Toronto came to the ballpark ready to swing the bat in their 11-3 victory they recorded on Tuesday afternoon. The win brings the Blue Jays record to 8-6 on the season and puts them in a tie for first place with the Baltimore Orioles, who were there opponent for this game. The win is also the final game of this short 2 game stand against the O’s which the teams split.
The offense tallied 16 hits total including 5 extra base hits in the game. It seems like every guy had a good game but SS David Eckstein had an exceptionally strong game. He was in the lead-off spot and went 3-for-4 with 1 RBI, 3 runs scored, and a stolen base. The RBI brings his total to 7 for the season and brought his average to a respectable .288. 2nd basemen Aaron Hill also had a good showing hitting 2-of-3 for 3 RBI and a run scored. The 3 RBI come from the 3 run shot he hit in the 3rd inning off O’s starter Steve Trachsel. He has his average at an impressive .340 this season and a total of 12 RBI. RF Alex Rios contributed to the offense as well going 2-for-5 with 2 RBI of his own and 2 runs scored. He is batting a steady .300 and now totals 9 RBI this season. I’m going to name one more guy who is really working to improve on the season he had last year. That guy is Vernon Wells who went 2-for-4 with 1 RBI and a run scored. He has his average at .345 this season which is an exact .100 average improvement from a year ago. There were plenty of contributors to the offense including Frank Thomas, Matt Stairs, and Greg Zaun who recorded 4 more RBI of their own. As you can see the offense was great in this one and is probably their most impressive outing on the offensive side this season.
Shawn Marcum took the mound for Toronto and worked a solid 6 and 2/3rds innings. He only allowed 4 hits, 2 runs and he struck out 4. He brought his ERA to an impressive 2.61 this season and he also recorded the win for the Jays bringing his record to 2-0. Steve Trachsel got the start for the Orioles and took most of the punishment from the Blue Jay lineup. He only pitched 2 1/3rd innings but in that time he allowed 5 hits, 5 runs (all earned), walked 3, and gave up the homer to Hill in the 3rd. His ERA is now 5.65 and he was given the loss for his performance making his record 1-2 this season.
This was by far the best game of the season for the Jays and it was by far the strongest game on the offensive side. Pitching wasn’t half bad either as they only allowed 6 hits and spread out Baltimore’s 3 runs in innings 3, 5, and 8. A great overall team effort that is definitely something Toronto can build on. Plus they are now tied for first place in the AL East.
Next Up: Toronto will open up another 2 game set but this time they will be at home and will be facing the Texas Rangers (5-9). Jesse Litsch will take the mound for Toronto and will match up against Texas lefty Kason Gabbard.
