The Happy Recap
Behind a return to their big-hitting ways and a splendid start from the ever-dependable Doc Halladay, the Blue Jays rolled over the Red Sox, 10-3 Tuesday night. A two game series, I know, but I'll take the sweep!
The Jays got big contributions at the plate from practically everyone. Vernon Wells gave a standout performance, going 4-5 with a HR, 3 RBI, and 4 runs scored. Lyle Overbay, back from stomach flu, was only 1-5 but, with the score only 4-3 in the Jays' favor, had a big 2 out, 2 run double off the wall to score two and give the Jays some breathing room in the 5th inning. Everyone got into the act except Aaron Hill, with the Jays amassing 15 hits. The Red Sox adventures in the field only made it more fun for our boys in blue.
Doc was a bit unlucky to even give up the 3 runs he did, with Julio Lugo being a total pest around the bases early on. However, after Mike Lowell homered in the 4th to narrow the score to 4-3, Doc really bore down. His line: 8 IP, 5 hits, no walks, 10 K's. He had the power curve really working and took advantage of a low strike zone. Awesome.
Waxing/Waning Gibbons
I hate to get on Gibbons, as I really think he is a better than average manager, and we all know the pen could use an easy day, but I wasn't thrilled to see Doc out to pitch the 8th. Doc was already over 100 pitches and with the score 10-3, why not sit the big guy down? Don't want to overuse him, especially with the game already in the bag. I did like sending Marcum out for the 9th, give him a nice low-pressure chance to regain some confidence and Marcum really looked sharp.
Jays of the Day
Doc and Wells . Good stuff.