Sunday April 6, 2008.
Jays v Boston series closer. Beckett v Halladay classic, maybe ?
Jays win 7-4. Frank the hero... yeah.... Red Sox Nation in deep mourning and excuse mode. Jays go for the killer punch. Red Sox have ace Beckett rested and ready to go. No "three country travel" excuse Josh.
The very good. Frank and Frank again you have it all to yourself today and deservedly so for your grand slam knockout punch.
The good: Halladay as usual but needed run support today. He would not be pleased with the Boston home runs. Johnny Mac highlight reel fielding. Scutaro finds a way to get on base. Wells HR. Rios' maturing patience which I think is noteworthy. Clutch hitting by Frank, Hill and Wells.
Lineups: Jays: Stewart, Hill, Rios, Wells, Thomas, Overbay, Scutaro, Barajas, Macdonald and Halladay pitching.
Boston: Pedroia, Youkilis, Ortiz, Ramirez, Lowell, Drew, Varitek, Ellsbury, Lugo and Beckett pitching.
Top of 1st: Good lead off at bat by Pedroia, really makes Halladay work for out maybe 12 pitches ? before grounder to Johnny Mac in for day off Eckstein. Great backhand stop by Mac but Pedroia just safe at 1B.
Bottom of 1st: Stewart chopper to 3B, under Lowell's glove and Shannon safe at 1B, error to Lowell. Hill grounds to SS double play, Rios doubles down LF line, Alex is in the groove this week, Wells flies to CF.
Tope of 2nd: Ramirez strikes out, Lowell pops up to Barajas, Drew single to CF, Varitek grounds out to Johnny Mac in the middle.
Bottom of 2nd: Thomas flies to shallow RF, Overbay strikes out, Scutaro strikes out. Jays bats much too tentative, looking at third strikes, need to go after Beckett.
Top of 3rd: Ellsbury HR to RF. Lugo grounds to SS, Pedroia liner to LF, two down, Youkilis walks, Ortiz on a .87 average, chopper to SS. Some will suffer later. Boston 1- Jays 0.
Bottom of 3rd: Barajas lines to Pedroia, nice catch, Macdonald walks, Stewart strikes out, Hill first pitch swinging pops up not a smart at bat with a guy on. Beckett benefiting from poor hitting judgement by Jays hitters.
Top of 4th: Ramirez pops up to SS, Lowell pops up to Hill shallow LF, Drew strikes out. Nice ten pitch Halladay inning.
Bottom of 4th: Rios walks. He appears to me to be far more patient and selective at the plate this week, Wells connects, a two run home run to LF. Beckett to me appears to be tiring. Thomas almost back to back HR's but flies to LF off the tip of his bat, if he had hit it properly it would still be well on its way to Fenway Park.Overbay strikes out with pitch in the dirt. Scutaro grounds to SS Lugo bobbles ball Scutaro safe at 1B, error to Lugo. Barajas increases pitch count for Beckett but strikes out.
Top of 5th: Varitek HR to CF, 2-2 game. Ellsbury grounds to 1B, Lugo chops back to Halladay, Pedroia groiunds to 1B.
Bottom of 5th: Macdonald strikes out but almost beats throw, Stewart grounds to 3B, two down. Hill single over Lugo to CF, Rios at bat, Hill steals, his first of the season but Scutaro 3 and Rios 1 have already stolen this week, so different from 2007 and good to see this year. Rios walks, again a very patient at bat, two on two down. Wells walks, Beckett now up to 91 pitches. He is tierd. Thomas at bat with two out and bases loaded. Francona out to pull Beckett. Delcarmen in. Come on Frank. 1st pitch HR to CF, grand slam all with two outs and no one on base. 6-2 Jays. Frank's second HR in two days. Overbay strikes out.
What is that mass of red leaving the stadium ? Red Sox Nation bleeding badly. This could be seven in a row in Toronto. and two consecutive sweeps...
Top of 6th: Finally Halladay has some run support. Youkilis pops up first pitch, we surrender ? Ortiz strikes out, Ramirez doubles to CF, Lowell strikes out.
Bottom of 6th: Aardsma pitching, day off to tomorrow so Francona can abuse his sad bullpen.
Scutaro in-field single. another throwing error by Lugo. Barajas strikes out, Johnny Mac with hit and run but Mac fouls pitch off.. and then strikes out, Stewart walks, two on two out, Hill rbi double up the middle off Lugo's glove, poor guy he will have nightmares about this game, if he can sleep. Scutaro scores 7-2. Stewart at 3B, Hill at 2B. More blood. Rios with a double two walks and 2 runs so far, pops up to Lugo.
7-2 Jays and the Boston planes can leave early tonight.
Top of 7th: Coats in for Stewart at LF, seems to be the pattern. Drew first pitch swinging, does he want to go home early? but then HR, 7-3. Varitek strikes out, Halladay six strikeouts, Ellsbury grounds to Hill and Lugo fly ball to Coats. Halladay has given up 6 hits but only three runs, all HRs, fortunately with no one on.7-3.
Bottom of 7th: Okajima pitching, Wells grounds to SS Wells safe on Lugo's throw in the dirt at 1B. Third error for Lugo. He definitely wants to go home now. Thomas double play ball to SS, Frank has 8 rbis this week... not bad at all.
Overbay already with three strikeouts but avoids fourth by grounding to 1B.
Top of 8th: Halladay still out there. Predoia first pitch swinging grounding through the hole between short and second, OH MY !!!!!!!! What an incredible play by Johnny Mac. Out of this world. Running to left and diving for ball, up and throwing as he is falling again to get Pedroia, bang bang play at 1B. What a play even for Johnny Mac, and this is his first start of the season.
Youkilis at bat, more drama, lines to shallow centre and Johnny Mac goes for it way out of his area, collides with Wells ! neither see each other, ball drops form Mac's glove. This was Wells ball, Jonnny Mac shouldn't even be in that area, Hill was even closer and also converged. Wells and Mac go down hard with Youkilis all the way round to 3B.
My theory is that Johnny Mac was too pumped with adrenalin after previous play, he would have pulled off an even greater play than previous one if Wells had left it. But bottom line this was Wells ball. Ortiz now singles to LF Youkilis scores 7-4... too close Jays... this is Boston remember.
Ramirez at bat, one on one out.... overdue for a big one and Halladay is well over 100 pitches... Manny grounds to 3B, double play ... 35,000 cheer.
Halladay is finished 107 pitches. This guy is a horse.
Bottom of 8th: Papelbon of course to get some excercise. He hasn't been seen this weekend.... Scutaro no base hit but has been on base twice courtesy of his friend Lugo and two errors. Strikes out. Barajas strikes out, Johnny Mac strikes out. Bottom of the order Papelbon, don't get too excited.
Top of 9th: Accardo in again. Two saves this week already Papelbon... Lowell grounds to Johnny Mac, reaches on throw to 1B. Drew pops up to SS, Varitek singles to CF, Lowell up to 3B.
Two on, one down, tying run at plate to keep Boston fans glued to TV. Ellsbury home run hero, strikes out this time. Goat Lugo has his big chance to get the key to the city of Boston... fly ball to Vernon. Game over. Jays win 7-4. Closer than the score suggests but an all-important W in the column and moves the consecutive winning streak to 7.
