On an extra day of rest, Marcus Stroman took the mound in Boston this afternoon looking to redeem himself after his last less than impressive outing against the Red Sox, where he went just 5.1 innings and gave up 11 hits. The Red Sox had lost their last three games, while the Jays were looking to extend their four game win streak. They took the field today without the help of Josh Donaldson, who jammed his thumb in last night’s game, and is now listed as day to day. Stroman worked out of trouble in the first inning, stranding a pair of base runners, and continued to battle throughout the game. He showed his off speed pitches more frequently early in the game, but he was unable to complete an inning without seeing a base runner. Dustin Pedroia continued to be a thorn in the side of the Blue Jays, extending his hit streak against the Jays to 25 straight games. The Red Sox took an early lead, but the Jays battled back all afternoon. Stroman toughed it out through 5.2 innings, giving up nine hits, and six earned runs. The Blue Jays continued to struggle with men on base, going just one for seven this afternoon with runners in scoring position, and collecting just four hits on the afternoon.
Top Play of the Game by WPA
The Jays put together a two out rally in the 5th inning, when Ryan Goins singles and Jose Bautista walked. Michael Saunders then struck out, but on a passed ball by Ryan Hanigan, Goins scored from third, and Bautista scored all the way from second base (.129). Yes, the Blue Jays big play was a strikeout that scored two runs.
Bottom Play of the Game by WPA
In the 9th, Russell Martin lead off the inning with a single to left field with the Jays trailing 6-4. Kevin Pillar then grounded into a double play on a ball to third (-.142).
[No(e) MVP]
In the 9th inning of Friday night’s game, Noe Ramirez threw a fastball that jammed Josh Donaldson, before grounding out to third base. He was in visible discomfort after the at bat, but he finished the game. He did not play in Saturday’s game, and is listed as day-to-day. He told reporters that his hand had been bothering him for a while, but that the swing in the ninth really aggravated the area.
Up Next
The A.L East battle continues tomorrow at Fenway, beginning at 1:35pm with Marco Estrada taking on Eduardo Rodriguez, who is 1-0 on the season.
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