*Photo from AP News*
Happy Canada Day, from the Toronto Blue Jays. Bo Bichette hit a two run double, Vladimir Guerrero Jr drove in 3 runs, and the Blue Jays routed the Tampa Bay Rays with a 9-2 victory on Friday afternoon in Toronto.
Playing at home on Canada Day for the first time since 2019, the Blue Jays took the field in their red jerseys and put on a show for the crowd, roaring to a rout of the Rays, winning their second straight game and 6th out of 10, overtaking the Boston Red Sox for second place in the AL East.
Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said that "This is a day that reminds you how great it is to play for Canada. We play for a country. It’s awesome. My first one was in 2019, and it reminds you how cool this is. I was actually nervous. I wanted to win so bad for so many people. I actually went outside after my run to say ‘Happy Canada Day’ to everybody and take pictures. I don’t take this for granted."
The Rays struck first, taking a 1-0 lead on a groundout from Rene Pinto in the second inning. In the 3rd, the Blue Jays had a big inning, taking a 5-1 lead on two run doubles from both Bichette and Guerrero Jr, and an RBI double from Alejandro Kirk. In the 5th inning, the Rays made it a 5-2 game on an RBI double from Harold Ramirez.
In the 6th inning, the Blue Jays opened up the game, making it an 8-2 score on a two run single from George Springer and an RBI groundout from Guerrero Jr. One inning later, in the 7th inning, Lourdes Gurriel Jr hit a solo home run to make it 9-2 and effectively seal the win.
Blue Jays starter Jose Berrios said of winning on Canada Day that "It was so special. I’ve heard about this day, but being here and having the opportunity to pitch on this day, it was a little emotional. I know a lot of Canadians enjoy and want to be in the ballpark on a day like today. I took that to motivate myself."
Getting the start was Berrios, who got the win in a bounce back start, allowing two runs on 8 hits over 5 innings pitched. Trent Thornton then came on and got a hold with a scoreless 6th inning, followed by a scoreless 7th inning from Sergio Romo. Max Castillo threw two shutout innings to end the game.
On the mound for the Rays was Corey Kluber, who got shelled in a loss. Kluber allowed 5 runs on 7 hits and two walks, pitching just 3 innings. Phoenix Sanders pitched two scoreless innings, followed by two innings from David McKay, who allowed 4 runs. Outfielder Brett Phillips pitched the 9th inning, recording a scoreless appearance.
Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier said that "One day after another, we’ve got to stop the bleeding. No doubt about it. It's just the way it's been going. But guys in this clubhouse are the ones who can change it, so we’ve gotta figure out a way to do just that."
Up next, the Blue Jays and Rays square off for game 3 of the series on Saturday afternoon. Kevin Gausman starts for the Blue Jays, while the Rays send Shane McClanahan to the mound.
Comments
Post a Comment