Boston 4 runs on 10 hits and 4 errors.
Jays 7 runs on 5 hits and 0 errors.
Out hit but you have to have guys on base to score more runs...... Jays will definitely take this one and the series and earn the day off at golf course tomorrow.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
The Frank and Jesse Show.
Saturday April 5, 2008. Jays v Boston in Toronto.
Jays win 10-2... Red Sox Nation not only in mourning but halfway down to the canvas.. (an Angelo tribute)
The very good: Frank's home run, and Litsch.
The good: Pitching, pitching and more pitching, we have to recognise the kudos. Good fielding, good batting all-round, and only three runners left in scoring position, oh so different from Yankee stadium earlier this week. Zaun's bunt to move two runners over.
Jays keep Papelbon sitting again for second day..... and now have a 6-0 consecutive wins record against Boston.
Note: even better news Rays demolish Yankees for second straight game...6-3. This was Pettite pitching not the 5th rookie. Maddon has these Rays full of confidence and swagger, carrying on from their great Spring. It will be very interesting division this summer, and I am sure the Yankees are not too thrilled that they have 18 games against the Rays.... Confidence in young players can do a great deal. Gomes HR of Pettite and 4 rbis...
Lineups:
Jays: Eckstein, Stairs, Rios, Wells, Thomas, Overbay, Hill, Scutaro, Zaun and pitching Litsch
Boston: Lugo, Pedroia, Ortiz, Ramirez, Lowell, Drew, Varitek, Casey, Crisp and pitching Bucholz.
The game Jesse not 100% playing with fire with this lineup and giving up three walks but more than good enough for #5 in rotation. If the bats do their job he will be ok this season. Gives up run in first inning to Boston.
Bottom of 2nd Toronto tie 1-1. Boston retake lead in 4th for the last time.
The Jays reply immediately with three runs in bottom of 4th. 4-2 Jays.
Jesse follows with scoreless inning and Tallet shuts down Boston in his inning. Then the heavens open on Boston with six runs by end of the inning. Frank's two run home run so good to see.
Jays 10-2 and the bullpen closes the gates. Wolfe, Frasor and Randy Wells with his major league debut scoreless inning to close out. Tallet has now pitched in 3 of the five games four shutout innings. Randy Wells did walk Pedrioia to bring Ortiz up but that was nerves not a deathwish.
This bullpen continues from their great spring and if the bats can just give them a few runs support it could be an interesting season for the Jays.
Interesting to remember last April with Tomo Okha and Victor Zabrano in the lineup, does anyone ?
Hits from 2 doubles from Rios, two hits and three rbis from Eckstein, this guy is a great acquisition to date, and does help a little to not see Johnny Mac out there. Wells a single and rbi, Thomas two hits including his home run to center on a 94 mph fastball to silence (today at least) some of his critics that he cannot get around fastballs anymore.
Buckholz had Stairs number today with Matt striking out three times.
Singles and rbis from both Overbay and Zaun round out a good hitting afternoon for Toronto. Zaun's rbi hit was good to see as he had been 1-7 with runners in scoring position this week. Casey was given error on play but it was not as bad as the nonchalant play by Ramirez to the single by Thomas which dropped in front of him as he almost walked to the ball. Wells was able to get to 3B on the play and Overbay brought him in with his single.
Zaun's bunt enabled Eckstein to bring them both in with hit off Snyder who had just replaced Corey. Eckstein as with Scutaro have been great acquisitions for execution.
I want to mention Scutaro separately. This guy has been such an excellent acquisition for Jays and bonus with Rolen's injury to see him every day. Today no rbis or hits but walks twice and scores both times.
These are the little things that are not highlighted but should be. Plus his defence at 3B has been almost perfect, duplicating the great catch of the previous night to save bases and possible runs. It will be difficult for Gibbons to keep this guy out of lineup when Rolen returns. Trivia, interesting play made by Scutaro in front of Hill ! to get Ortiz out... (shift was on)
Now big question tomorrow will be can the Jays lower the boom on Boston. Show no mercy friends and make a big statement. Halladay has not had the greatest support from his team in the last two starts including Dunedin with the five error inning game. Time to give him support.
Jays win 10-2... Red Sox Nation not only in mourning but halfway down to the canvas.. (an Angelo tribute)
The very good: Frank's home run, and Litsch.
The good: Pitching, pitching and more pitching, we have to recognise the kudos. Good fielding, good batting all-round, and only three runners left in scoring position, oh so different from Yankee stadium earlier this week. Zaun's bunt to move two runners over.
Jays keep Papelbon sitting again for second day..... and now have a 6-0 consecutive wins record against Boston.
Note: even better news Rays demolish Yankees for second straight game...6-3. This was Pettite pitching not the 5th rookie. Maddon has these Rays full of confidence and swagger, carrying on from their great Spring. It will be very interesting division this summer, and I am sure the Yankees are not too thrilled that they have 18 games against the Rays.... Confidence in young players can do a great deal. Gomes HR of Pettite and 4 rbis...
Lineups:
Jays: Eckstein, Stairs, Rios, Wells, Thomas, Overbay, Hill, Scutaro, Zaun and pitching Litsch
Boston: Lugo, Pedroia, Ortiz, Ramirez, Lowell, Drew, Varitek, Casey, Crisp and pitching Bucholz.
The game Jesse not 100% playing with fire with this lineup and giving up three walks but more than good enough for #5 in rotation. If the bats do their job he will be ok this season. Gives up run in first inning to Boston.
Bottom of 2nd Toronto tie 1-1. Boston retake lead in 4th for the last time.
The Jays reply immediately with three runs in bottom of 4th. 4-2 Jays.
Jesse follows with scoreless inning and Tallet shuts down Boston in his inning. Then the heavens open on Boston with six runs by end of the inning. Frank's two run home run so good to see.
Jays 10-2 and the bullpen closes the gates. Wolfe, Frasor and Randy Wells with his major league debut scoreless inning to close out. Tallet has now pitched in 3 of the five games four shutout innings. Randy Wells did walk Pedrioia to bring Ortiz up but that was nerves not a deathwish.
This bullpen continues from their great spring and if the bats can just give them a few runs support it could be an interesting season for the Jays.
Interesting to remember last April with Tomo Okha and Victor Zabrano in the lineup, does anyone ?
Hits from 2 doubles from Rios, two hits and three rbis from Eckstein, this guy is a great acquisition to date, and does help a little to not see Johnny Mac out there. Wells a single and rbi, Thomas two hits including his home run to center on a 94 mph fastball to silence (today at least) some of his critics that he cannot get around fastballs anymore.
Buckholz had Stairs number today with Matt striking out three times.
Singles and rbis from both Overbay and Zaun round out a good hitting afternoon for Toronto. Zaun's rbi hit was good to see as he had been 1-7 with runners in scoring position this week. Casey was given error on play but it was not as bad as the nonchalant play by Ramirez to the single by Thomas which dropped in front of him as he almost walked to the ball. Wells was able to get to 3B on the play and Overbay brought him in with his single.
Zaun's bunt enabled Eckstein to bring them both in with hit off Snyder who had just replaced Corey. Eckstein as with Scutaro have been great acquisitions for execution.
