Blue Jays do the little things to turn in the most complete win of the season in San Diego.
The Jays have won each of their last three series and have seven victories in the previous ten games.
Jet lag was not an impediment on Friday night, as the Blue Jays exploited the opening of a west coast road trip to secure one of their most comprehensive victory of the season.
On the mound, right-hander Yariel Rodriguez and swingman Bowden Francis combined to allow one run in six innings. Tim Mayza, Yimi Garcia, and Jordan Romano, all high-leverage relievers, gave up no runs.
Justin Turner led the offense, going 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI single. Danny Jansen had two doubles, and Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. each got two hits.
Even the “little things” were stunning. Daulton Varsho produced two highlight-reel plays in left field. Cavan Biggio scored from first base on an aggressive baserunning move in the second inning, capping off a perfect 5-1 victory over the San Diego Padres in which everyone contributed.
Rodriguez was making his second start since sustaining an injury in spring training. In four innings, he allowed three hits, one walk, and struck out seven. His lone big error came in the third, on Fernando Tatis Jr.’s solo homer.
The 27-year-old Rodriguez threw 68 pitches in his debut against the Rockies. For the encore, he boosted his total to 83, reaching a top speed of 97.1 mph. Rodriguez focused largely on his fastball and slider, but he also started throwing more sinkers, splitters, and curveballs, which will be important as he transitions from reliever to starter.
Rodriguez’s appearance came only one day after the Jays lost top pitching prospect Ricky Tiedemann to an elbow injury. The 21-year-old was placed on the seven-day injured list at Triple-A Buffalo and later sent for an MRI. The outcome is unknown, but if he is forced to miss substantial time, the Jays’ depth will suffer, increasing Rodriguez’s importance.
For the second straight start, the Cuban was given an early advantage. Turner led off the first inning with a solo shot to straightaway center field. Kevin Kiermaier extended his impressive comeback in the second inning with a two-run double to left center field. Guerrero and Turner subsequently followed with RBI singles, and the Jays surged ahead by five.
There was little offense after that, but there didn’t need to be, due to the pitching staff. Mayza stranded an inherited runner in a scoreless seventh, and Garcia extended his early-season dominance by striking out the side in the eighth. Garcia has only allowed one run and 14 strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings.
The Jays have won each of their last three series and have seven victories in the previous ten games. They improved to 11-9 and now hold third place in the American League East, trailing only the first-place Yankees and Orioles.
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