Toronto opened up the 1st game of the scheduled 4 game home stand against the Detroit Tigers in an 8-4 loss. Rookie starter David Purcey took the mound for the Jays and showed some flashes of what he can potentially be, but he also showed what he needs much improvement on. The loss is Toronto’s 3rd in a row and brings their record to 8-9 this season.
Not much offense to speak of especially since the Jays only recorded 4 runs on just 3 hits for the game. One of the runs came from a solo homer by 1st basemen Rob Barajas in the bottom of the 2nd inning tying the score at 1. Toronto added 3 more runs in the 5th getting RBI from LF Shannon Stewart, who had 2, and 1 from 2nd basemen Aaron Hill making the score 4-1. Detroit added 2 runs in the 6th, had a 4 run inning in the 7th, and got 1 more in the 9th making the score 8-4 which ended up being the final. There isn’t much positive to speak of on the offensive side as the Blue Jays offense is still trying to find its power. They are going to have to collect more then 3 hits against the powerful Detroit Tigers offense if they want to take a game in this 4 game set.
Rookie start David Purcey had a shaky game against the Tigers going 4 1/3rd innings deep allowing only 2 hits, 1 run, struck out 3, but he walked a disastrous 7 Detroit batters. He was able to keep the score under control before he was pulled in the 5th inning giving way for reliever Jason Frasor. Frasor went 1 1/3rds innings giving up 3 hits and 2 runs. He handed the ball over to Jeremy Accardo who came in and pitched just 2/3rds innings but he gave up 3 more runs and recorded a blown save and the loss bringing his record to 0-3 this season. Pitching was a bit shaky and with all the walks it was just a matter of time before Detroit took advantage.
With only 3 hits Toronto was able to collect 4 runs but 4 runs might not be enough to put away the Tigers, who are starting to come out of their season beginning slump. Also a quick note about Frank Thomas who is upset with the fact that skipper John Gibbons benched him because of his poor start. Gibby has said that Thomas will most likely see less AB’s this season and we will see more of Matt Stairs at the DH spot. Keep your eyes peeled to see how the situation unfolds because The Big Hurt is pretty upset about the decision.
Next Up: Toronto will play game 2 vs. Detroit looking to even the series. Dustin McGowan will get the start for the Jays and will take on Detroit righty Jeremy Bonderman.