I want to mention Scutaro separately. This guy has been such an excellent acquisition for Jays and bonus with Rolen's injury to see him every day. Today no rbis or hits but walks twice and scores both times.
These are the little things that are not highlighted but should be. Plus his defence at 3B has been almost perfect, duplicating the great catch of the previous night to save bases and possible runs. It will be difficult for Gibbons to keep this guy out of lineup when Rolen returns. Trivia, interesting play made by Scutaro in front of Hill ! to get Ortiz out... (shift was on)
Now big question tomorrow will be can the Jays lower the boom on Boston. Show no mercy friends and make a big statement. Halladay has not had the greatest support from his team in the last two starts including Dunedin with the five error inning game. Time to give him support.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Red Sox Nation mourn.
Friday April 4, 2008. Opening night at Rogers Centre. Sellout crowd.
Jays v Red Sox.
Jays win 6-3... and Frank's night finally...
Lineups:
Jays: Eckstein, Stairs,Rios, Wells, Thomas, Overbay, Hill, Scutaro, Zaun and pitching Marcum
Boston: Pedroia, Youkilis,Ortiz, Ramirez, Lowell, Lugo, Drew, Ellsbury, Cash and Wakefield pitching.
Perspicacity in earlier blog notes re Frank's night, but not against Wakefield.
The good: Marcum, Thomas, Scutaro defence, bat and steals, Rios and the bullpen again of Tallet, Accardo
Top 1st. Pedroia lines to Eckstein, good catch David. Youkilis grounds to Hill, Ortiz with shift on to right, grounds to SS. Nice first inning by Marcum.
Bottom of 1st. Eckstein hit by Wakefield, thank you. Stairs grounds to right, Eckstein to 2B, running on pitch to save double play, Rios pops up to LF, Wells walks on four pitches, Thomas with history of multiple homer games against Wakefield, he needs an omen after last night. Not this time, strikes out.
Top of 2nd. Ramirez flies to CF, Lowell exactly the same play. I thought Marcum was supposed to be keeping ball down ? Drew strikes out. Marcum in the groove so far.
Bottom of 2nd. Overbay lines to Ramirez in LF, Hill hammers ball to 3B, Lowell a great catch, Scutaro single to LF, Zaun at bat, Scutaro steals, his third of the week ! only had two all last season, and the Jays not many more either, Gibbons definitely more aggressive this season good to see, Zaun strikes out.... ouch, two left already in scoring position.
Top of 3rd. Lugo strikes out, Ellsbury pops up to Zaun, Cash of Jays alumni, a double to CF. Nice anecdote about Mirabelli when released by Boston leaving his knuckleball glove for Cash. Classy. Pedroia grounds to 2B.
Bottom of 3rd. Eckstein strikes out, Stairs grounds out to 2B, Rios grounds to 3B. Bats just can't get that timing right against Wakefield.
Top of 4th. Youkilis flies to CF, Ortiz pops up to Overbay, Ramirez strikes out, on 3 pitches. Great pitching Marcum.
Bottom of 4th. Wells grounds to SS, Thomas gets hold of one but fly ball to CF, Overbay single to RF, Hill grounds to 2B. Both pitchers doing well tonight and flying through innings.
Top of 5th. Lowell grounds to 3B, Scutaro trips but still manages out at 1B, nice play. Rolen is definitely not being missed yet. Drew strikes out, Lugo strikes out. 5K's for Marcum.
Bottom of 5th. Scutaro grounds to SS, Zaun grounds to 1B, Eckstein pops up to 2B.
Who will blink first ? Wakefield 59 pitches, Marcum 53.
Top of 6th. Ellsbury grounds to 2B, Cash strikes out, Pedroia lines scorcher to 3B, Scutaro a highlight reel catch. Marcum out of another.
Bottom of 6th. Stairs HR to RF, finally Wakefield hangs one up there. Rios walks and steals 2B, Wakefield obviously shaken out of groove. Sellout crowd now into the game. Noise people please... Yankee stadium this week crowd were on their feet at every two strike count.
Wells strikes out, much too tentative Vernon, come on. Thomas walks, keeps the line moving at least. Overbay flies to CF, ball drops and Rios scores, 2-0 Jays. Breakthrough. Thomas at 2B, wild pitch bouncing away from Cash, Thomas and Overbay move up, Hill of the new multimillion contract lines to the wall, Ellsbury has it and drops it when he hits the wall, Thomas scores 3-0. Overbay holds at 2B and Hill at 1B thinking catch had been made. Scutaro, this guy has been a great off-season find, kudos to JP, singles to LF, bases loaded. Zaun, ouch, grounds to SS, double play. But Jays lead 3-0, will it be enough ?
Top of 7th. Youkilis strikes out, 7 for Marcum, what a night, Ortiz walks, Ramirez strikes out 8 for Marcum, Lowell a little flare over Hill's head, two on two down for Drew who has already struck out twice tonight. Not this time friends 3 run Home run into RF bullpen, this game is tied and Marcum is very unhappy... Lugo grounds to SS. but damage is done with two outs. Would Marcum like that pitch back....? 3-3.
Bottom of 7th. Aardsma pitching for Wakefield, Eckstein walks on ten pitches, great at bat, how many of these will we see leading off this season? New pitcher Francona has Gibbonitis. Lopez, to Stewart in game for Stairs, lines one hard off Pedroia's glove at 2B, two on. Francona out again !! worse than Gibbonitis. Delcarmen in to pitch to Rios, pops up behind 1B in foul land., Wells pops up over shopulder catch at 1B, Thomas at bat, come on Frank, camera catches his eyes, that is intensity tonight. A bullet double to LF past Ramirez, scores two and slaps his thigh at 2B, he wanted that as did we all. No goat for Frank tonight. Johnny Mac pinch running for Frank. Overbay grounds to 1B but this games is still Marcum's and he deserves it. 5-3.
Top of 8th. Tallet pitching. Marcum's numbers are 7 innings 3 hits , 3 earned runs, 1 walk and 8 strikeouts. Not bad for number 4 pitcher against Boston. Crisp for Ellsbury, may have been banged up on that play at the wall, pops up to Eckstein, one down, Varitek in for Cash strikes out, Pedroia flies to Rios. Bullpen continues to shine.
Bottom of 8th. Hill singles through 2B off Pedroia's glove again, is it the turf ? after all that Pacific travel and California grass ? Scutaro again, bunts this time, Hill to 2B, Zaun strikes out. Eckstein singles to CF, Hill scores. 6-3 Jays. JP's newbies are doing more than their share. New pitcher for Boston, Corey. Coats in for Stewart strikes out but Jays have another to help top of 9th with the big Boston bats now up.
Top of 9th. Accardo now pitching to save. Youkilis flies to Rios, Ortiz with shift on to right grounds to right, two down. Manny of course keeps it going with single up the middle, Lowell pops up to Hill. Accardo's second save this week.
Jays win this one 6-3. Marcum deserved it.
MORE good news. Rays hammer Yankees 13-4 ouch bigtime... I told you, watch those Rays they are hungry this year and have a very good young side with loads of speed and bats. Maddon had them fired up this spring and every game counted... This division will be very interesting.
Jays v Red Sox.
Jays win 6-3... and Frank's night finally...
