Morrow, Bullpen Shut Out Reds

Brandon Morrow was in cruise control on Saturday night, as the Blue Jays combine for a 4-0 shutout in game two against the Cincinnati Reds.

Morrow continued the streak of good starting pitching with a solid effort tonight. He used his fastball to get ahead in counts and to set-up his breaking pitches. He switched the grip on his change-up from a circle-change to a split finger change and it was effective when he went to it. Morrow fanned six Reds hitters, scattered five hits, and the only jam he got in all night was in the seventh after he gave up a hit to former Blue Jay Scott Rolen, plunked Chris Heisey on the next pitch and walked his only batter to load the bases (who were stranded by Jason Frasor).  The Blue Jays starters have a combined ERA at 4.58, but in their last five starts (including tonight), they are a remarkable 2.12. Like I said last night, when your starting pitching is getting you deep into the ball game, your bullpen stays fresh and does not get over-worked. Hopefully, this is a trend that is going to stay for the next few weeks.

Jose Molina was the offensive catalyst for Toronto going 2-for-3 with a double in the second and a lead-off home run in the fourth on the first pitch served up by Reds’ starter, Edison Volquez of the facing of the second deck. Jose Bautista added a pair of singles and an RBI. 

Jon Rauch closed the game in the ninth allowing a couple of singles and struck out Johnny Gomes to preserve the shut out. Toronto has  won four of their last five games since they were swept by the Boston Red Sox last weekend.

Notables
TOR
J. Molina: 2-for 3; HR, 2B, RBI
J. Bautista: 2-for-3; 2 singles, RBI

CIN
S. Rolen: 2-for-4; 2 singles
J. Bruce: 2-for-4; 2 singles

Pitching lines
B. Morrow (W, 3-4): 6.2 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 SO, 101 pitches
E. Volquez (L, 4-3): 5 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 8 SO, 1 HR, 88 pitches

The Blue Jays go for the sweep tomorrow afternoon at Great American Ballpark. Carlos Villanueva (4-0, 3.25) toes the rubber for Toronto against  Bronson Arroyo (5-6, 5.23).

Former Blue Jay and franchise leader in saves (217), Tom Henke, was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame today in St. Mary’s, Ontario. He was one of my favourite pitchers growing up and would like to congratulate him on his great accomplishment. 

Until next time,

Let’s Go Blue Jays!

Twitter: @ChaseHadden