Game #93 - Toronto Blue Jays (44-49) @ San Francisco Giants (38-54) - game recap

 

After snapping the three game skid yesterday on the strength of an 8-run outburst over 2 innings, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games, notch their 12th series win and 5th season series win of the season. Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate.  George Springer returned to the lineup as DH. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 12th series win of the season and 5th season series win?  Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Daulton Varsho singled scoring Ernie Clement
• A batter later, Kazuma Okamoto whacked a grand slam to the opposite field in right; also scoring Varsho, Nathan Lukes and George Springer 
• Logan Webb pitching line: 7IP 5H 5R (all earned) 2BB 2K 106 pitches (72 for strikes)
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 8th on a fielder's choice hit by Myles Straw that scored Varsho
• A batter later, Andres Gimenez singled scoring Okamoto
• The Blue jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 9th as Vladimir Gurrero Jr hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Lukes
• A batter later, Springer hammered a solo bomb to straightaway center
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 8IP 1H 0R 3BB 11K 118 pitches (81 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 10 Giants 0

My Take:

• Dylan Cease was outstanding today, taking a no hitter into the 9th inning.  This game reminded me a lot of Johan Santana's no hitter in 2012 where he threw a ridiculous 134 pitches. Ceases ended up being removed immediately after giving up a leadoff single in the 9th inning at 118 pitches. It's highly unusual for managers, even when a pitcher is tossing a perfect game or no hitter, to let a pitcher go that far with the pitch count, especially with all the injuries pitchers have had with their arms. Perhaps Schneider let Cease trey to finish the game because it was going to be his last start before the  all-star break, giving the righty a few extra days rest. It will be interesting to see how Cease does in his next start.  Santana strugg led in his next several starts. Of course, Santana also was coming off major shoulder surgery that might have impacted his recovery.
• Tyler Rogers got the last three outs without giving up anything further.
• Apparently, facing a weak Giants pitching staff was just what the Blue jays lineup needed. The offense jumped all over Giants starter Logan Webb, putting five runs on the board in the first inning, including a grand slam from Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto. Heck even Vlad and George Springer went deep. Interestingly Springer was batting in the cleanup spot and not his usual leadoff spot. 
• The Giants were successful on their only ABS challenge while the Blue jays were unsuccessful on both their ABS challenges
• The Blue jays were 3-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day/travel day tomorrow, the Blue Jays continue the road trip in San Diego. The Blue Jays swept the season series last year, outscoring the Padres 24-6. The Padres will start lefty JP Sears on Friday. The Blue Jays haven't set their rotation for the series yet. 

Game #92 - Toronto Blue Jays (42-49) @ San Francisco Giants (38-53) - game recap

 

Jonatan Clase hit a 3-run HR in a 9-3 win over the Giants

After another blowout loss due to the inept offense and some bad defense and pitching, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 3-game skid and avoid their 15th series loss and 9th season series loss of the season. Yohendrick Pinago was optoned to AAA-ball and righty Chad Dallas was recalled from AAA-ball. Spencer Miles got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Jonatan Clase was in LF. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and avoid their 15th series loss and 9th season series loss of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Jonatan Clase belted a 3-run jack to right-center; also scoring Brandon Valenzuela and Sean Keys
• The Giants got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Vicyor Bericoto singled scoring Rafael Devers
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Brando Valenzuela singled scoring Vladimire Guerrero Jr.
• Two batters later Sean Keys singled scoring Kazuma Okamoto and Valenzuela
• Two batters later, Andres Gimenez singled home Keys 
• A batter later, Jonatan Clase scored on a sac fly by Ernie Clement
• Trevor McDonald pitching line: 1.1IP 11H 8R (all earned (1BB 0JK 58 pitches (37 for striikes)
• The Giants got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a double play ball hit by Devers that scored Heliot Rammos
• Spencer Miles pitching line: 4IP 7H 2R (both earned) 0BB 1K 55 pitches (38 for strikes)
• The Giants got one back in the bottom of the 5th as Luis Arraez doubled scoring Ramos
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th on a double play ball hit by Guerrero Jr. that scored Clement
• Final score: Blue Jays 9 Giants 3

