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R.A. Dickey had his best start of the season and it would have been really tough to lose this game, especially how the Blue Jays blew his first start against the Yankees.
However, the Blue Jays bats finally came around in what was their last at bats. Before the 8th inning, I was thinking that in a 1-0 game no matter who John Gibbons chooses to play in the lineup, or who he decides to pinch hit with or for shouldn't matter as long as the 2-3-4 hitters do their job. They should be able to get at least a run in per game and they did just that.
Josh Donaldson singled with one out, followed by a Jose Bautista single. Edwin Encarnacion then doubled home Donaldson to put the two go-ahead runs in scoring position with one out and Kevin PIllar at the plate. Pillar flied out and then Martin singled on a ground ball to third base that Chase Headley couldn't put a good throw on, and it allowed the second run to score.
Martin pinch-hit for Josh Thole, and it was a great move by Gibbons who also used Justin Smoak as a pinch hitter an inning earlier. Great moves when the lineup started the way it was.
Back to Dickey. He was really good. He pitched eight innings allowing only three hits and three walks which is an accomplishment with the knuckleball. He didn't strike anyone out, but this was very-good Dickey today, and it's really what the team needed. The bullpen got a rest, and Brett Cecil came in to close the door. It was exactly what the Jays needed, especially with their offence not having the best night.
The Lineup
Devon Travis: 1/4, 2 Ks
Josh Donaldson: 2/4, run
Jose Bautista: 1/4, run, 2 Ks
Edwin Encarnacion: 1/4, 1 RBI, K
Kevin Pillar: 1/4
Josh Thole: 1/3, K
Danny Valencia: 0/4, K
Ryan Goins: 1/3
Ezequiel Carrera: 1/2
Russell Martin (PH for Thole): 1/1, RBI
Justin Smoak (PH for Carrera): 0/1
Jays of the Day: Dickey (.263) was fantastic as I mentioned. Donaldson (.158), Encarnacion (.216) and Martin (.324) came through with timely hits.
Jays Suckage: Pillar (-.238) had an opportunity in the 6th in runners on 2nd and 3rd that looked like it could cost the Jays when the Yankees took the lead. But, I'm in a good mood No suckage for him.
Up Next: Marco Estrada will make his first start of the season against Michael Pineda at 7:07 p.m. tomorrow.