The Blue Jays opened up the first game of a 2 game set with the Texas Rangers in memorable fashion. The game took 14 innings to complete, or if you are more of a hours/minutes kind of person, try this: 4 hours 53 minutes. All that time and the Jays come up short 7-5. The loss brings Toronto’s record to 8-7.
The offense had plenty of time to get going but in innings 9 though 14 they were blanked by a number of Texas pitchers. The Jays totaled 13 hits in the game but only 2 of which were for extra bases. You’d think that in 14 innings you might record a homer but it wasn’t the case for Toronto. They did however have some interesting batting lines in this game. Like Alex Rios who went 3-for-7 including a double and a RBI. The RBI brings his total to 10 on the season and his batting average to .316. Vernon Wells notched his 15th RBI of the season going 1-for-6 in the game bringing his average to .328. Aaron hill also had a nice game going 1-for-5. His only hit was a double and he also recorded a run. Hill is currently batting an impressive .328 this season. With these strong performances it looked like Toronto would get on a roll because they scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th to tie the score at 5. But, like I stated above, they went scoreless from the 9th inning on leaving the door open for the Rangers to steal the game.
Jesse Litsch was given the start for Toronto and had a sub-par game. He worked 5 innings allowing 9 hits, 4 runs, a homer to Texas 1B/DH Jason Botts but he did strike out 5. Ranger lefty Kason Gabbard took the mound and had himself a solid game. He pitched 6 innings giving up 7 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks and 2 K’s. Unfortunately for both teams they had to go through a combined 16 pitchers including the 2 starters. Toronto actually had to bring in their next day start A.J. Burnett in the top of the 14th innings to try and keep the Rangers scoreless. Such was not the case as Texas brought 2 runners across making the score 7-5 which ended up being the final. Burnett was given the loss in the game making his record 1-1 this season.
This was another game where the Toronto bats went silent for a long period of time. The lack of hitting in innings 9-14 ended up being the reason they lost as they were given more then enough time to win the game in the bottom half of each inning. There is some good news that came out this game and that’s the fact that B.J. Ryan got another inning of work in. He came in for the top of the 9th and threw a scoreless inning striking out 1 in the process. Keep your eye on him as Manager John Gibbons begins shaking off the rust from the previously injured closer.
Next Up: The Jays will play the 2nd and final game of this quick series on Friday. Roy Halladay will most likely get the start because A.J. Burnett appeared in this game. Texas has righty Vincente Padilla scheduled to start.