My Take:

• Both starters threw 55 pitches with very d ifferent outcomes. Spencer Miles gave up a pair of runs on 7 hits while walking none and striking iut 1. Unlike Giants starter Trevor McDonald, Miles was able to make some pitches to get out of the jams he hot into with minimal damage. Spencer Miles found himself in a familiar role, pitching in a bullpen game due to injury (Maqx Scherzer) and ineffectiveness (Patrick Corbin). You have to think Corbin will be released once Scherzer is ready to pitch again.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 2 hits while walking none and striking out 5. Corbin was credited with the win. Mason Fluharty, Jeff Hoffman and Louis Varland all retired every batter they faced
• The offense broke out in a big way with a cobined 8 runs on 10 hits, a sac fly and a walk. Jonatan Clase got things started in the 2nd inning by going yaed for 3 runs. The Blue Jays put together a 5-run rally the next innings. One game. Now let's see if they can do it again tomorrow
• Every Blue Jays starter except Daulton Varsho had a  hit
• The Giants were unsuccessful on both their ABS callenges. The Blue Jays did not attempt an ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 4-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try for 2 straight wins and to notch their 12th series win odf the season and 4th season series win of the season. Dylan Cease starts against Giants righty Logan Webb

Game #99 San Francisco Giants (52-48) @ Toronto Blue Jays (58-41) - game recap-

 

Addison Barger hit a 2-run HR in an 8-6 comeback win over the Giants

After another win thanks to a stellar pitching performance from Eric Lauer, a 4-run rally in the 6th inning and a 2-run HR off the bat of Tyler Heineman, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 8th series sweep and 4th season series sweep of the season. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in CF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Leo Jimenez got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 8th series sweep and 4th season series sweep of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Giants opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Helios Ramos singled scoring Jung Hoo Lee
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom half of the inning as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hammered a solo bomb
• The Blue jays took the lead in the top of the 4th as Bo Bichette doubled scoring Ernie Clement and Guerrero Jr.
• The Giants got one back in the top of the 5th as Andrew Knizner singled scoring Matt Chapman
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as George Springer belted a solo jack to left
• Three batters later,  Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Bichette
• A batter later,  Addison Barger drilled a 2-run bomb to the second deck in right; also scoring Kirk
• Robbie Ray pitching line: 4.1 IP 5H 5R (all earned) 5BB 3K 95 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Giants got a pair back in the top of the 6th as Chapman whacked a 2- run blast to the opposite field in right- center and into the Giants bullpen; also scoring Rafael Devers
• Two batters later, Brett Wisely singled scoring Dominic Smith 
• Two batters later, Lee singled scoring Wisely. Lee was thrown out at 2B on the play to end the inning
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 5.2IP 8H 4R (all earned) 1BB 5K 89 pitches (56 for strikes)
• Giants pitcher Justin Verlander was thrown out of the game for arguing balls and strikes
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Springer
• Yariel Rodriguez threw a perfect 9th for his 2nd save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 Giants 6

My Take:

• Jose Berrios battled through 5.2 innings,  giving up 4 runs on 8 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. Didn't have his best stuff today and he was yanking pitches outside to right handed batters. Ex-teammate Matt Chapman ended his day by taking Berrios deep for 2 runs. I still would have let Berrios finish the inning and have the bullpen start with a clean inning.
• The bullpeen gave up 2 runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4 over the last 3.1 innings. The normally reliable Brayden Fisher did not retire any of the batters he faced. Tommy Nance and Yariel Rodriguez both retired every batter they faced. Likely a smart move to save closer Jeff Hoffman for the big Yankees series starting tomorrow
• George Springer (2 runs scored, including solo HR), Vlad (2 runs scored, 2 RBI, including solo HR), Bo Bichette (2RBI, run scored), Alejandro Kirk (RBI, run scored) and  Addison Barger (2-run HR) drove the offense today
• Every Blue Jays starter except Leo Jimenez and Myles Straw reached base at least once and all but Jimenez, Straw and Davis Schneider had a hit
• The Blue Jays were 3-6 with runners in scoring  position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the winning streak to 4 games (5 straight over the Yankees). Kevin Gausman starts against Yankees lefty Carlos Rodon

