Here we go.
Got to play it, might as well win it.
Matchup
Gil (4-1, 3.32) vs Gausman (10-11, 3.59)
I had no idea Gausman finished 10-11 until I read this thread. That seems hard to do as a 94-68 team's best starter.
You have a clean slate in the playoffs, Kevin. Lead us to the promised land.
You have a clean slate in the playoffs, Kevin. Lead us to the promised land.
I hope they challenge Judge every time.
To throw, not to time a fastball, obviously.
To throw, not to time a fastball, obviously.
In 1993 when Frank Thomas was in his prime the Jays pitched around him in the playoffs - 10 walks in 27PA, only 1HR and 3RBI - I hope the Jays pitch Judge similarly, put it on others to beat you not Judge.
I had no idea Gausman finished 10-11 until I read this thread. That seems hard to do as a 94-68 team's best starter.
He was the designated No Run Support guy this year. He had 11 starts when the team scored 2 runs or less (he went 1-7 in those games.)
He was the designated No Run Support guy this year. He had 11 starts when the team scored 2 runs or less (he went 1-7 in those games.)
It's Gimenez in for schneider that bugs me, not santander.
Gimenez for Schneider doesn't bug me because as the WC round demonstrated, defence gets magnified in the playoffs and I'd say both Cleveland and Boston could have won those series with better defence and Schneider is a good bench bat if the Jays need a pinch hitter late in the game.
defence gets magnified in the playoffs
Milwaukee just scored four first inning runs after what should have been the third out of the inning.
Milwaukee just scored four first inning runs after what should have been the third out of the inning.
Offense also gets magnified in the playoffs tho.
I would have started Schneider and Gimenez. I have no confidence that Santander is ready to take a starting role, either offensively or defensively. I thought that before he was called up, and striking out in half of his PAs in the majors since he was called up didn't improve my impression. I hope I am completely wrong- it wouldn't be the first time and it won't be the last.
They must like what they saw from Santander this week. Gambling on power is worthwhile, they'll need it.
Looks like Vladdy shook off that rust nicely!
Vladdy getting it done on offense and defense!
Rogers is cleverly carrying the Fox broadcast on Citytv so they can substitute it with their own commercials on the Fox channel.
(Fox commentators are Joe Davis, John Smoltz, Ken Rosenthal.)
(I don't think Citytv will be carrying the FS1 broadcasts of Games 2, 3 or 4.)
I heard someone say the only previous time the dome roof was open for the playoffs was when EE hit the home run to end it.
(Fox commentators are Joe Davis, John Smoltz, Ken Rosenthal.)
(I don't think Citytv will be carrying the FS1 broadcasts of Games 2, 3 or 4.)
I heard someone say the only previous time the dome roof was open for the playoffs was when EE hit the home run to end it.
The Sportsnet broadcast mentioned that the only playoff game with the roof open previously was the 2016 Wild Card game that you've mentioned.
Top-tier Gausman through his first four innings.
Beeston had the roof redone which allows it to open and close in colder temperatures which was not possible with the aged rails that were originally installed.
I was at that game. It was 8-9/10 in terms of atmosphere. The bat flip game was 100/10 atmosphere.
I was at that game. It was 8-9/10 in terms of atmosphere. The bat flip game was 100/10 atmosphere.
This is already vladdy's best playoffs ever. If he hits like vladdy we win.
There are few things I hate more as a baseball fan than watching our pitcher issue a bases loaded walk. But big out on the pop up after it.
Wonderful performance by Varland in the final 6th to get Stanton. Very, very impressive.
And gritty performance by Gausman to K Judge and get Rice on a popup to preserve the lead.
And gritty performance by Gausman to K Judge and get Rice on a popup to preserve the lead.
I expect aggro pulls all playoffs and i am good with it tbh.
I’m not seeing any real favouritism by the home plate toward either team. He has done a good job, in my view.
Really liked Santander's abs today. Only one hit but just missed HR and had a really good battle in other two abs. Good to see.
Yeah, don't really have an issue with the ump. Only one he really seemed to miss was a ball to Santander that should have been ball 4 but called a strike.
So the Blue Jays look like the better team that won the Division and could prepare for this series better. But, but, they're not favoured. Don't matter. These guys look in control. HUGE game for Yesavage tomorrow. Vladdy is awesome so far. Santander looks almost back to 100 with timing.
Remind me again which of these two teams has a vaunted lineup?
Ken Rosenthal must be crying in his matcha tea.
Ken Rosenthal must be crying in his matcha tea.
There is no reason for Hoffman to be in this game.
And no, this doesn't mean he won't be used in high leverage later in the series. Schneider will use him in Games 2, 3, 4, and 5 if need be.
And no, this doesn't mean he won't be used in high leverage later in the series. Schneider will use him in Games 2, 3, 4, and 5 if need be.
There are days off so don't mind using Hoffman. It's good to see Hoffman's stuff back up to 97 range too.
Congrats to Greatkins for their first playoff win!
"There is no reason for Hoffman to be in this game."
Oh yes there is.
Oh yes there is.
Clement's bunt was an easy decision that didn't work out. If there's ever a spot for a bunt, the #9 hitter up with first and second, no outs, and a 2-run lead is one of them.
Basically, Hoffman is available every day and needed to throw.
Great game. Good hitting. Good pitching. Great defense. And no bad base running like last time around.
Great game. Good hitting. Good pitching. Great defense. And no bad base running like last time around.
Vladdy hitting a HR in his first ab is just so huge for the team.
Him being available every day is precisely the problem with using him today. We've seen his stuff diminish when he's used too much. Why give the Yankees a free look?
Oh well, sweep em in 3 and it won't be an issue.
Oh well, sweep em in 3 and it won't be an issue.
(We don't want or need hoffman available every day)
Captain Kirk bringing the power over from the regular season is great to see too.
Just a great win. Tons of amazing performances. Game was lopsided but was very close until late.
Holding the line in the top of the sixth was very important, and Gausman and Varland rose to the occasion. Bases loaded, none out, and the heart of the Yankees order up — and only one run allowed. Superb.
Most exciting and tense Blue Jays game since…2016? 2015?
What a fabulous way for this group to get the proverbial monkey off their back! More please! (10 to be precise)
So tomorrow:
Yesavage, and then pretty much whoever in the bullpen is needed for the situation at hand.
Yesavage, and then pretty much whoever in the bullpen is needed for the situation at hand.
Vladdy's face when Caballero was beaned, not happy.
One more shout-out — to John Schneider. He pulled Gausman at just the right time. Gutsy to leave him in to face Rice for a third time, and to then pull him in favour of Varland to get the final out.
That was a fun playoff game with limited (6th inning) stress. Keep it going tomorrow.
