Jays 4 Giants 0
Luck is a fickle thing. Four Jays pitchers combined for a shutout, despite giving up 11 hits over 9 innings (a new franchise high for hits surrendered in a shutout). Fortunately, the Jays concentrated their hits to knock Verlander around, putting up 4 runs in a bat around 2nd inning and Bassitt bent but wouldn’t break with the Jays defense behind him keeping the Giants off the board.
The Jays threatened early in the first, putting Springer and Guerrero at first and second with one out, but Bichette ground into a doubleplay. The Jays had Verlander’s number in the second, with Barger reaching on a single deflected off Verlander. Kirk singled into left field and Loperfido doubled to bring the first run home. Wagner doubled after a Clement ground out to score Kirk and Loperfido, making it 3-0. Lukes laced a single into right field to bring in Wagner, putting the Jays up by four. The Jays had more chances that inning, putting two more on before Barger popped up to end the inning. The 4-0 score would hold up as four Jays pitchers combined for a shutout of the Giants, with Hoffman getting the save with three straight punch outs.
On the pitching side, Bassitt went 6.1 innings, striking out five and scattering ten hits but escaping damage. He didn’t walk anyone. Little, Rodriguez, and Hoffman combined to strike out 7 of the 9 batters they faced for the win. Hoffman was sharp, picking up his 22 save after striking out the side in the ninth.
For the Giants, Verlander only lasted 2.2 innings, giving up 4 runs on 9 hits, walking two and striking out none. Given how he’s been pitching, the Jays should have scored more. Tristan Beck saved the Giants bullpen, throwing 4.1 innings of relief.
The Jays had 4 runs on 10 hits with 3 walks and just a pair of strikeouts. Springer led the way with three hits, Loperfido stayed hot, getting on three times with a pair of hits (one a double) and a walk. Kirk also had a pair of hits. Bichette, Guerrero and Clement all had 0 fors, for a combined 10 LOB. The heart of this lineup needs to turn up for this series soon.
Jays of the Day: Bassitt (.200 WPA), Loperfido (.149 WPA) and Wagner (.102 WPA)
I don’t do the other award, but Bichette and Clement were both ineffective at the plate today.
The Jays have a chance to secure the series win tomorrow at 3:07PM, but will have to get past the very dangerous Logan Webb (9-6, 2.94 ERA) to do it. Eric Lauer (4-2, 2.78) takes the mound for the Jays.