The Toronto Blue Jays went to San Francisco to meet the Giants in another two game series, where each team would get a win in low-scoring affairs. The first game the Jays would lose 2-1 in a game where all three runs were scored in the first two innings. The Blue Jays would score first on an Edwin Encarnacion solo homerun and the Giants would answer in the bottom of the second with a two-run homer thanks to Andres Torres.
This game would be more of a pitchers duel than a high scoring game. The two starting pitchers for this game were Tim Lincecum for the Giants and Josh Johnson for the Jays; this was JJ’s first game since April 21st. Lincecum would win his fourth game of the season with 7.0 innings pitched, 3 hits, and 1 run against with 6 strikeouts. Josh Johnson would get his second loss of the season and is still looking for his first win; he would pitch 7.0 innings, 6 hits, 2 runs and 1 run against with 6 strikeouts. It’s nice to see Josh pitch a solid game and although he has a lot to do to prove himself I really think he should be re-signed for a few more seasons, the Jays can do no worse with having a guy like him in the rotation.
Melky Cabrera would go 2-4 in this game, which was his first in San Fran since he was suspended. His return was a bit bittersweet seeing as that was the day the news broke out that the league was looking to suspend players who were involved in the Biogenesis clinic and as I mentioned in my last article Melky is on that list of players. If the Jays were in a better situation in the standings, losing him would have a much bigger impact on the team. Do not get me wrong, losing him will not help the team at all, and will leave a hole in the outfield and leadoff spot, as I have previously mentioned there will be more news to follow in this unique situation.
The second and final game of the series would be all Blue Jays as they would win 4-0 against the Giants. All the runs would be scored in the top of the fifth inning, first by RA Dickey who would hit an RBI double scoring Henry Blanco. Jose Bautista would single driving in Dickey, with Bautista on base; Edwin Encarnacion would walk and after a double steal by the two Mark DeRosa would drive in both with a two-out RBI single.
RA Dickey would pitch 8.1 strong innings with only two hits and two walks and 5 strikeouts to earn his fifth win of the season. I bet Dickey is going to miss the Giants seeing as two of his five wins have come against the Giants, Casey Janssen would get his 12th save of the season. Barry Zito would get his fourth loss of the season with 6.0 innings pitched, 7 hits, and 4 runs against, 3 walks with no strikeouts
Nicks Notes:
Mark DeRosa has 21 RBI’s in only 78 at bats, depending where the Jays are at the trade deadline if Mark keeps up the good work, then he could be considered trade baits maybe.
The recent results have come out for the all-star voting and the only Jay on the list is Jose Bautista. That is great for Joey Bats, but it is unfortunate that JP Arencibia, Edwin Encarnacion and Adam Lind (who has been fantastic this season) are not on the list. Although the Jays have had a rough season so far and are not the top team, they had both to be they have had great bright spots in these players. I hope if none of these guys gets voted in that the league decides to invite Lind, because he deserves it.
Although I am pretty sure Chad Jenkins will be re-called to the big club, since Ortiz has it out with an injury, but aside that and the fact the team is going to try and use Esmil Rogers I think this team should look and see who else is available out there. The bullpen and the rotation is looking a bit thin. According to the Jays site Kyle Drabek has faced live hitters on May 20th and Drew Hutchison was expected to pitch in extended Spring training game on May 31st. These guys could help the rotation, but with both players healing from Tommy John Surgery I won’t hold my breath anytime soon.
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