Lineups:
Jays: Eckstein, Stairs,Rios, Wells, Thomas, Overbay, Hill, Scutaro, Zaun and pitching Marcum
Boston: Pedroia, Youkilis,Ortiz, Ramirez, Lowell, Lugo, Drew, Ellsbury, Cash and Wakefield pitching.
Perspicacity in earlier blog notes re Frank's night, but not against Wakefield.
The good: Marcum, Thomas, Scutaro defence, bat and steals, Rios and the bullpen again of Tallet, Accardo
Top 1st. Pedroia lines to Eckstein, good catch David. Youkilis grounds to Hill, Ortiz with shift on to right, grounds to SS. Nice first inning by Marcum.
Bottom of 1st. Eckstein hit by Wakefield, thank you. Stairs grounds to right, Eckstein to 2B, running on pitch to save double play, Rios pops up to LF, Wells walks on four pitches, Thomas with history of multiple homer games against Wakefield, he needs an omen after last night. Not this time, strikes out.
Top of 2nd. Ramirez flies to CF, Lowell exactly the same play. I thought Marcum was supposed to be keeping ball down ? Drew strikes out. Marcum in the groove so far.
Bottom of 2nd. Overbay lines to Ramirez in LF, Hill hammers ball to 3B, Lowell a great catch, Scutaro single to LF, Zaun at bat, Scutaro steals, his third of the week ! only had two all last season, and the Jays not many more either, Gibbons definitely more aggressive this season good to see, Zaun strikes out.... ouch, two left already in scoring position.
Top of 3rd. Lugo strikes out, Ellsbury pops up to Zaun, Cash of Jays alumni, a double to CF. Nice anecdote about Mirabelli when released by Boston leaving his knuckleball glove for Cash. Classy. Pedroia grounds to 2B.
Bottom of 3rd. Eckstein strikes out, Stairs grounds out to 2B, Rios grounds to 3B. Bats just can't get that timing right against Wakefield.
Top of 4th. Youkilis flies to CF, Ortiz pops up to Overbay, Ramirez strikes out, on 3 pitches. Great pitching Marcum.
Bottom of 4th. Wells grounds to SS, Thomas gets hold of one but fly ball to CF, Overbay single to RF, Hill grounds to 2B. Both pitchers doing well tonight and flying through innings.
Top of 5th. Lowell grounds to 3B, Scutaro trips but still manages out at 1B, nice play. Rolen is definitely not being missed yet. Drew strikes out, Lugo strikes out. 5K's for Marcum.
Bottom of 5th. Scutaro grounds to SS, Zaun grounds to 1B, Eckstein pops up to 2B.
Who will blink first ? Wakefield 59 pitches, Marcum 53.
Top of 6th. Ellsbury grounds to 2B, Cash strikes out, Pedroia lines scorcher to 3B, Scutaro a highlight reel catch. Marcum out of another.
Bottom of 6th. Stairs HR to RF, finally Wakefield hangs one up there. Rios walks and steals 2B, Wakefield obviously shaken out of groove. Sellout crowd now into the game. Noise people please... Yankee stadium this week crowd were on their feet at every two strike count.
Wells strikes out, much too tentative Vernon, come on. Thomas walks, keeps the line moving at least. Overbay flies to CF, ball drops and Rios scores, 2-0 Jays. Breakthrough. Thomas at 2B, wild pitch bouncing away from Cash, Thomas and Overbay move up, Hill of the new multimillion contract lines to the wall, Ellsbury has it and drops it when he hits the wall, Thomas scores 3-0. Overbay holds at 2B and Hill at 1B thinking catch had been made. Scutaro, this guy has been a great off-season find, kudos to JP, singles to LF, bases loaded. Zaun, ouch, grounds to SS, double play. But Jays lead 3-0, will it be enough ?
Top of 7th. Youkilis strikes out, 7 for Marcum, what a night, Ortiz walks, Ramirez strikes out 8 for Marcum, Lowell a little flare over Hill's head, two on two down for Drew who has already struck out twice tonight. Not this time friends 3 run Home run into RF bullpen, this game is tied and Marcum is very unhappy... Lugo grounds to SS. but damage is done with two outs. Would Marcum like that pitch back....? 3-3.
Bottom of 7th. Aardsma pitching for Wakefield, Eckstein walks on ten pitches, great at bat, how many of these will we see leading off this season? New pitcher Francona has Gibbonitis. Lopez, to Stewart in game for Stairs, lines one hard off Pedroia's glove at 2B, two on. Francona out again !! worse than Gibbonitis. Delcarmen in to pitch to Rios, pops up behind 1B in foul land., Wells pops up over shopulder catch at 1B, Thomas at bat, come on Frank, camera catches his eyes, that is intensity tonight. A bullet double to LF past Ramirez, scores two and slaps his thigh at 2B, he wanted that as did we all. No goat for Frank tonight. Johnny Mac pinch running for Frank. Overbay grounds to 1B but this games is still Marcum's and he deserves it. 5-3.
Top of 8th. Tallet pitching. Marcum's numbers are 7 innings 3 hits , 3 earned runs, 1 walk and 8 strikeouts. Not bad for number 4 pitcher against Boston. Crisp for Ellsbury, may have been banged up on that play at the wall, pops up to Eckstein, one down, Varitek in for Cash strikes out, Pedroia flies to Rios. Bullpen continues to shine.
Bottom of 8th. Hill singles through 2B off Pedroia's glove again, is it the turf ? after all that Pacific travel and California grass ? Scutaro again, bunts this time, Hill to 2B, Zaun strikes out. Eckstein singles to CF, Hill scores. 6-3 Jays. JP's newbies are doing more than their share. New pitcher for Boston, Corey. Coats in for Stewart strikes out but Jays have another to help top of 9th with the big Boston bats now up.
Top of 9th. Accardo now pitching to save. Youkilis flies to Rios, Ortiz with shift on to right grounds to right, two down. Manny of course keeps it going with single up the middle, Lowell pops up to Hill. Accardo's second save this week.
Jays win this one 6-3. Marcum deserved it.
MORE good news. Rays hammer Yankees 13-4 ouch bigtime... I told you, watch those Rays they are hungry this year and have a very good young side with loads of speed and bats. Maddon had them fired up this spring and every game counted... This division will be very interesting.
Contract signings and Vancouver comments
The Blue Jays made their Rogers Centre home opener againstthe Red Sox a bit more special on Friday when they announced they had signed right fielder Alex Rios and second baseman Aaron Hill to long-term contracts.
The Jays locked Rios up with the six-year, $64 million extension, which will begin with the 2009 season, makingthe 27-year-old Rios a key component to the organization's long-term plans.
Hill agreed to a four-year contract worth $12 million with club options for 2012, 2013 and 2014.
I think Hill is much the better deal.... I hope Rios proves me wrong and can complete a full season this year on the pace he did half a season last year.
Vancouver Jay says I missed the Burnett injury, I didn't think it was just a game twinge and not that serious .
And re intensity from Frank... I think it his own frustration coming through. He had a lousy spring and has started out same way. His interview with Tampa media last month told me that he was more concerned about his Hall of Fame numbers than getting ready for April. If he thinks he is going to get 600 HR think again Frank, at this rate you will be 50. One in 16 games in 2008 translates into 10 this season....
