singled scoring Daulton Varsho 
• A batter later Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled home Ernie Clement
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Barger belted a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Clement
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. bashed a solo jack to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Logan Gilbert pitching line: 4IP 7H 5R (4 earned) 1BB 3K 75 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Mariners got one back in the top of the 6th as Josh Naylor hammered a solo bomb off the basing of the second deck
• Two batters later, Eugenio Suarez singled scoring Randy Arozarena 
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 5.2IP 6H 2R (both earned) 3BB 7K 87 pitches (56 or strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th on a throwing error by Cal Raleigh that scored Guerrero Jr.
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Mariners 2

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage battled through 5.2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 7, Yesavage benefited from 2 inning ending double play balls. He also retired the first 6 batters he faced. He should get a strong look in spring training at a spot in the rotation.
• The bullpen was solid tonight, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out 8 over the last 3.1 innings. A rested Hoffman had good velocity, but that may not be the case tomorrow after he threw 33 pitches over 2 innings. John Schneider wasn't about to take any chances with the season on the line and used his closer to get the last 6 outs.
• Offensively, Addison Barger (3RBI, including 2-run HR), Ernie Clement (2 runs scored) and Vlad (2 runs scored on solo GR and great running effort to force a bad throw from Cal Raleigh) carried the day.
• The Blue Jays were 3-11 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, game seven with the wnner taking on the Dodgers at home starting on Friday. George Kirby starts for the Mariners. The Blue Jays will likely turn to Shane Bieber.

ALCS GAME 5 - Toronto Blue Jays (2-3) @ Seattle Mariners (3-2) - Game recap-

 

Kevin Gausman threw 5.2 solid innings in a 6-2 come-from-behind loss to the Mariners

After a second straight convincing won thanks to the offence getting to the starting pitcher and a strong start from Max Scherzer, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and put themselves on the verge of punching their ticket to the world series. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's win. Could the Blue Jays make it three straight wins and give themselves a chance to punch their ticket to the world series at home on Sunday? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Mariners opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Eugenio Suarez belted a solo jack to left-center 
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 5th as George Springer doubled scoring Addison Barger
• Bryce Miller pitching line: 4IP 4H 1R (earned) 2BB 4K 56 pitches (39 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 6th as Ernie Clement singled scoring Alejandro Kirk
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5.2IP 3H 1R (earned) 2BB 4K 91 pitches (53 for strikes)
• The Mariners tied it in the bottom of the 8th as Cal Raleigh whacked a solo blast to left and into the Mariners bullpen
• Four batters later, Suarez blasted a grand slam to the opposite field in right; also scoring Jorge Polanco, Josh Naylor and Randy Arozarena
• Final score: Mariners 6 Blue Jays 2

My Take: 

• Kevin Gausman fired 5.2 strong innings, giving up a run on 3 hitd whie walking 2 and striking out 4. Gausman retired 13 of the last 16 batters he faced. The only run he gave up was a solo home runs, an issue that has been rearing it's ugly head. If the Blue Jays force a game 7 with a win Sunday, he'll likely be available in the bullpen
• The bullpen, and in particular Brandon Little, who gave up a game-tying homer to Cal Raleigh, who continues to have a season for the ages offensively, and Seranthony  Dominguez, who gave up a grand slam. Little, who did not retire a batter, was tagged with the loss and blown save.
• Offensively, George Springer and Ernie Clement. Vlad is going to be criticized big time for striking out with runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs in the 5th. The Mariners opted to intentionally walk him in two other plate appearances. They need production from the batters before and after Vlad so the Mariners have no choice but to pitch to him
• There has to be concern about George Springer, who left the game after getting hit in the knee by a pitch. Hopefully with a day between games, he'll be good to go for game 6.
• The Blue Jays were 2-11 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to win game 6 in Toronto to keep their season alive. Trey Yesavage starts for the Blue Jays. The Mariners have not announced a starter yet

ALCS GAME 3 - Toronto Blue Jays (1-2) @ Seattle Mariners (2-1) - Game recap

 

Aleejandro Kirk hit a 3-run HR in a 13-4 comeback win over the Mariners

After another game lost due to the bullpen blowing the game, the Blue Jays were looking to get back in the ALCS with a win in Seattle. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Nathan Lukes was in LF and Anthony Santander was in RF. Could the Bklue Jays snap the 2-game skid and get their 1st win of the ALCS? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Mariners opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Julio Rodriguez belted a 2-run jack to left; also scoring Randy Arozarena
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 3rd as Andres Gimenez whacked a 2-run blast to right-center; also scoring Ernie Clement
• Six batters later, Nathan Lukes scored on a wild pitch by George Kirby
• Same batter, Daultion Varsho doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alejandro Kirk
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th as George Springer hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Guerrero Jr. hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Four batters later, Clement singled scoring Anthony Santander. Kirk was thrown out at 3rd base on the play
• George Kirby pitching line:4IP 8H 8R (all earned) 2BB 4-K 74 pitches (47 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as Gimenez scored on a ground out hit by Lukes
• Three batters later, Kirk whacked a 3-run blast to the opposite field in right; also scoring Guerrero Jr. and Springer
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 6IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 8K 88 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Mariners got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Arozarena drilled a solo blast to left-center
• A batter later, Cal Raleigh whacked a solo blast to right
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th as Addison Barger drilled a solo blast to right-center
• Final score: Blue Jays 13 Mariners 4

