The Happy Recap
The Blue Jays won their second in a row yesterday, defeating the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 5-4. It was a fun game featuring good pitching, timely hitting, and a late come-from behind win for our azure-clad heroes. Of course, I couldn't watch the games because of MLB's absurd blackout rules.
Dustin McGowan made his second big-league start of 2007 and actually looked quite good. McGowan went 5 2/3, surrendering 7 hits (including 2 HRs), striking out 6, and walking only one. He took a 3-2 lead into the 6th before surrendering a 2-run HR to Carl Crawford. JP has said that McGowan is up for the rest of 2007 and I think he will start seeing some success soon.
At the plate, the Jays scored 3 in the 3rd on Home Runs by Adam Lind and Frank Thomas. Down 4-3 in the bottom of the 6th, the Jays struck back quickly in the bottom of that frame. Frank Thomas walked and Aaron Hill hit into a fielders choice. Hill scored on Royce Clayton's single to tie the score.
The next inning was even more exciting. Rios and Lind quickly made out, but Wells singled and Overbay lined one to center. BJ Upton misplayed the ball, allowing Wells, running agressively, to come all the way around and score.
The Jays bullpen slammed the door on the Rays. Downs finished the 6th, and pitched an excellent 7th, while Tek Janssen threw a very good 8th and Accardo once again shut down the Rays to earn his 1st save of the season. The pen's line: 3 1/3 innings, 0 hits, 1 walk, 5 K's. Now that's how you win close games.
Let's hope McGowan can keep it up against more patient lineups, and limit the HRs. I think he can.
Jays of the Day
Thomas had a 2-run HR, and his walk set up the tying run. Wells (2 hits, 2 runs, 1 BB) continues to do a great job reaching base. Downs, Janssen, and Accardo all deserve mention for shutting the door and giving the Jays the opportunity to win this one. I think these are the bullpen roles for a while, with Frasor also contributing in the 7th and 8th once he recovers a little confidence.
Marcum makes his first start of the season tomorrow. Good luck and pitch well, Shaun!