My other comment re intensity is that the Jays have not had this all Spring and it should come from the Manager down. Joe Maddon of the Rays has it, Giradi has it, Leyland has it... Halladay made his comments in Dunedin to same effect. I think that with Rolen's return and also BJ Ryan we may see more butts kicked in Jays dressing room but right now.... forget it....
Is anyone else concerned about Alomar getting recognition tonight ??? Fan favourite ? (says the Toronto media)
I don't think so. The lasting image of Alomar for many fans is the spitting at umpire.
And on the big game tonight... Will the Red Sox be exhausted from last two week's travel ? Will Frank catch up to Wakefield's knuckleball ? it should be slow enough even for his swing...
I do hope so....
The Jays locked Rios up with the six-year, $64 million extension, which will begin with the 2009 season, makingthe 27-year-old Rios a key component to the organization's long-term plans.
Hill agreed to a four-year contract worth $12 million with club options for 2012, 2013 and 2014.
I think Hill is much the better deal.... I hope Rios proves me wrong and can complete a full season this year on the pace he did half a season last year.
Vancouver Jay says I missed the Burnett injury, I didn't think it was just a game twinge and not that serious .
And re intensity from Frank... I think it his own frustration coming through. He had a lousy spring and has started out same way. His interview with Tampa media last month told me that he was more concerned about his Hall of Fame numbers than getting ready for April. If he thinks he is going to get 600 HR think again Frank, at this rate you will be 50. One in 16 games in 2008 translates into 10 this season....
My other comment re intensity is that the Jays have not had this all Spring and it should come from the Manager down. Joe Maddon of the Rays has it, Giradi has it, Leyland has it... Halladay made his comments in Dunedin to same effect. I think that with Rolen's return and also BJ Ryan we may see more butts kicked in Jays dressing room but right now.... forget it....
Is anyone else concerned about Alomar getting recognition tonight ??? Fan favourite ? (says the Toronto media)
I don't think so. The lasting image of Alomar for many fans is the spitting at umpire.
And on the big game tonight... Will the Red Sox be exhausted from last two week's travel ? Will Frank catch up to Wakefield's knuckleball ? it should be slow enough even for his swing...
I do hope so....
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Series loss
Thursday April 3 2008 Jays in New York.
Series finale and Jays let another get away. Jays lose 3-2.
The good: Jays outscore Yankees in series. Eckstein two hits. Rios steal, McGowan good six innings.
The bad: Jays lose two which were winnable. Go home with one win instead of potential sweep. Good teams find a way to win. The Jays just give them away. Downs error to lose game. Thomas' lack of discipline.
Lineups:
Jays: Eckstein, Stairs, Rios, Wells, Thomas, Overbay, Hill, Scutaro, Zaun and McGowan pitching.
NYY: Damon, Jeter, Abreu, Rodriguez, Giambi, Cano, Matsui, Molina, Cabrera and Hughes pitching.
The game:
Top of 1st. Eckstein grounds to 3, Stairs strikes out, Rios strikes out. Great start !
Bottom of 1st: Damon strikes out, Jeter grounds to SS, Abreu strikes out. McGowan good inning.
Top of 2nd. Wells flies to RF Cano over the shoulder catch, Thomas first pitch swinging pops up to Cabrera, Overbay grounds to 2B. Hughes seven pitch inning. Thanks Frank.
Bottom of 2nd. Rodriguez grounds to 3B, Giambi walks, Cano grounds to 3B, one out at 2B no time for double play, Matsui strikes out.
Top of 3rd. Hill flies to CF, Scutaro flies to RF, Zaun grounds to Giambi. Jays have just gone nine up nine down. Hughes looks like Cy Young.
Bottom of 3rd. Molina singles to CF, Cabrera walks, McGowan in some early trouble for first time in game, two on no outs. Damon lines out to Rios in RF, runners hold one down. Jeter grounds to SS, double play ball. McGowan escapes damage.
Top of 4th. Eckstein LF double, Stairs roller to 2B moves Eckstein to 3B, Rios singles to CF, Eckstein scores, 1-0 Jays.Wells at bat, Rios running and steals 2B, ball thrown into CF and Alex continues to 3B, Jays are really hustling this season, that must be at least four out of five steals in three games. Error Cano. Wells strikes out. Can Frank bring Alex in ? Strikes out and argues with home plate umpire and is thrown out of game. No loss. Another lost opportunity for run though.
Bottom of 4th. Abreu singles to RF, Rodriguez pops up behind 2B, Giambi grounds to 1B but Abreu gets to 3B with shift on for Giambi no one at 3B. Two down. Cano flies to LF. could have been much worse for McGowan.
Top of 5th. Overbay grounds to 2B, Hill flies to LF, Scutaro walks, Zaun doubles down RF line, Scutaro to 3B. Eckstein with one down and two on grounds to 3B, Rodriguez can only knock ball down , Scutaro scores 2-0 Jays and Eckstein is safe at 1B. Zaun to 3B on the play. Stairs grounds out to 1B. Eckstein two hits and rbi already in game.
Bottom of 5th. McGowan now with 2-0 lead. Matsui singles to LF, Molina shatters bat and pops up to Hll at 1B, Cabrera grounds to 2B, double play. McGowan through five with 70 pitches.
Top of 6th. Rios flies out to CF, Wells flies out to RF. Who will DH for Thomas ??? Stewart ! , as Stairs is already in LF and Coats will probably be in defensively for him in 7th. Thanks again Frank, these little things are magnified in Yankee Stadium, no need to give Yankees any advantage. Stewart breaks bat grounding to Jeter at SS.
Bottom of 6th. Damon doubles to RF, Jeter hit, Abreu walks, just like that... bases loaded for guess who?
Rodriguez, wild pitch ! Damon scores 2-1. Rodriguez strikes out, huge for McGowan. Giambi with no shift on this time flies to RF, on the throw Abreu out at 3B but Jeter has already scored 2-2. But McGowan could have had major damage with bases loaded, no one out and Rodriguez at bat.
Top of 7th. Treber pitching, lefty lefty match up Overbay strikes out. Bruney now pitching Hill grounds to 2B, Scutaro flies to RF.
Bottom of 7th. Wolfe pitching. Cano grounds to 1B, Matsui strikes out, Molina shatters bat grounding to 3B. Good inning by Wolfe.
Top of 8th. Chamberlain now pitching. Zaun strikes out. Eckstein bounces one to 2B and almost beats out throw, Stairs singles to RF, Coats pinch runner and will stay in game. Rios flies to RF.
Bottom of 8th. Wolfe still pitching. Cabrera single to RF. Downs now pitching. The Gibbons hook still working. Damon bunts down 1B line, Downs cannot make play, two on and error to Downs. Jeter also bunts, both runners move up t 2B and 3B. One down. Abreu singles to CF, Wells cannot get to it for catch, Damon scores 3-2 Yankees and guess who at bat? Rodriguez again, Downs strikes him out on 3 pitches. Very nice..... Two down. Giambi is hit, bases loaded. Cano pops up to CF. Downs limits damage could have been a lot worse but it was his own creation with error on Damon.
