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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.