Game 4 - Jays @ Rays Mar 31st Game Recap

Let’s Give Pitching with a Lead a Try

The game one, and best version of the Blue Jays showed up in the series finale and they got the split, winning 9-2. Kevin Gausman took the mound with a short pitch count and brought a performance similar to what we saw most of last year. In this series, the Jays; starters have made a good showing, the offense has failed them two games in a row. That would not be the case today.

Justin Turner

“YAY, 39 y/o infielder #needlemover”

“I’ll believe it when I see it in a Jays’ jersey” -in reference to Turner delivering in clutch moments

“Yeah, not seeing the value, I have no idea wtf the Jays FO is doing this off season”

All of these things I said when the Justin Turner signing was announced. Today, Turner was 3 for 4 2 runs scored and had 4 RBI. It’s one game so we’re not going to win any awards, BUT. Turner got the first RBI in the top of the first; another inning where the Jays have struggled to score runs from last year. Today, the Jays needed a hitter to get the runs started and Turner answered the bell more than once.

Vladdy

Vladdy looks so good at the plate so far this season. He is playing patient and I believe that Home Run in the season opener was a big deal in getting him going into the season. When he starts to press, he starts to miss and get impatient. Today, Vladdy drew three walks and played some great defense.

Elsewhere on the field, Ernie Clement scored 2 runs and got a hit. His defense looked smooth and consistent filling in for Bo who was out of the lineup today. Gausman was on a pitch count today as he is still in Spring Training mode. Nate Pearson came into the game and looked in control of what he was throwing. Granted, he was facing the bottom of the lineup but seeing him fill up the strike zone is a good sign and I hope it continues. He has the stuff to be dangerous and play a big role in the bullpen this season.

There was a lot to like out there today. Just like in game one, the Jays played well in all three phases of the game. I have no idea what to think about the Blue Jays right now. Two complete wins and two offensive duds. The good news is that the pitching looks like they are here early in the season. I know they gave up big runs in games 2 & 3 but the other team is paid to play as well and sometimes they have a better day. I am comfortable with the Blue Jays pitching staff from top to bottom. This is the rock I will sit on at this point in the season. There are flashes with the bats, what happens this week against the Asterisks and Yankees?

Season (2-2) Player of the Game: Justin Turner (1)

Season PotG: WINS: Biggio (1) LOSSES: Springer (1), Varsho (1)

The Rest of the East

Tampa Bay (2-2) - The Rays got beat today by a team that played a full game. Considering who is missing from their pitching staff, the Rays will be in hang on and stay as close as possible mode for the near future. I think they would be happy with a split. They are good enough with the available players to beat the bad teams and that will be what gets them through the part of the season that has so many players on their IL. I’m glad to see them in the rear view mirror for now, specifically games in the Trop.

Baltimore (2-1)- WOW, the Orioles lineup was held to three hits and sent 29 batters to the plate. Incredible work by the Angels pitchers to cut down the run production after two big games from the Orioles. Baltimore got the series win and games like this are going to happen. One loss to the Angels in March will alter the fact that the division runs through Baltimore.

New York (4-0) - Juan Soto is a monster. Yankee fans must be feeling great after a series sweep on the road against Houston. The Astros put up a good fight through the entire series and the Yankees found a way to win all four games with most of the top of their lineup not hitting. This team is scary.

Boston (2-2) - The bottom half of the lineup and the pitchers brought the Red Sox their second victory of the season. It looked like the Mariner bats took the day off and the Red Sox were the beneficiary.