Blue Jays bats come alive in 11-4 win over the Indians

Saturday afternoon the Blue Jays and Indians played the 3rd game of the series. They each have won a game and were looking to get their month started out on a solid note. The young Aaron Sanchez got the nod for the Blue Jays. His opponent has started off slow but is the reigning Cy Young winner Corey Kluber.

Devon Travis started out the game with a lead off single. Edwin Encarnacion hit a two out double that brought Devon Travis around to score. The Blue Jays took a quick 1-0 lead.

The Indians started out the game by getting the first two batters on base with a walk and a single. Jason Kipnis was eventually able to score on a Carlos Santana ground out. Just like that the Indians tied up the game 1-1 after only the 1st inning.

Michael Saunders laid down a one out bunt single in the 2nd inning. Ryan Goins followed that up with a double into right field. That set up men on 2nd and 3rd with only one out. Corey Kluber was able to get Ezequiel Carrera to strikeout looking at his fastball. Devon Travis hit a flyball to center field stranding both base runners.

In the 3rd inning Jason Kipnis got another walk. He advanced to 2nd base after Jose Ramirez ground out. Aaron Sanchez threw a wild pitch allowing Jason Kipnis to advance again to 3rd base. Michael Brantley hit an RBI single scoring the runner on 3rd giving the Indians a 2-1 lead.

Russell Martin evened up the score with a solo home run to lead off the 4th inning.

Ezequiel Carrera got his first hit as a Blue Jay with a lead off single in the 5th inning. Devon Travis and Josh Donaldson were issued back to back walks to load up the bases with no outs. Jose Bautista hit a broken bat single up the middle to score both Ezequiel Carrera and Devon Travis. Edwin Encarnacion hit into a double play but it still left Josh Donaldson on 3rd with two outs. Russell Martin grounded out but the damage was already done. The Blue Jays were able to push the score 4-2 in their favor.

Kevin Pillar got hit 9th double of the season with a hard hit ball to left field leading off the 6th inning. That double chased Corey Kluber out of the game. Michael Saunders drew a walk off of Marc Rzepczynski. Lonnie Chisenhall was credited with an error throwing home allowing Danny Valencia to reach base who was pinch hitting for Ezequiel Carrera, Kevin Pillar scored on the play. Devon Travis was issued a walk to load up the bases. Josh Donaldson picked up another RBI reaching 1st base on a fielders choice after legging out a potential double play. Jose Bautista followed that up with a double cashing in Devon Travis and Josh Donaldson. The rally continued with Edwin Encarnacion hitting a single and scoring Jose Bautista from 2nd. The Blue Jays were able to hit around when Russell Martin secured an infield single. Kevin Pillar picked up his 2nd hit of the inning with a single driving in Edwin Encarnacion. The inning was mercifully brought to an end with Michael Saunders flying out. The Blue Jays smashed their way to an 8 run lead with a 10-2 score.

In the bottom of the 6th Lonnie Chisenhall was able to slap a two out single into the outfield. Aaron Sanchez then issued back to back walks to load up the bases. Liam Hendricks came into the game to get the last out of the inning with a strikeout.

In the 8th inning, Devon Travis committed his first error of the year on a ground ball allowing Brandon Moss to score. Lonnie Chisenhall moved to 2nd base. Roberto Perez hit a sac fly to score Lonnie Chisenhall from 3rd base.

Russell Martin hit a lead off double to start off the 9th inning. Michael Saunders hit a single to score Russell Martin.

Game Notes:

• Aaron Sanchez started out the game with a 5.03ERA. After his 5.2 innings he was able to lower that to 4.62. He was able to get 5 strikeouts but also walked 6.
• Ezequiel Carrera went 1 for 2 hitting making a decent debut for the Blue Jays. While he was not able to steal a base it was very clear he had Corey Kluber thinking about it.
• While Josh Donaldson didn’t register a hit he was still productive at the plate. Josh legged out a double play and picked up an RBI. He also was able pick up a walk and score a run.
• Kevin Pillar continues to improve at the plate while still maintaining his high level play in the field. Kevin raised his average to .289 with a single and a double.
• Russell Martin picked up his 4th home run of the season. He was also able to pick up a single and a double for a 3 hit day.
• Scott Copeland made his MLB debut pitching in the 9th inning. Scott gave up a hit but otherwise had a nice debut.

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