Game #98 San Francisco Giants (52-47) @ Toronto Blue Jays (57-41) - game recap

 

Tyler Heineman hit a 2-run HR in a 6-3 comeback win over the Giants

After another win thanks to a 4-run 2nd inning and 6.1 shutout innings from Chris Bassitt, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win and 11th season series win of the season. Eric Lauer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's win. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win and 11th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights

• The Giants opened the scoring in the top of the 5th as Willy Adames belted a solo jack to left-center
• The Giants added a run in the top of the 6th on a sac fly by Heliot Ramos that scored Luis Matos 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Ernie Clement singled scoring Bo Bichette
• A batter later, Will Wagner doubled scoring Addison Barger and Clement
• A batter after that, Heineman doubled home Wagner
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 6IP 2H 2R (both earned) 0BB 7K 81 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Giants got one back in the top of the 7th as Adames whacked a solo blast to left
• Logan Webb pitching line: 6IP 11H 4R (all earned) 1BB 1K 80 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 8th as Tyler Heineman whacked a 2-run blast to right; also scoring Myles Straw
• Jeff Hoffman threw a scoreless 9th for his 23rd save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Giants 3

My Take:

• Eric Lauer started the game perfect through 4 innings and retired the first 13 batters he faced until Willy Adames took him deep. He was removed after 81 pitches, perhaps because the team wanted him to end on a high note or because the bullpen needed work.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 2 hits while walking none and striking out 2 over the last 3 innings. The Blue Jays killer on the day, Willy Adames took Chad Green deep for the run against. Brandon Little retired every batter he faced
• The offense rallied for 4 runs in the 6th inning and Tyler Heineman gave Jeff Hoffman a three-run cushion to work with by goiing deep in the 8th for 2 runs. Will Wagner is off to a hot start in the 2nd half with 4 RBI's so far in this series
• Every Blue Jays starter had a hit today
• The Blue Jays were 3-12 with runners in scoring position
• The Blue Jays have a decent shot at 100 wins if they keep playing the way they are playing. They need to go 43-21 to get to the century mark in wins
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games, complete their 8th series sweep and 4th season series sweep of the season. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Giants lefty Robbie Ray, who was the last Blue Jays pitcher to capture the Cy Young award.

Game #97 San Francisco Giants (52-46) @ Toronto Blue Jays (56-41) - game recap

 

Chris Bassitt threw 6.1 shutout innings in a 4-0 shutout win over the Giants 

After a much-deserved (and needed) 4-day all-star break, the Blue jays kicked off the unofficial start to the second half of the season as they welcomed the San Francisco Giants to Toronto. The Blue Jays won the season series last year, outscoring the Giants 18-13. Lots of injury news. Yimi Garcia is dealing wiith an ulnar nerve issue that will delay his return from a sprained ankle. Bowden Francis is shut down from throwing after experiencing further discomfort in his throwing shoulder.Ryan Burr is undergoing season ending shoulder capsule surgery. Daulton Varsho could be back in a week , he is playing games in the FCL this week. Finally Anthony Santander is still not swinging a bat and will be coming to Toronto to get a game plan for his rehab. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing Saturday (George Springer DH'd tonight). Joey Loperfido was in LF, Nathan Lukes was in CF and Addison Barger was in RF. Will Wagner was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays start the unofficial second half of the season with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Joey Loperfido doubled scoring Addison Barger
• Two batters later, Will Wagner doubled scoring Alejandro Kirk and Loperfido
• A batter later, Nathan Lukes singled home Wagner
• Justin Verlander pitching line: 2.2IP 9H 4R (all earned) 2BB 0K 66 pitches (41 for strikes)
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 6.1IP 10H 0R 0BB 5K 97 pitches (64 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Giants 0

