Only Fitting That Chris Davis’ 50th Home Run Came Against Blue Jays
Sep 13, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) hits his 50th homerun of the year in the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. Baltimore defeated Toronto 5-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
With the baseball world watching and waiting, Chris Davis happily obliged. With his Baltimore Orioles locked in a tie on Friday night, the 27-year-old slugger stepped up to the plate to lead off the top of the 8th inning. On a 2-2 change-up from reliever Steve Delabar, Davis moved into rare territory with his 50th home run of the season, a go-ahead solo shot that helped end the Orioles slide.
It was apt moment that the club record-tying home run came against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Like his teammate Adam Jones, Chris Davis has owned the Blue Jays this season. In 14 games against Toronto in 2013, Davis has hit .333 with 7 home runs, 16 RBI, and a 1.260 OPS, racking up 43 total bases in the process. That is a pretty impressive output against a single team, but he’s also owned the Rays and Yankees in similar fashion in 2013.
On the other hand, Davis’ achievements against the Blue Jays are hardly a one-season blip. If his numbers were impressive against Toronto this season, they actually pale in comparison to what he did to the Blue Jays in 2012. In 17 games last season, Davis absolutely torched Toronto last season, hitting .393 with a 1.365 OPS, and 55 total bases. Oh, and he also chipped in 9 home runs and 17 RBI.
There is also the matter of being the current wearer of the 50 home run crown. By hitting his 50th on Friday night, Chris Davis becomes the 43rd member of the illustrious, yet dubious club. Of course, he takes the crown from the previous member.
Did I mention that was none other than Toronto’s Jose Bautista, who launched 54 home runs in 2010?
Needless to say, there could not have been a more fitting team to serve up Davis’ home run. It shouldn’t necessarily make us feel any better about the Blue Jays continuing to pitch to him, but at least it feels more like a fated results rather than a poor choice.