My Take:

• Shane Bieber fired 6 solid innings, giving up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 8. After a tough first inning that saw Bieber cough up 2 runs on 2 hits and a walk, the veteran righty settled down and retired 17 of the last 19 batters he faced. Coming off tommy john surgery, Bieber is likely the freshest player on either team. This start will certainly increase offers Bieber gets in free agency (Bieber is expected to decline his player's option and hit the free agent market 
• The bullpen gave up 2 runs on 4 hits while walking none and striking out 2 over the last 3 innings. Both runs were charged to Yariel Rodriguez, who gave up back-to-back home runs. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced.
• The offense exploded like a pop bottle, erupting to score 13 runs on 18 hits. It was a team effort led by Alejandro Kirk (2 runs scored, including a 3-run HR), Andres Gimenez (2 runs scored, including a 2-run HR), Daulon Varsho (2RBI), Vlad (was 4-4, scored 3 times, including a solo HR), George Springer, scored twice, including a solo HR) Nathan Lukes (RBI, run scored)
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Anthony Santamder had a hit. Every Blue Jays starter either scored a run or drove in a run
• The Blue Jays were 4-16 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and even the ALCS. Max Scherzer starts against Mariners righty Luis Castillo.

ALCS GAME 2 - Seattle Mariners (2-0) @ Toronto Blue Jays (0-2) - Game recap

 

Nathan Lukes drove in 2 runs and scored once in a 10-3 loss to the Mariners. He was only credited with one RBI due to a throwing error by Mariners 1B Josh Naylor on the first ron of the day.

After dropping the opener of the ALCS due to the bullpen blowing the save and the inept offence mustering two hits, one being a leadoff HR, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Anthony Santander was a late scratch with back tightness and Davis Schneider took his place in LF. Could the Blue Jays even the series? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Mariners opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Julio Rodriguez belted a 3-run jack to the second deck in left; also scoring Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Nathan Lukes singled scoring George Springer
• Three batters later,  Alejandro Kirk singled home Lukes 
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 2nd as Lukes singled scoring Springer 
• Logan Gilbert pitching line: 3IP 5H 3R (2 earned) 1BB 2K 58 pitches (39 for strikes)
• The Mariners took the lead in the top of the 5th as Jorge Polanco hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Arozarena and Raleigh
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 4IP 4H 5R (all earned) 3BB 4K 70 pitches (43 for strikes)
• The Mariners added a run in the top of the 6th as JP Crawford singled Leo Rivas
• The Mariners added a pair of runs in the top of the 7th as Josh Naylor smashed a 2-run blast to right; also scoring Polanco
• The Mariners added a run in the top of the 7th on a sac fly by Crawford that scored Eugenio Suarez 
• Final score: Mariners 10 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage battled through 4 innings, giving up 5 runs on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4. He had a tough start to the game, falling behind by three before recording an out after hitting the first batter he faced, pitching around Cal Raleigh and giving up a no-doubter to Julio Rodriguez. He did retire 6 in a row at one point. Same situation happened as last night where the Mariners took the lead immediately after Yesavage left the game. Unfortunate since it tacked two more runs onto Yesavage's pitching line
• The bullpen gave up a further 5 runs (technically 7 if you count the two charged to starter Trey Yesavage on the 3-run HR given up by Louis Varland, who was the first reliever out of the bullpen tonight. Chris Bassitt was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced. If the Blue Jays are eliminated in a sweep, very plausible with how the series is going, Pete Walker should be the scapegoat. It is very troubling that the pitchers continue to give up home runs. The pitching is the weak link this year. It's hard to come back in the playoffs and a 7-run deficit is virtually insurmountable.
• Offensively, the bats have gone cold at the worst possible time. Nathan Lukes drove in 2 of the 3 runs. Alejandro Kirk drove in Lukes for the other run,
• Time to swich up the lineup. Bring Myles Straw in at the very least.
• The Blue Jays were 3-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap a 2-game skid as they face a daunting task where they must win 4 of the next 5 games and at least 2 of 3 in Seattle. Shane Bieber starts against Mariners righty George Kirby

ALCS GAME 1 - Seattle Mariners (1-0) @ Toronto Blue Jays (0-1) - Game recap

 

George Springer hit a leadoff HR in a losing effort as the Marineras came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 3-1

