Blue Jays: Key factors to winning game 3 of the ALCS

Oct 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) leans on the batting cage during batting practice before game four of the ALDS against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Time to wake up bats!

I quote one of my favorite baseball movies by saying “have to wake up bats!”  It is time for the Blue Jays potent offense to put their stamp on the playoffs.  We have been teased thus far in the postseason and have yet to see Mount Crushmore in full force.  They  Jays have been able to get runners on during this series so far, but they have had a serious issue bringing them around.

The Jays are batting an awful 3-for-23 with runners in scoring position in the first 2 games.  This is supposed to be the best offense in baseball, so what is going on?  The bats need to come out in full force and post a solid number tonight.  With the dome field advantage tonight I hope to see a crooked number early tonight.  This would get the crownd going and shift the momentum that is clearly in the other dugout at this point.

Look no further than Jose Bautista to get things going.  He’s continued to play well in this series- but has not had many RBI opportunities.  Bautista has walked 4 times in the 2 games.  He is seeing the ball well and it is only a matter of time before the ball becomes a victim of the hurricane like swing of Joey Bats.

Edwin Encarnacion has also been hitting the ball hard, but they have just not been falling as much as they should be.  He was able to record an RBI in the 2nd game of the series.  Josh Donaldson has 2 hits in 8 at bats but has not shown the thump we are used to.  Our spark plug at the top of the order, Ben Revere, has not recorded a hit so far.  He needs to be on base to set the table for the mashers.

This trend should stop tonight versus Cueto, but look for the bottom half of the order to keep getting on base to turn the lineup over.  Chris Colabello and Kevin Pillar have been getting on base and coming through in the clutch.  If the offense gets to Cueto it could lead to extra innings for the Royals bullpen.  This could prove to be vital as the Royals have one of the best bullpens in baseball and making them work extra innings could lead to good things for the Jays later in the series.

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