Top of 9th. Last chance for Jays, against Rivera ! Wells single up the middle, "DH Stewart " at bat, Frank I hope you are watching this, Stewart grounds to 3B Wells moves to 2B, Overbay grounds to SS, Hills looks at third strike, ouch bigtime. Tying run Wells left standing at 3B.
Yankees win 3-2. Jays outscore Yankees in the 3 games. Both losses 3-2... could have had them...
Series finale and Jays let another get away. Jays lose 3-2.
The good: Jays outscore Yankees in series. Eckstein two hits. Rios steal, McGowan good six innings.
The bad: Jays lose two which were winnable. Go home with one win instead of potential sweep. Good teams find a way to win. The Jays just give them away. Downs error to lose game. Thomas' lack of discipline.
Lineups:
Jays: Eckstein, Stairs, Rios, Wells, Thomas, Overbay, Hill, Scutaro, Zaun and McGowan pitching.
NYY: Damon, Jeter, Abreu, Rodriguez, Giambi, Cano, Matsui, Molina, Cabrera and Hughes pitching.
The game:
Top of 1st. Eckstein grounds to 3, Stairs strikes out, Rios strikes out. Great start !
Bottom of 1st: Damon strikes out, Jeter grounds to SS, Abreu strikes out. McGowan good inning.
Top of 2nd. Wells flies to RF Cano over the shoulder catch, Thomas first pitch swinging pops up to Cabrera, Overbay grounds to 2B. Hughes seven pitch inning. Thanks Frank.
Bottom of 2nd. Rodriguez grounds to 3B, Giambi walks, Cano grounds to 3B, one out at 2B no time for double play, Matsui strikes out.
Top of 3rd. Hill flies to CF, Scutaro flies to RF, Zaun grounds to Giambi. Jays have just gone nine up nine down. Hughes looks like Cy Young.
Bottom of 3rd. Molina singles to CF, Cabrera walks, McGowan in some early trouble for first time in game, two on no outs. Damon lines out to Rios in RF, runners hold one down. Jeter grounds to SS, double play ball. McGowan escapes damage.
Top of 4th. Eckstein LF double, Stairs roller to 2B moves Eckstein to 3B, Rios singles to CF, Eckstein scores, 1-0 Jays.Wells at bat, Rios running and steals 2B, ball thrown into CF and Alex continues to 3B, Jays are really hustling this season, that must be at least four out of five steals in three games. Error Cano. Wells strikes out. Can Frank bring Alex in ? Strikes out and argues with home plate umpire and is thrown out of game. No loss. Another lost opportunity for run though.
Bottom of 4th. Abreu singles to RF, Rodriguez pops up behind 2B, Giambi grounds to 1B but Abreu gets to 3B with shift on for Giambi no one at 3B. Two down. Cano flies to LF. could have been much worse for McGowan.
Top of 5th. Overbay grounds to 2B, Hill flies to LF, Scutaro walks, Zaun doubles down RF line, Scutaro to 3B. Eckstein with one down and two on grounds to 3B, Rodriguez can only knock ball down , Scutaro scores 2-0 Jays and Eckstein is safe at 1B. Zaun to 3B on the play. Stairs grounds out to 1B. Eckstein two hits and rbi already in game.
Bottom of 5th. McGowan now with 2-0 lead. Matsui singles to LF, Molina shatters bat and pops up to Hll at 1B, Cabrera grounds to 2B, double play. McGowan through five with 70 pitches.
Top of 6th. Rios flies out to CF, Wells flies out to RF. Who will DH for Thomas ??? Stewart ! , as Stairs is already in LF and Coats will probably be in defensively for him in 7th. Thanks again Frank, these little things are magnified in Yankee Stadium, no need to give Yankees any advantage. Stewart breaks bat grounding to Jeter at SS.
Bottom of 6th. Damon doubles to RF, Jeter hit, Abreu walks, just like that... bases loaded for guess who?
Rodriguez, wild pitch ! Damon scores 2-1. Rodriguez strikes out, huge for McGowan. Giambi with no shift on this time flies to RF, on the throw Abreu out at 3B but Jeter has already scored 2-2. But McGowan could have had major damage with bases loaded, no one out and Rodriguez at bat.
Top of 7th. Treber pitching, lefty lefty match up Overbay strikes out. Bruney now pitching Hill grounds to 2B, Scutaro flies to RF.
Bottom of 7th. Wolfe pitching. Cano grounds to 1B, Matsui strikes out, Molina shatters bat grounding to 3B. Good inning by Wolfe.
Top of 8th. Chamberlain now pitching. Zaun strikes out. Eckstein bounces one to 2B and almost beats out throw, Stairs singles to RF, Coats pinch runner and will stay in game. Rios flies to RF.
Bottom of 8th. Wolfe still pitching. Cabrera single to RF. Downs now pitching. The Gibbons hook still working. Damon bunts down 1B line, Downs cannot make play, two on and error to Downs. Jeter also bunts, both runners move up t 2B and 3B. One down. Abreu singles to CF, Wells cannot get to it for catch, Damon scores 3-2 Yankees and guess who at bat? Rodriguez again, Downs strikes him out on 3 pitches. Very nice..... Two down. Giambi is hit, bases loaded. Cano pops up to CF. Downs limits damage could have been a lot worse but it was his own creation with error on Damon.
Top of 9th. Last chance for Jays, against Rivera ! Wells single up the middle, "DH Stewart " at bat, Frank I hope you are watching this, Stewart grounds to 3B Wells moves to 2B, Overbay grounds to SS, Hills looks at third strike, ouch bigtime. Tying run Wells left standing at 3B.
Yankees win 3-2. Jays outscore Yankees in the 3 games. Both losses 3-2... could have had them...
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Jays win in Yankee stadium
April 2.2008 Second game of series with Yankees. Burnett v Mussina.
Jays win 5-2. Very good win. Big bats come alive finally.
The very good: Wells HR, double and single, 3-4 on the night. 4 runs scored with two outs. Clutch bigtime tonight.
The good: Hill, Barajas, Rios, Burnett, Tallett and Accardo
The bad: Five, yes five double play balls. Thomas continues futility. Perhaps tomorrow Stairs can DH.
Lineups:
Jays: Eckstein, Stewart, Rios, Wells, Thomas, Overbay, Hill, Scutaro, Barajas, Burnett pitching
Yankees: Damon, Jeter, Abreu, Rodriguez, Giambi, Cano, Matsui, Molina, Cabrera, Mussina pitching
Top of 1st. Eckstein grounds to 1B, Giambi fumbles ball and Eckstein beats it out. Error to Giambi. Stewart singles to RF, two on, Rios flares to RF, Eckstein scores as Molina cannot handle throw to plate 1-0 Jays, two on. Wells grounds to 3B double play.. ouch. Was that first pitch Vernon ? Thomas grounds to 3B. Could have been much better for Jays with two and no outs.
Bottom 1st. Damon grounds to Eckstein, Jeter singles down RF line, Abreu grounds to 2B fielders choice Jeter at 2B, Rodriguez at bat and Abreu stealing, Barajas gets him with great throw. A-Rod definitely not amused.
Top of 2nd. Overbay walks, Hill continues his hot bat and singles to RF, two on no outs, Scutaro strikes out, Barajas grounds to 3B double play ball, second in two innings. Mussina is using his nine lives.
