Lind Powers Blue Jays to Big Win

The Blue Jays patience and big bats all came together in Texas as they take game two over the Rangers 10-3.

The first inning was key for Toronto as they got off to a great start with a lead-off single by Yunel Escobar on the first pitch of the game and a bunt single on the next pitch by Corey Patterson. In all, the Jays sent nine-men to the plate scoring five runs on four hits and working three walks. Starting pitcher for the Rangers, Matt Harrison, did not have his stuff right from the beginning. He struggled with his command and locating his pitches, but credit the Blue Jays hitters for laying off the close ones (even though there were a few that were not close at all).

Adam Lind is starting to heat up after he came through with a big game offensively, going 3-for-5, with a pair of home runs and 5 RBI. His second home run in the fourth was of the three-run variety, as he jumped all over reliever, Brett Tomko's first-pitch fastball into the second deck in right field.

Jose Bautista continues to show a great eye and patience at the plate with a double and two walks. I truly think (as do a lot of others) he is the most dangerous hitter in the game today. Every swing he takes is with authority and when he makes contact, nine times out of 10, it is on the sweet spot.

Jesse Litsch did what you want to see out of your fifth starter (though he was in Brett Cecil's spot as number three tonight), he pounded the strikes zone, kept the ball on the ground and kept the walks to a minimum. He is going to give up hits for being in the strikes zone often, but if he can get himself into the sixth inning, he is going to be successful.

Pitching lines:

Litsch (W, 2-1): 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 1 SO, 92 pitches
M. Harrison (L, 3-2): 3.0 IP, 7 ER, 8 H, 3 BB, 1 SO, 1 HR, 60 pitches

Game three goes tomorrow night at 8:07 EDT in Texas. Jo-Jo Reyes (0-2) is on the mound for the Blue Jays. The Rangers have not named a starter yet.

On a side note to finish, Brett Cecil made his first start after being sent down to AAA vs. Colorado Springs, but did not fair very well.

Pitching line: 4.1 IP, 10 ER, 13 H, 3 BB, 2 SO, 3 HR.

I know that the ballparks in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) are ridiculous in size and numbers get inflated, but 13 hits and 10 earned runs in any ballpark is horrible. We will see how his next outing fairs. Being his first time back in AAA since last season may have had him down, and we know he was upset with himself on the way he pitched before being sent down. But he needs to work on his mechanics, find his groove very soon or it will hurt him and his confidence will be shot for quite some time.

Until next time,

Let's Go Blue Jays!

Twitter: @ChaseHadden