My Take

• Chris Bassit threw 6.1 shutout innings, giving up 10 hits, walking none and striking out 5. Bassitt was working his way in and out of jams all night and benefited from good defense. Interesting they let Bassitt come out for thr 7th inning despite him being at 89 pitches. Overuse of the bullpen in the 1st half and the injury news of some of the relievers (Yimi Garcia and Ryan Burr in particular) were definite factors. The Blue Jays definitely need to target bullpen help and possibly a starting pitcher at the trade deadline
• The bullpen gave up a hit, walked none and struck out 7 over the last 2.2 innings. Brandon Little  and Jeff Hoffman retired every batter they faced
• The offense did all the damage in the 2nd inning, scoring 4 times. Joey Loperfido, Will Wagner and Nathan Lukes drove in the runs
• The Blue Jays were 3-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch 16th series win of the season. Eric Lauer starts against Giants righty Logan Webb

Game #93 Toronto Blue Jays (43-50) @ San Franciscoo Giants (45-49) - game recap

 

Leo Jimenez drove in his first career run in a 5-3 win over the Giants

After a huge comeback win thanks to a huge 6-run lead in the 6th, the Blue Jays were going for their 2nd straight win, 10th series win, and 6 season series win of the season. Kevin Gausman got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Bo Bichette (calf injury) and Daulton Varsho (knee injury) were not in the lineup. Leo Jimenez was at SS and Davis Schneider was in LF. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF even though he was placed on unconditional waivers prior to the game. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins. 10 series wins and 6 season series wins? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st on a ground out by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that scored George Springer
• A batter later, Spencer Horwitz scored on a sac fly by Justin Turner
• A batter after that, Danny Jansen belted a solo jack to left
• The Giants got a paiir back in the bottom half of the inning as Heliot Ramos hammered a 2-run bomb to left-center; also scoring Pattrick Bailey
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th as Leo Jimenez singled scoring Davis Schneider
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Horwitz hammered a solo jack to right and into the famous McCovey Cove water
• Jordan Hicks pitching line: 4.1IP 8H 5R (all earned) 1BB 1K 88 pitches (55 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 7IP 6H 2R (both earned) 0BB 3K 98 pitches (66 for strikes)
• The Giants Got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Mike Yastrzemski, grandson of Red Sox legend Carl Yastrzemski drilled a solo jack to left
• Chad Green got the last 3 outs for his 5th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays  5 Giants 3

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman pitched 7 strong innings, giving up a pair of runs on 6 hits while walking none and striking out 3. He gave up 2 runs on a 2-run HR in the first inning and then settled down and retired 15 of the next 18 batters and the last 4 batters he faced. With a rare opportunity to reset the rotation with the all-star break, I would start Gausman 1st game after the break.
• Chad Green gave up a solo HR and a walk - not great since he is the closer until Jordan Romano returns. Zack Pop retired every batter he faced
• Offensively, the Blue Jays started strong with 3 runs in the 1st inning, capped by a Danny Jansen HR. They then added 2 insurance runs, a solo HR by Spencer Horwitz and Leo Jimenez's 1st careeer RBI
• Every Blue Jays starter except Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Justin Turner had at least one hit and reached base at least once
• The Blue Jays were 1-5 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays open the final series before the all-star break against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Blue Jays swept the season series last season, outscoring the Diamondbacks 19-9. Yariel Rodriguez starts against Diamondbacks righty Ryne Nelson

Game #82- San Francisco Giants (45-36) @ Toronto Blue Jays (45-37) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero hit a 2-run HR in a 2-1 win over the Giants/

After a solid win on the backs of a 5-run 1st inning rally and a team effort from the bullpen on a bullpen day,  the Blue Jays were going for their second straight win,  16th series win and 6th season series win of the season. Alejandro Kirk was reinstated from the 10-day IL and Tyler Heineman was optioned back to AAA-ball. Chris Bassitt got the start with Kirk behind the plate.  Vladimir Guerrero Jr got the half day off as DH with Brandon Belt at 1B. Santiago Espinal was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins, 16 series wins and 6 season series wins? Here is tonight's game recap

Game Highlights:

