On the Mound:
Today's game is a perfect example of why it makes no sense when folks make nonsense comments about Shaun Marcum to the effect that "if he only had good stuff, he'd be a great pitcher" or that he "pitches to contact." Marcum, whose K rates are solid and have always been, struck out 6 through 6 innings, walking one, and once again showed a knack for shutting down an opponent after a Jays' loss. To add icing to the cake, Marcum was burning worms like nobody's business - 11 of 16 batted balls against him today were on the ground. Stuff =/= throwing 95. Marcum's now 7-3 with a 3.14 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and an 81/24 K/BB ratio in 103 innings.
At the Plate:
Fred Lewis was a great table setter, providing 2 singles and 2 walks from atop the lineup. Other than that, your thundering Jays were back in cozy Citizens' Bank Ballpark. John Buck got things started with a 2-run home run in the 2nd, and Aaron Hill added a solo shot the following inning. Alex Gonzalez hit a 2-run home run in the 4th to further extend the lead, which was more than safe with Marcum on the mound. Lind and Bautista were Ofers (in Lind's case somewhat understandable given Hammels, a tough lefty, being on the mound, and everyone else reached at least once.
From the Pen:
Scott Downs and Shawn Camp did a wonderful job shutting the Phillies down over the last third of the game. Downs was perfect through two and Camp pitched a seamless ninth to shut the door.
All in all, a great game. Nice work, Jays. Your Jays of the Day: Shaun Marcum and John Buck. Honourable mention to Alex Gonzalez, Aaron Hill, Fred Lewis, and Scott Downs. Let's take the series tomorrow, when Brett Cecil looks to get back on track against Jamie "Methuselah" Moyer.
On an unrelated note, it was great hanging out with Tom and Carm today, however briefly. Thanks for making the drive down from Philly, and have a safe trip back. Enjoy tomorrow's game!