Jays 5, BAL 4 - May 2nd Recap

Pitching: Asked what he thought of Ray's outing after the game, Aaron Hill said he thought he did great, looked like he belongs, and that he looks forward to his next start. This was a huge win for the Jays for various reasons, but as it applies to pitching it was huge because it helps the Jays maintain the momentum they've carried all season long. Ray only threw 90 pitches since he had only started 2 games this season and isn't fully stretched out. 56 of his pitches were strikes and he allowed 3 ER to go along with 2 strikes outs and 4 walks over 5 and 2/3 innings. Carlson, League, Downs, and Frasor continued the to offer what is a top-3 in MLB bullpen performance with a combined 5.1 innings with only 1 unearned run and an even 5 strike outs to 5 hits allowed while walking none.

Offense: Aaron Hill, thank goodness you're back with the Jays and hitting like mad. Even though he made a very costly fielding error, his 4th of the season, he more than made up for it with a game tying HR to tie the game in the 10th, and a game winning RBI single the very next inning. Needless to say his performances are outstanding thus far and he deserves to be placed within the top 4 second basemen of the entire MLB. I have to admit that Rod Barajas being sent home did make me nervous not because the decision was questionable, but because he looks like he's running on hot coals and about as ungraceful as a baserunner can be! This was no jauggernaut of a day for the offense in general, but still enough to get the job done which we'll gladly take this early in the season. Of note for the offense is the struggling Travis Snider who looked frustrated at the plate and took some ugly hacks in key ABs. However, Snider has also made 3 key defensive gems within the last 2 games that have saved runs from crossing the plate, so his playing time shouldn't be affected too badly. He may be trying to do too much, but whatever the issues are I know Cito will talk him through them and get it sorted out sooner rather than later.

Extra Info: This marked the 6th win out of 8 one run differential games that the Jays are able to fight for this season, a clear mark of their potent bullpen and to their tenacity on offense. Let's hope both trends continue! The Jays are now 17-9 on the season.

Next up: Scott Richmond (3-0, 2.70) goes up against BAL and Jeremy Guthrie(2-1, 5.20). It's a 1:07 ET start.