Bottom of 2nd. Rodriguez strikes out, Giambi breaks bat as he grounds to 1B, Cano strikes out, Burnett pitching well.
Top of 3rd. Eckstein grounds back to Mussina, Stewart grounds to 2B, Rios walks, Vernon HR to LF, two runs score. Vernon’s first of season. No complaints here. Thomas flies to LF. Jays 3-0.
Bottom of 3rd. Matsui strikes out, Molina singles to CF, Cabrera flies out to CF, Damon pops up to Scutaro. Another nice Burnett inning.
Top of 4th. Overbay strikes out on 3 pitches, Hill grounds to 1B, Giambi bobbles ball but Hill out, Scutaro singles to RF, Barajas at bat, Scutaro caught stealing. Trying to add to the two last night.
Bottom of 4th. Jeter hard liner back at Burnett, deflects ball and throws away at 1B, Jeter trying for 2B but Rios backing up at 1B nails him at 2B. Very nice play Alex. Abreu grounds to 2b, Rodriguez pops up to 2B.
Top of 5th. Barajas singles second hit of night to CF, Eckstein grounds to 3B, another double play, third of evening. Stewart grounds to SS Giambi stretching full length on throw to get him.
Bottom of 5th. Giambi with shift on, grounds to (third base ! ) Scutaro playing in 2B hole, Cano same play to Hill this time at 2B, weird. Mattsui singles up the middle, Molina grounds to Scutaro (at 3B). Burnett still pitching strongly and efficiently with pitch count.
Top of 6th. Rios long fly to LF field wall, Damon brings it back off the top, Alex is robbed, Wells singles to CF, his second hit of game, Thomas at bat, Frank gets hit, two on. Overbay flies to CF. Hill singles to RF Wells scores, end of Mussina. Jays 4-0 on 8 hits. LaTroy Hawkins pitching to Scutaro flies to RF.
Bottom of 6th. Cabrera singles to LF, Damon pops up to Overbay, Jeter grounds to 3B, this time Jays turn double play.
Top of 7th. Barajas doubles down RF line into corner, Eckstein grounds to 1B moving Barajas to 3B, Stewart grounds to 3B, Stewart out at 1B, runner holds, Rios singles to RF, Barajas scores. Jays 5-0 the big bats are hitting in clutch tonight. Wells at bat Rios running, caught stealing ouch Alex… was that smart ?
Bottom of 7th. Coats in for Stewart, (I think this will be a familiar scenario in the 7th.) Abreu walks, Rodriguez HR to CF, 5-2. End of road for Burnett but he should be pleased. Tallet in for Burnett, can the bullpen hold it? Giambi strikes out, Cano strikes out, Matsui grounds to 2B. Very nice pitching by Tallet.
Top of 8th. Farnsworth pitching. Wells singles to LF, a 3-4 night for Vernon… great night to break out. Needs triple for the cycle, there’s a thought. Thomas not so great night, grounds to 3B for yet another double play… four on the night. Overbay triple off CF wall, Abreu cannot reach this one, that double play hurts… Hill strikes out.
Bottom of 8th. Molina grounds to 3B, Cabrera pops up to 1B, Damon strikes out. Very nice Tallet pitching.
Top of 9th. Ohlendorf pitching. Hits Scutaro on hand, Barajas strikes out. Eckstein grounds to 2B, another double play 5th of the night, these hurt.
Bottom of 9th. Accardo now pitching to top of order. Jeter grounds to 2B, nice stop but Hill cannot transfer ball to hand, Jeter on, Abreu at bat and singles to CF, two on no outs and guess who ? This is not over friends. Rodriguez strikes out, yeah ! Giambi flies to CF, Cano flies to LF leaving Jeter out there.
Jays 5 runs, 12 hits and 1 error (and hitting into five double plays)
Yankees 2 runs, 7 hits and 1 error.
Jays win 5-2. Very good win. Big bats come alive finally.
The very good: Wells HR, double and single, 3-4 on the night. 4 runs scored with two outs. Clutch bigtime tonight.
The good: Hill, Barajas, Rios, Burnett, Tallett and Accardo
The bad: Five, yes five double play balls. Thomas continues futility. Perhaps tomorrow Stairs can DH.
Lineups:
Jays: Eckstein, Stewart, Rios, Wells, Thomas, Overbay, Hill, Scutaro, Barajas, Burnett pitching
Yankees: Damon, Jeter, Abreu, Rodriguez, Giambi, Cano, Matsui, Molina, Cabrera, Mussina pitching
Top of 1st. Eckstein grounds to 1B, Giambi fumbles ball and Eckstein beats it out. Error to Giambi. Stewart singles to RF, two on, Rios flares to RF, Eckstein scores as Molina cannot handle throw to plate 1-0 Jays, two on. Wells grounds to 3B double play.. ouch. Was that first pitch Vernon ? Thomas grounds to 3B. Could have been much better for Jays with two and no outs.
Bottom 1st. Damon grounds to Eckstein, Jeter singles down RF line, Abreu grounds to 2B fielders choice Jeter at 2B, Rodriguez at bat and Abreu stealing, Barajas gets him with great throw. A-Rod definitely not amused.
Top of 2nd. Overbay walks, Hill continues his hot bat and singles to RF, two on no outs, Scutaro strikes out, Barajas grounds to 3B double play ball, second in two innings. Mussina is using his nine lives.
Bottom of 2nd. Rodriguez strikes out, Giambi breaks bat as he grounds to 1B, Cano strikes out, Burnett pitching well.
Top of 3rd. Eckstein grounds back to Mussina, Stewart grounds to 2B, Rios walks, Vernon HR to LF, two runs score. Vernon’s first of season. No complaints here. Thomas flies to LF. Jays 3-0.
Bottom of 3rd. Matsui strikes out, Molina singles to CF, Cabrera flies out to CF, Damon pops up to Scutaro. Another nice Burnett inning.
Top of 4th. Overbay strikes out on 3 pitches, Hill grounds to 1B, Giambi bobbles ball but Hill out, Scutaro singles to RF, Barajas at bat, Scutaro caught stealing. Trying to add to the two last night.
Bottom of 4th. Jeter hard liner back at Burnett, deflects ball and throws away at 1B, Jeter trying for 2B but Rios backing up at 1B nails him at 2B. Very nice play Alex. Abreu grounds to 2b, Rodriguez pops up to 2B.
Top of 5th. Barajas singles second hit of night to CF, Eckstein grounds to 3B, another double play, third of evening. Stewart grounds to SS Giambi stretching full length on throw to get him.
Bottom of 5th. Giambi with shift on, grounds to (third base ! ) Scutaro playing in 2B hole, Cano same play to Hill this time at 2B, weird. Mattsui singles up the middle, Molina grounds to Scutaro (at 3B). Burnett still pitching strongly and efficiently with pitch count.
Top of 6th. Rios long fly to LF field wall, Damon brings it back off the top, Alex is robbed, Wells singles to CF, his second hit of game, Thomas at bat, Frank gets hit, two on. Overbay flies to CF. Hill singles to RF Wells scores, end of Mussina. Jays 4-0 on 8 hits. LaTroy Hawkins pitching to Scutaro flies to RF.
