Game 73 – Shut Down Innings

In 3 of the 4 innings the Jays scored the Brewers answered right back in the bottom of the inning. Those are the kinds of things you hate to see from you pitchers. When your offence gives you some support you want to go out there and have a shut down inning to keep the momentum on your side and the pressure on the opposing pitcher.

The Blue Jays once again struggled w/RISP going 1 for 9. They had 10 hits and 6 walks but only scored 4 of them, standing 10 (they also hit into 2 DP’s).

I would have used Rios to PH for Stairs in the 7th instead of Mench. You have a chance to tie the game so I go w/the better hitter and not worry about where you are going to put the pitcher in the order. And already being the 7th w/2 outs there may not be another good opportunity to use Rios.

I was surprised to see Downs come out for the 8th. There were 3 RH’s due up and the Jays were behind so why not just use Frasor to start the inning.

A good game for Zaun as he had a HR, RBI 2B, BB and even his lone out was an RBI ground out. Vernon also had a good game w/3 hits and 2 runs scored.

It was a good attempt by Marcum to get Hart at the plate in the 4th but sometimes early in the game it is better to take the sure out and avoid a crooked #. It is one of those things where you pretty much have to have a good idea before the pitch what you are going to do if it is hit back to you.

Now for some stats:
Adv: Overbay (1), Branyan
P-Adv: Marcum (5), Sheets
NAdv: Braun
P-NAdv: Camp (2)
DE: Counsell