• Giants manager Gabe Kapler and Giants 3B JD Davis were ejected at the end of the top of the 3rd for arguing balls and strikes. Davis was called out on strikes to end the inning
• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 6th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr annihilated a 2--run bomb to the second deck in left-center; also sitting Brandon Belt
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 6IP 3H 0R 3BB 12K 104 pitches (62 for strikes)
• Keaton Winn pitching line: 6IP 3H 2R (both earned) 1BB 3K 67 pitches (46 for strikes)
• The Giants got one back in the top of the 9th as Blake Sabol singled scoring Patrick Bailey
• Jordan Romano pitched the 9th for his 24th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Giants 1

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt fired six shutout innings scattering three hits while walking three and striking out twelve (a career high). He did get himself into some jams, but was able to execute pitches to get out of innings. He should get some consideration to pitch in the all star game
• The bullpen gave up a run on two hits while striking out 2 over the last three innings.  Jordan Romano showed a bit of rust having not pitched in a while.  The Giants had the tying run at the plate a couple of times in the 9th, but Alejandro Kirk threw out Sabol, who was trying to steal 3rd base and Romano got Brandon Crawford to fly out to center field to end the game.  Erik Swanson and Tim Mayza both threw perfect innings in the 7th and 8th respectively l.
• Vlad provided the only offense the Blue Jays needed, and ultimately got, with a mammoth home run in the 6th inning. He is entering the gone run derby this year so hopefully that sparks a huge second half because Vlad is having an off-year, by his standards at least.  
• I want to address the two ejections. The Giants manager Gabe Kapler and Giants third baseman JD Davis were both rejected at the end of the top of the 3rd for arguing balls and strikes.  Davis and Kapler were upset because Alejandro Kirk dramatically pulled his glove up to bring what should have been a ball into the  strike zone. As long as humans are calling balls and strikes, the catchers will be able to frame pitches. Roboumps may eliminate the ability of catchers to frame pitches. I do not believe managers skilful be able to challenge balls and strikes as they are able to do with virtually every other play. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays will go for three straight wins and their first of the season against division rivals Boston Red Sox. The Blue jays suffered a 4-game sweep in Boston two months ago with the Red Sox outscoring the Blue Jays 32-19. Jose Berrios starts against Red Sox lefty James Paxton, who no hit the Blue Jays May 18, 2018. You can bet he'll be fired up to pitch in Canada on the Canada day long weekend. 

Game #81- San Francisco Giants (45-35) @ Toronto Blue Jays (44-37) - game recap

 

Trevor Richards struck out his 500th career batter in a 6-1 win over the Giants

After a shutout loss to the Giants last night that wasted a strong start by Kevin Gausman,  who struck out his 1500th career batter, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series.  Trevor Richards got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate.  The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday,. Could the Blue Jays even the series?  Here is tonight's game recap

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Bo Bichette singled scoring George Springer
• A batter later,  Brandon Belt doubled home Bichette
• Three batters later,  Daulton Varsho doubled scoring Belt
• A batter later,  Whit Merrifield doubled home Varsho
• A batter after that,  Danny Jansen singled scoring Merrifield
• Trevor Richards pitching line: 3IP 1H 0R 1BB 5K 40 pitches (28 for strikes)
• The Giants got one back in the top of the 5th as Austin Slater hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Logan Webb pitching line: 5IP 8H 5R (all earned) 0BB 5K 92 pitches. (62 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Springer singled scoring Cavan Biggio
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Giants 1

My Take:

• Trevor Richards did his job, firing three shutout innings,  allowing a hit and a walk and striking out 5. Richards got his 500th career strikeouts. For a reliever,  that's a pretty good number of strikeouts. 
• The rest of the bullpen did a solid job,  giving up a run on 5 hits while walking none and striking out 4 over the last 6 innings, Yimi Garcia had his best outing of the seam, pitching a perfect 9th,  striking out 1 on an efficient 12 pitches.  Bowden Francis gave the Blue Jays 4 innings, although he'll want the pitch to Austin Slater,  who took him yard to deep center, back.
• Offensively,  the Blue Jays jumped all over Giants starter Logan Webb, scoring 5 runs on 6 hits in the 1st inning. They added an insurance run in the 8th off ex-Blue Jays pitcher Ross Stripling
• Every Blue Jays starter had at least one hit and all but Vladimir Guerrero Jr,,  Matt Chapman and Danny Jansen scored a run
• The Blue Jays were 6-13 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for their 2nd straight win and 16th series win of the season.  Chris Bassitt starts for the Blue Jays.  The Giants have not named a starter for tomorrow's series finale. 