Bottom of 6th. Cabrera singles to LF, Damon pops up to Overbay, Jeter grounds to 3B, this time Jays turn double play.
Top of 7th. Barajas doubles down RF line into corner, Eckstein grounds to 1B moving Barajas to 3B, Stewart grounds to 3B, Stewart out at 1B, runner holds, Rios singles to RF, Barajas scores. Jays 5-0 the big bats are hitting in clutch tonight. Wells at bat Rios running, caught stealing ouch Alex… was that smart ?
Bottom of 7th. Coats in for Stewart, (I think this will be a familiar scenario in the 7th.) Abreu walks, Rodriguez HR to CF, 5-2. End of road for Burnett but he should be pleased. Tallet in for Burnett, can the bullpen hold it? Giambi strikes out, Cano strikes out, Matsui grounds to 2B. Very nice pitching by Tallet.
Top of 8th. Farnsworth pitching. Wells singles to LF, a 3-4 night for Vernon… great night to break out. Needs triple for the cycle, there’s a thought. Thomas not so great night, grounds to 3B for yet another double play… four on the night. Overbay triple off CF wall, Abreu cannot reach this one, that double play hurts… Hill strikes out.
Bottom of 8th. Molina grounds to 3B, Cabrera pops up to 1B, Damon strikes out. Very nice Tallet pitching.
Top of 9th. Ohlendorf pitching. Hits Scutaro on hand, Barajas strikes out. Eckstein grounds to 2B, another double play 5th of the night, these hurt.
Bottom of 9th. Accardo now pitching to top of order. Jeter grounds to 2B, nice stop but Hill cannot transfer ball to hand, Jeter on, Abreu at bat and singles to CF, two on no outs and guess who ? This is not over friends. Rodriguez strikes out, yeah ! Giambi flies to CF, Cano flies to LF leaving Jeter out there.
Jays 5 runs, 12 hits and 1 error (and hitting into five double plays)
Yankees 2 runs, 7 hits and 1 error.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Opening day 2008 in Yankee land.
April 1. 2008. Opening day at Yankee Stadium. The last one in current stadium.
Lineups:
Jays: Eckstein, Stewart, Rios, Wells, Thomas, Overbay, Hill, Scutaro, Zaun and Halladay pitching.
NYY: Damon, Jeter, Abreu, Rodriguez, Giambi, Cano, Posada, Matsui, Cabrera ,Wang pitching.
The good: Halladay 7 innings and and Downs relief inning. Double plays, two stolen bases by Scutaro, and one for Rios. Jeter caught stealing by Zaun.
Bad: the first pitch swinging, Wells of course and Thomas but at least he had an excuse he was exhausted after being on bases for so long last at bat.
Ugly: Jays 1-12 Runners in scoring position…. Déjà vu 2007. And of course the big guys.
The game: Top of 1st. Eckstein grounds to SS, Stewart base hit down 3B line, Rios lines to LF, two on, Wells shatters bat with hit up the middle, great catch by second base and doubles up Rios.
Bottom of 1st. Damon strikes out on 3 pitches, Jeter grounds to 1B, Abreu single to RF, Rodriguez double to CF scores Abreu. NYY 1-0. Giambi flies to CF.
Top of 2nd. Thomas single to LF, Overbay down 3B line Rodriguez could only get glove on play, Thomas to 2B, Hill flies to RF Thomas moves to 3B, Scutaro grounds to Giambi, Thomas scores 1-1, Lyle moves to 2B. Zaun at bat Scutaro steals 2B, Zaun up the middle Jeter throws to 2B.
Bottom of 2nd. Cano single to LF off Scutaro’s glove, Posada grounds into double play. Matsui grounds to Hill at 2B.
Top of 3rd. Eckstein strikes out, Stewart lines to 2B on first pitch, catching disease from Wells, Rios walks, Wells first pitch swinging, wow… grounds to SS.
Bottom of 3rd. Cabrera grounds to 1B, Damon grounds to 3B, Jeter single to RF, Abreu at bat, Jeter running Zaun good throw to get him… Jays have really improved catching runners this year.
Top of 4th Thomas first pitch ( he is tired after all) grounds to Jeter, one down. Overbay high fly ball to Right centre field Cabrera great catch up against the wall, saves at least a double, Hill lines hard into right centre gap, Cabrera again great diving catch to his right saves a double and catches the highlight reel tonight.
Bottom of 4th. Abreu single to RF, Rodriguez to SS double play ball, Giambi grounds back to Halladay. Another sharp inning by Halladay getting those ground ball outs.
Top of 5th. Scutaro walks, this guy uses his brain and has great patience, perhaps it will rub off on the first pitch swinging club, Zaun at bat Scutaro steals second, his second steal of the game, Zaun single to RF Scutaro to 3B, Eckstein grounds to 1B, Scutaro holds, Stewart grounds to 3B, Scutaro scores, two down 2-1 Jays. Rios strikes out.
Bottom of 5th. Canoe flies to RF, Posada strikes out, Matsui up the middle, Eckstein great play to throw him out. Yankees have such depth in their lineup… Matsui batting eighth tonight had 100rbis in 2007.
Top of 6th. Wells dribbler to 3B, Thomas grounds to SS, Overbay breaks bat with grounder to 2B. The heart of the order… hmmmm.
Bottom of 6th. Cabrera the hero with his fielding tonight, and a HR to RF makes him a legend, just creeps over a leaping Rios in the corner but it counts…. 2-2. Damon grounds to 1B, Jeter grounds back to Hallady, Abreu grounds to 2B. Halladay pitching very well but so is Wang and Jays bats once again are letting Halladay down.
Top of 7th. Hill tries again and this time successful, a double to same location as before but this time Cabrera cannot snare it, Hill is still hot from Spring. Scutaro lines head high to Giambi who is playing well in anticipating bunt, Zaun ground ball to Jeter Hill to 3B, Eckstein grounds to 3B. Jays tonight are 1-11 with runners in scoring position. Ouch bigtime. I feel sorry for Halladay.
Bottom of 7th. Rodriguez single to CF, shift on for Giambi, Rodriguez running, Giambi walks, Posada walks, bases loaded, Matsui grounds to 2B, run scores, 3-2 NYY. Abreu strikes out three pitches.
Top of 8th. Chamberlain pitching, Stewart grounds out to 2B, Rios walks, Wells at bat, Rios steals, Wells strikes out, Thomas strikes out, Thomas strikes out. Jays 1-12 with runners in scoring position. Halladay must be seething.
Bottom of 8th. Halladay’s numbers. 7 innings, 7 hits, 3earned runs, 2 walks, 3 strikeouts, 95 pitches.
Downs pitching, Damon lead-off triple to CF, Wells foolishly tries to do a Cabrera and dives for an impossible catch, ball goes to the wall, some on Vernon, use your head, in a one run game ??? Jeter bounces to Downs looks Damon back and throws Jeter out at 1B. Abreu grounds to Overbay, maybe Downs can escape trouble. Rodriguez intentionally walked, Giambi grounds to Hill at 2B. Very nice pitching from Downs.
Top of 9th. Rivera pitching. Overbay strikes out, Hill fly ball to LF, Scutaro grounds to 2B.
This was a very winnable game for the Jays that they let get away.
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