Powered by the StroShow, Blue Jays shut out Orioles 4-0

Marcus. Stroman.

On June 17th, Stroman gave up three home runs for just the second time in his major league career, and the first since July 15th, 2016. On June 22nd, Stroman gave up three home runs once again. But not on June 28th.

With a crowd of 38,847 at the Rogers Centre, Marcus Stroman put on a show — the StroShow, as some might call it — to shutout the Orioles in an eventual 4-0 Toronto win.

Stroman’s lights-out start began in an auspicious manner, with a single hit by Seth Smith. Both Smith and the following batter, Manny Machado, were erased on a double play.

For the Blue Jays, it was the bottom of the first that ignited the team. On just the second pitch of the game, Jose Bautista, in the leadoff position, hit a home run just over the wall in right-centre field for Toronto’s first run of the ball game.

The Blue Jays wouldn’t score again until the fourth. By that point in time, Stroman had sent down all but two of the previous 13 batters he faced, without a walk issued.

Justin Smoak hit a home run to lead off the fourth inning on a fastball from Baltimore starter Wade Miley, followed by a walk issued to Kendrys Morales. After Troy Tulowitzki singled, the next two batters reached on singles, loading the bases.

With two outs in the inning, Jose Bautista hit a ball on the ground to shortstop Paul Janish. Janish tossed the ball to second base, but Kevin Pillar was called safe on the relay. When second baseman Jonathan Schoop threw the ball the first in an effort to catch Bautista, the throw was wild, allowing both Kendrys Morales and Steve Pearce to score, making it 4-0 Blue Jays.

Toronto wouldn’t strike again in the game, but Marcus Stroman kept the lead secure. He allowed just two baserunners in the next three innings, before struggling in the eighth. Stroman recorded the first two outs successfully, before giving up a single to Smith. A pitching change ended Stroman’s night after 7.2 innings pitched, five hits, one walk and eight strikeouts.

Danny Barnes ended the inning without a run scoring, and Roberto Osuna struck out the side in the ninth inning to end the game as a 4-0 Blue Jay win.

Tomorrow, the Blue Jays will wrap up their series against the Orioles with a start time of 7:07. Despite being Thursday Night in the 6ix (a night which is pretty much universally associated with Stroman), J.A. Happ will be on the mound for the Blue Jays with Ubaldo Jimenez pitching for Baltimore. You can watch the game on Sportsnet or listen to it on Sportsnet 590.

Follow Mark on Twitter @MarkColley.