The Blue Jays had their bats primed and ready to go at the beginning of this game. They scored five runs over the first four innings with two opposite field homers. Russell Martin continued his hot streak by launching a solo shot to right centre. In the next inning, Melvin Upton Jr. showcased his own power to the opposite side of the field, hitting a two run homer to nearly an identical spot. The Blue Jays other runs were scored in completely the opposite fashion. Devon Travis hit a slow chopper up the third base line with men on second and third and two out. Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez attempted to bare hand the ball and missed it. This allowed Barney to score from third but on a truly heads up play by Goins he saw that the ball went by Ramirez and no one was close to it. So, even though the ball was feet from third base, Goins decided to take the chance and bolt home. His daring decision turned out to be successful and an enormous run for the Blue Jays as they were able to hold on and win by one run.
Top Play of the Game by WPA
The Jays had built up a substantial lead going into Cleveland’s half of the 4th inning. The Bluebirds had tallied five runs and had limited the Tribe to zero. Devon Travis committed an error that likely would have resulted in a double play had he made an accurate throw to second base. This set the stage eventually for Lonnie Chisenhall, who stepped to the plate later that inning with his team already having plated two runs. Cleveland players occupied both first and second, and Chisenhall worked the count against Sanchez, eventually getting a pitch to his liking and depositing it into the bleachers in right-centre field. In one swing, the Jays lead had evaporated and the game was tied. Chisenhall increased his teams chance of winning by 0.284 WPA.
Bottom Play of the Game by WPA
Former Blue Jay Frank Francisco Mike Napoli came to the plate in the 8th inning with his team trailing by one run. Francisco Lindor was standing on first base with only one out. In classic Mike Napoli fashion, he ripped the ball straight into the ground toward Devon Travis. Travis moved to his left, threw over to Goins who calmy tossed the ball to Edwin to record the inning-ending double play. Napoli decreased his teams chance to win by -0.145 WPA with one ill-advised swing of the bat.
Russell Martin Cannot Miss!
Martin continued his torrid pace of late, hitting another home run tonight and added a single. Over his last six games, Martin has hit 12-24 with six home runs. The man is seeing beach balls at the plate. This season has not been favourable to Martin yet, but this recent streak has helped swing the season around. As the Jays come down the stretch for the post-season, they need everyone to play up to their ceiling; especially those who have been disappointments at the plate so far. It is evident that Tulowitzki has been mashing the ball recently, and now Martin has joined him.
Up Next
The Jays finish up the series with Cleveland tomorrow at 1:10 pm with staff ace Marcus Stroman going up against former Cy Young winner Corey Kluber.
Lead Photo: Rick Osentoski – USA Today Sports