Blue Jays Claw to Sixth Straight Win

The Blue Jays found a way to win in game one against the Tigers, as they win 4-2 for their sixth consecutive win.

Aaron Hill was the story of the night. He looked a little bit like the Hill of a few years ago defensively coming up with a pair of great plays. The first came in the third inning, when he robbed Jackson of a base hit by leaping way up into the air ala Roberto Alomar. He also came through with the bat going 2-for-4 with an RBI double in the 8^th that started a three run inning. Hill has adjusted his hands at the plate a bit and seems to be seeing some results in the change of his mechanics at the plate.

Kyle Drabek struggled with his command for most of the night with a career high six walks. But, when he got himself in trouble, he buckled down and found a way to pitch his way out of it. It was a debatable call to send him back out for the seventh, but I was glad John Farrell made that call. Even though Kyle was at 101 pitches, he gave his starter a chance to win the game and his team came through for him in the eighth.

Frank Francisco closed the win in the ninth, but not before a solo home run from Jhonny Peralta in the 9^th. I understand fans being a little nervous when he has been out there so far this year, but this is why we traded for him. John Rauch probably was not available after throwing multiple innings on Saturday. Either way, it is always good to have options in the bullpen if someone is struggling to get the job done.

Toronto is now one game over .500 for the first time since April 15 and has a chance tomorrow for a perfect road trip.

Noteables:

TOR
A. Hill: 2-for-4; 2B, RBI
Y. Escobar: 2-for-3; 2 singles, BB, RBI

DET
J. Peralta: 1-for-4; HR

Pitching lines:

K. Drabek (W, 3-2): 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 6 BB, 2 SO, 113 pitches
M. Scherzer: 7.0 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO, 107 pitches
J. Benoit (L, 1-3)
F. Francisco (S, 4)

The Blue Jays go for win number seven tomorrow, sending Jesse Litsch to the mound (4-2, 4.14) vs. Rick Porcello (3-2, 3.67).

Toronto placed Adam Lind on the disabled list after tonight’s game (retroactive to May 8) and recalled Eric Thames from AAA Las Vegas (36 games, 6 HR, 30 RBI, .342 Avg. As per Barry Davis, Rogers Sportsnet).

Until next time,

Let’s Go Blue Jays!

Twitter: @ChaseHadden