Game #80- San Francisco Giants (45-34) @ Toronto Blue Jays (43-37) - game recap

 

Kevin Gausman threw 6 solid innings striking out 12. including his 1500th career strikeout, in a 3-0 shutout loss to the Giants

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays continued the homestand with a three game set that began tonight against the Giants. In 2019, the Giants won the season series 3-1 and outscored the Blue Jays 18-16. Kevin Gausman got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after DH'ing Sunday. Daulton Varsho got the start in CF. Cavan Biggio was at 2B and Brandon Belt served as DH. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Ryan Walker pitching line: 1IP 2H 0R 0BB 3K 24 pitches (17 for strikes)
• The Giants opened the scoring in the top of the 5th as Patrick Bailey doubled scoring Thairo Estrada
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 3H 1R (earned) 1BB 12K 106 pitches (69 for strikes)
• The Giants added a pair of runs in the top of the 9th as Estrada doubled scoring Joc Pederson and JD Davis 
• Camilo Doval got the last 4 outs for his 23rd save of the season
• Final score: Giants 3 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman fired 6 strong innings, giving up a run on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 12. He hit the 1500 strikeout milestone with his 7th K of the game in the top of the 4th. Gausman is now tied with ex-Blue Jays pitcher Robbie Ray for 229th all-time with 1505 strikeouts. Nolan Ryan has the all-time record for strikeouts with 5714 strikeouts. It is doubtful anyone will catch Ryan with the pitch counts generally limiting pitchers to about 90-100 pitches, whereas in Ryan's era pitchers generally pitched until their arms fell off.
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 1. Erik Swanson gave up both runs to put the game out of reach.
• The Blue Jays were 0-12 with runners in scoring position.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Giants righty Logan Webb starts for the Giants. The Blue Jays have not named a start for tomorrow night, although it'll likely be a bullpen day with Trevor Richards getting the ball first.

Game #42 Toronto Blue Jays (17-25) @ San Francisco Giants (18-24) - game recap

Brandon Drury scored all three runs for the Blue Jays in a 4-3 loss to the Giants 

Baseball is such a weird sport sometimes. Today the Blue Jays were looking to sweep the mini series as the Giants did to them three weeks ago. The pitching matchup featured two starters making their 2019 debuts. Edwin Jackson, playing for his 14th team, made his Blue Jays debut, and the Giants sent righty Shaun Anderson, who was picked dead last in his draft year, to the mound for his MLB debut. Could the Blue Jays sweep the mini series? Here is today's game recap.

#42 - Toronto Blue Jays (17-24) at San Francisco Giants (17-24)

Wednesday, May 15, 2019 | 3:45 pm

Oracle Park | San Francisco, CA

Edwin Jackson (first start of season) vs. Shaun Anderson (MLB debut)

PREAMBLE:

Vlad. Vlad. VLAD.

After a prodigious display of bat speed + power from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in his big breakout performance last night, the Blue Jays look to sweep this two-game mini-series and exact revenge for being swept by the Giants 3 weeks ago.

The pitching matchup is between two chaps making their first MLB starts of the season, except it'll be a record 14th team that Edwin Jackson is making an appearance with, while his counterpart Shaun Anderson is making his debut as a major-leaguer.

Game #41 Toronto Blue Jays (17-24) @ San Francisco Giants (17-24) - game recap

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. launched his first two career home runs to lead the Blue Jays to a thrilling 7-3 victory over the Giants

Tonight, the Blue Jays began a week long road trip with stops in San Francisco and Chicago. Trent Thornton was on the mound making his ninth attempt at his first career win. He came into this one
0-4 with a 5.06ERA. The lineup is more or less the same as it's been for the past few days. Could the Blue Jays get the road trip started with a victory? Here is tonight's game recap

#41 - Toronto Blue Jays (16-24) at San Francisco Giants (17-23)

Tuesday, May 14, 2019 | 9:45 pm ET

Oracle Park | San Francisco, CA

PREAMBLE:

A 6:45 local game time?  Don't think I've ever seen a start time like that.

