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Blue Jays’ Offensive Onslaught Leaves Tigers in the Dust, Gausman Leads the Charge
DETROIT — Right-hander Kevin Gausman of the Blue Jays was an All-Star the previous season, but after a “weird” and almost completely washed-out Spring Training, he lost his rhythm.
This year, he has focused on finding his own way back on track. Since having a rocky start to the regular season, Gausman has been getting better. On Thursday night, at Comerica Park, he defeated the Tigers 9-1, dominating the game and pitching five innings without giving up a hit.
Gausman felt he wasn’t at his best, but he still used his mentality to seize control of the situation and record a season-high 10 strikeouts.
No matter what, you have to maintain that mindset, Gausman stated. “In my head, I’m throwing 100 mph even when I’m only throwing 91 mph.” I must therefore adopt that mindset. These men are sharks in the ocean if you don’t.
You will be devoured by them, and mound presence has always held great significance for me. We set the tone as starters, so your teammates can kind of build on it.
I aspire to maintain emotional equilibrium at all times and avoid experiencing extreme highs or lows. Not even with a no-hit bid in your pocket. Daulton Varsho and Kevin Gausman on the Blue Jays’ 9-1 victory.
Not until Gausman’s 77th pitch did Detroit manage to get a hit. The sixth inning began with a crisp single to left by Javier Báez, and Carson Kelly followed with a line single to almost the same area.
Gausman found himself in a bind after that. However, he got dangerous leadoff hitter Riley Greene to ground out to shortstop, retiring Matt Vierling, which put Kelly in scoring position.
The game remained scoreless until Wenceel Pérez hit a single to center, tying the score at one. But Kelly reached the plate thanks to a flawless relay from center fielder Kevin Kiermaier to catcher Danny Jansen.
The Toronto offense, which is among the worst in the Major League Baseball in a number of metrics, then rallied behind Gausman. Cleanup hitter Bo Bichette continued his upswing with three singles, while Daulton Varsho added a two-run home run in the eighth and Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. smashed a two-run home ball to center in the ninth.
In determining the result that handed Toronto (23-26) its fourth victory in the previous five games, Gausman (3-3) played a significant role. Over six innings, he gave up one run on three hits and two walks.
After striking out Colt Keith to close the second inning, Gausman struck out the side in the third, and Vierling to begin the fourth. Gausman then struck out five straight batters. According to manager John Schneider, “you don’t want to jinx a no-hitter through five.”
However, I felt that he and [catcher Danny Jansen] were a fantastic combination, and each pitch had a true purpose. A few swing and misses occurred down in the zone and some weak outs occurred up in it.He’s pretty excellent at it and he kept doing it.
On Thursday, Gausman threw 60 strikes in 98 pitches. “You do realize that he’s fully developed?” Prior to the game, Schneider stated. It was strange, spring training. The start of the season was peculiar.
I think his last outing was pretty good. However, in my opinion, his work is correct overall. And I appreciate his current level of energy and intent. Gausman stated that although he “made pitches” and “had command” while moving up in counts, he didn’t necessarily believe he had “good stuff to maybe strike out 10 guys.”
Gausman continued, “And when you do that, you are the aggressor. You can make them backpedal. Their averages decrease when you advance, even if you don’t necessarily have wonderful things.
