Game 54 – Battery Mates

What’s new, another lefty shutting down the Jays. The Jays managed just 6 hits (all singles) off Smith in 6.2 IP and could not score. They did add 2 more singles off Embree and w/the help of a BB sandwiched in between avoided the shutout. In total they went just 1 for 9 w/RISP. At least Mench is starting to show how he has hit lefties his whole career, picking up 2 hits in 4 trips to the plate.

This seems to happen a little too often, Burnett walking the 9 hitter. This time he walked Suzuki w/2 out nobody on and then gave up back-to-back hits leading to 2 runs representing the difference in the game. You hate to ever give up a 2-out walk, least of all to the 9 hitter.

Jack Cust stayed true to form adding 3 more K’s to his totals and drawing 1 walk.

For all those who think Zaun has a horrible arm then Barajas must too, as he allowed 3 SB’s (although he did throw 1 out). Note however the CS came w/Tallet on the mound. That is my point here that it is not all Zaun when it comes to the steals against the Jays. Yes Zaun’s arm is below avg. but it is not horrible. When it comes to stealing you have to look at the pitcher/catcher combination. When McGowan, Burnett or Halladay are on the mound they are simply not good at holding runners and therefore it doesn’t make much difference who is behind the plate. The runner is going to steal the bag off the pitcher.

Now for some stats:
NAdv: Stewart (3)
P-NAdv: Smith
WG: Scutaro (6)