The Blue Jays did the smart thing and got the hell out of town for a while with the way they've been playing lately (2-10 in their past 12 after reaching the .500 mark).  They've embarked on a revenge tour with five games against two teams that they went 1-4 against earlier in the season, starting in San Francisco for two games before moving on to Chicago.

Trent Thornton takes the ball for his umpteenth attempt at securing his first major-league win.  The Giants are bullpenning things tonight with Nick Vincent going for an inning or two.  We might see Tyler Beede tonight - he's the one who was selected by the Jays in the first round of the 2011 draft but was the only one from that round not to sign with the team that drafted him.

Game #25 San Francisco Giants (11-14) @ Toronto Blue Jays (11-14) - game recap

He's coming Friday and not a moment too soon after today's lackluster 4-0 loss to the Giants

This was officially the last game without Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the lineup. Carlie Montoyo announced after the game that he will be recalled and make his MLB debut Friday vs. Oakland. Freddy Galvis remained out of the lineup with the hamstring issue that has been plaguing him since Sunday and may be placed on the 10 day DL to make room for Guerrero Jr. on the roster. Could the Blue Jays split this mini series? Here is today's game recap.

#25 - San Francisco Giants (10-14) at Toronto Blue Jays (11-13)

I always enjoyed his nickname, "The Count."

Wednesday, April 24, 2019 | 4:07 pm ET

Rogers Centre | Toronto, ON

PREAMBLE:

The Blue Jays' four-game winning streak came to an end with a 7-6 loss yesterday.  Today, they look to gain a series split against the San Francisco Giants before enjoying a day off and then welcoming the Oakland Athletics to Rogers Centre for a series that could very well see the debut of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

It's a battle of former Red Sox teammates on the mound in today's afternoon game -- Clay Buchholz takes on Drew Pomeranz.

Pity we won't get to see Madison Bumgarner in this series.

Game #24 San Francisco Giants (10-14) @ Toronto Blue Jays (11-13) - game recap

Rowdy Tellez hit his first career grand slam in a losing effort as the Blue jays were edged by the Giants 7-6

The San Francisco Giants and Kevin Pillar made their quick two game trip to Toronto this evening. Vladimir Guerrero Jr was not recalled by the Blue Jays for this game. This might have been for the better because had he been recalled, Pillar's  return to Toronto would have been overshadowed. Besides, Guerrero Jr. has only played six games so far, and the team wants him to work on defense away from 3rd Base, which may be better accomplished playing at a lower level. Some good news and bad news to report on the injury front. Number two prospect Bo Bichette fractured his hand on a hit by pitch last night and is seeking a second opinion. He'll likely miss a good month at minimum. The two pieces of good news are Aaron Sanchez is expected to make his next start, despite leaving his last start with a broken fingernail. Freddy Galvis was held out of the starting lineup with a sore hamstring that he injured in the ninth inning Sunday. Trent Thornton was still looking for his first MLB win. Luke Maile was behind the plate and Socrates Brito got the start in CF. Could the Blue Jays ruin Pillar's return and beat the Giants? Here is today's game recap.

#24 - San Francisco Giants (9-14) at Toronto Blue Jays (11-12)

Remember when the Giants was almost moved to Toronto in 1976?  This was their logo back then.

Tuesday, April 23, 2019 | 7:07 pm ET

Rogers Centre | Toronto, ON

PREAMBLE:

The Toronto Blue Jays return home after a massively successful road trip where they went 6-1 against two solid teams (Minnesota, Oakland), and they look to continue that momentum as they take on the San Francisco Giants at the Rogers Centre.

Trent Thornton looks to rediscover the form displayed in his first two starts and secure his first major league win.  He'll go up against Jeff Samardzija, who has owned the Jays in his three previous starts against them (2-0, 0.39).  Pretty numbers like that are meant to be messed up!