That was one hell of a game yesterday. It was close all throughout the game and despite as first batter hiccup Gregg shut things down in the 9th. Cecil pitched amazing lasting 7 innings and only giving up 4 hits and 2BBs. He has really looked amazing this year. He has maintained his strikeouts while decreasing his walks, signs of a maturing pitcher right there.
People were quick to jump on Gregg after the first batter reached (me included) but against the next batter Aybar he really battled. He through some amazing pitches on 1-2 and 2-2. Honestly I am not sure how anyone takes those pitches in that situation with 2 strikes. Full credit to Aybar for great zone recognition.
Today on the hill we have Brad Mills making his first start since being called back up for the injured Jesse Litsch, he is taking on James Shields. Last time out in his only start this year Mills was fantastic, he threw 7 innings of 2 hit ball while striking out 4 and walking 3, that was his only start before being banished back to Vegas (he was just recalled to even out the rotation after the doubleheader). Now the obvious caveat to all of this is.... well that start came against the Orioles, and while I may not be expert I think there is a little bit of a talent gap between the O's and the Rays. Shields has yet to face the Jays this year, as we have avoided him in each series so far. Last time out he dominated the Yanks pitching 7.1 innings giving up 4 hits and 1BB with 0ER, he struck out 11. On the year he is averaging 8.4 K/9, we may struck out a bit today.
The lineup today features many pieces that we are likely to see going forward into next year. Both Snider and JPA are in the lineup. Cito is up to his old lineup replacement tricks again as Snider takes over from Lewis in LF and bats leadoff..... Yah I know, I don't get it either, but I am happy it will maximize the amount of times he heads to the plate. JP Arencibia in his major league debut will catch Brad Mills whom he is familiar with from Vegas and will bat 9th.
Tune in after the jump for full lineups and series info.
Current Series
Blue Jays lead the series 1-0
| Fri 08/06 | WP: Brett Cecil (9 - 5) SV: Kevin Gregg LP: Matt Garza (11 - 6) | 2 - 1 win |
Tampa Bay Rays Saturday, Aug 7, 2010, 1:05 PM EDT James Shields vs Brad Mills Sunny. Winds blowing from left to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 70. Complete Coverage > | ||
| Sun 08/08 | 1:07 PM EDT | |
Keep it Civil and Go Jays Go!
Today's title is from Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.