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Ernie Clement hit a 3-run HR in a 5-1 victory over the Cubs |
After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays started a week-long homestand as they welcomed the Chicago Cubs to town. The Cubs took the season series laat year, outscoring the Blue Jays 9-8. Andres Gimenez was activated off the 10-day IL and got the start at 2B and Buddy Kennedy was DFA'd. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Nathan Lukes was in LF and Addison Barger was in RF. Ernie Clement got the start at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Bo Bichette
- The Blue Jays added 3 runs in the bottom of the 4th as Ernie Clement whacked a 3-run blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Daulton
- Javier Assad pitching line: 4IP 8H 4R (all earned) 1BB 2K 70 pitches (48 for strikes)
- Jose Berrios pitching line: 5.1IP 2H 0R 4BB 3K 91 pitches (55 for strikes)
- The Cubs got one back in the top of the 7th as Michael Busch singled scoring Dansby Swanson
- The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Daulton Varsho belted a solo jack to right and into the Cubs bullpen
- Final score: Blue Jays 5 Cubs 1
My Take:
- Jose Berrios threw 5.1 shutout innings, scattering 2 hits, walking 4 and striking out 3. Berrios retired the first 5 batters he faced and another out streak of 6 batters. There is a good chance that he'll be a bullpen option in the playoffs. At this point, playoff rotation looks like it'll be (in no particular order) Kevin Gausman, Eric Lauer, Shance Bieber and Max Scherzer.
- The bullpen gave up a run on 2 hits while walking 3 and striking out 6 over the last 3.2 innings. It will be interesting to see who is the Blue Jays closer going into the playoffs in 6 weeks. Jeff Hoffman has 26 saves on the season, but he has blown 5 saves and has had control issues of late. Louis Varland has looked great early in his stint with the Blue Jays and the team needs a good closer in the 9th.
- Bo Bichette (RBI single), Ernie Clement (3-run HR) and Daulton Varsho (2 runs scored, including solo HR) carried the day offensively
- The win kept the division lead over the Yankees and Red Sox, who both had blowout wins, at 6 and 4.5 games. If the playoffs started tomorrow, the Blue Jays would have home field advantage through the ALCS and be receiving a key bye to the divisional round.
- The Blue Jays were 3-8 with runners in scoring position
- The Blue Jays have the same record after 120 games as the 1992 world series winning season. The 1993 team was 69-71 after 120 games. This Blue Jays team needs to go 30-12 the rest of the way for their franchises first 100 win season. If this is accomplished the Blue Jays will likely go into the playoffs red hot.
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 21st series win and 14 season series win of the season. They will also be looking to improve their record on my birthday (August 13) to 22-22 on my birthdday and extend that win streak to 4 games. Kevin Gausman starts against Cubs righty Cade Horton.