After a hard-fought ALDS triumph over the Yankees, the Blue Jays opened the ALCS against expansion cousins the Seattle Mariners. The Blue Jays won the seaon series against the Mariners, outscoring the Mariners 31-24. Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer were added to the ALCS roster and Justin Bruihl and Tommy Nance were dropped. Bo Bichette was also left off the roster. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Anthony Santander was in LF, Daulton Varsho was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner, Andres Gimenez was at SS, Ernie Clement was at 2B and of course Vlad got the nod at 1B. Could the Blue Jays open the ALCS with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as George Springer led off with a solo blast to the second deck of the opposite field in right
• Nathan Lukes left the game prior to the 4th inning after fouling a ball off his right knee
• The Mariners tied it in the top of the 7th as Cal Raleigh belted a solo jack to right-center
• Two batters later, Jorge Polanco singled scoring Juliu Rodriguez
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5.2IP 3H 2R (both earned) 1BB 5K 76 pitches (48 for strikes)
• Bryce Miller pitching line: 6IP 2H 1R (earned) 3BB 3K 76 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Mariners added a run in the top of the 8th as Jorge Polanco singled scoring Randy Arozarena
• Andres Munoz pitched a perfect 9th for his 2nd save of the postseason
• Final score: Mariners 3 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman fired 5.2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 3 his while walking 1 and striking out 5. It's unfortunate how the 6th inning played out with Gausman a strike away from a perfect inning and a solid pitch count still in the 60s. He retired 16 in a row before Cal Raleigh (who else?) took him deep.
• The bullpen surrendered 2 runs  (one charged to Gausman) on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6 over the last 3.1 innings. Mason Fluharty retired every batter he faced. Louis Varland, Brandon Little and Seranthony Dominiguez scare me. Dominguez has a tendency to walk batters, Litlle struggles against righties and Varland hasn't really been himself since joining the Blue Jays 
• Offensively, George Springer hit a leadoff home run and that was about it. Vlad's magic from the ALDS didn't materialize tonight - he was 0-4 at the plate. The Blue Jays need tto show more discipline at the plate. The three Mariners relievers needed just 24 pitches to get the last 9 outs
• The Blue Jays were 0-4 with runners in scoring position. 
• Up next,  the Blue Jays try to even the series. Trey Yesavage starts for the Blue Jays. The Mariners have not named a starter for game 2 yet. They needed to use 3 starting pitchers in the 15 inning marathon yesterday and Bryan Woo is just coming off the injured list and may not be at his best.

ALCS Game 5

Backs against the wall. Estrada on the bump. Rookie Merritt ripe for the taking. Let's do this!

ALCS Game 4

Backs against the wall. Sanchez on the bump. Kluber ripe for the taking on short rest. Let's do this!

ALCS Game 3

It's the return of the Stro Show! Cut up Bauer.

Offence, where art thou? You are our only hope!

ALCS Game 2

JA is Happ-iness
Tomlin is toast
The offence comes back
And we will boast

ALCS Game 1

In Marco we trust.
Klubers a bust
Ashes to ashes
Dust to dust.


Game Thread

Blue Jays - Cleveland Preview

Vs

Wednesday: Jays News and Views.

  Stoeten at BJN posts about the TV ratings for Sunday's game 3 of the ALDS. Aaaand they're massive. 4.73 million average audience, a peak of 7.03 million and 10 million watching at some point of the broadcast. That's a lot of eyes, over a quarter of the country, reminiscent of September 2015 when Sportsnet was the number 2 network in Canada, largely because of your Blue Jays. I'm not sure if I agree, that this might increase the chances that Edwin or Jose gets signed by the Jays, but you can be damn sure that payroll won't be going down in 2017. Laurence would be shipping Eddie Rogers to Vodafone if that happened. It also suggests that it'd be hard for the Jays to be considered a "small market team" by anyone. No more 31 million dollar handouts from MLB.

  Joanna writes about Clevelands racist/clown mascot at Hum and Chuck. She links Pedro doing this. Un-fucking-believable. In her piece we find out why Jerry Howarth won't use Cleveland's nickname and how Jamie Campbell will follow suit. I'm not one to get into the politics of everything but even I agree, the time for this shit to die, is long over due. Digging the Viking video with the throat singing at the end of her post. Head over and give it a look.

 Officially, Estrada has been named Game 1 starter. Unofficially, according to a CP article at Sportsnet, Stroman game 2, Happ Game 3,Dickey game 4, errr, Sanchez game 4. Devon Travis is expected to be ready to go for game 1 and Liriano available on Saturday, after his league mandated, concussion protocol, DL time has elapsed. Going to be fun with guessing the playoff roster. Will Pompey be on it? Will Uncle Loupy's wild ride be replaced by Liriano? Will the cold in Cleveland cause for a Gibby's Mumu sighting? Curious times need answers.

  Interesting tidbit from the Sun article about Pompey at the end of the page.
"Behind the Chicago Cubs’ 57 victories at Wrigley Field, the Indians tied the Los Angeles Dodgers and Rangers for the second-most home wins in baseball this season with 53. Cleveland held an impressive plus-105 run differential at Progressive Field, but were minus-four on the road. The Blue Jays were plus-38 at the Rogers Centre and an impressive plus-55 away from home."

  CBS has 3 writers picking Cleveland taking the series, with 2 taking the Jays. Defense should be prominent during the series, with the two top run prevention teams in the AL battling it out. How do you defend a homerun anyways? Unleash the Kraken. Defends this, ya fucking racists.

  While we're at it, what does your ALCS playoff roster look like?

 With the Jays on fire so far in October, let's hope none of them wanders down to the Cuyahoga River.