2022 Game Twelve: Blue Jays 6, Red Sox

 

It did seem a cool night

Not lost among the many virtues of a five-run top-of-the-second to put the Blue Jays ahead for good is the extent to which such an inning, so timed, demonstrates commendable respect for and consideration of the bedtime needs of the preschool (and even the elementary school) set. Thank you, Raimel Tapia (two-run homer wrapped around Pesky's Pole in right) and pals (three other runs, no less welcome) for your service in this regard. Jose Berrios settled in after some early jitters, one might say, or one might say in alternative that the first inning carries with it the highest run expectancy as it is the only inning in which the pitcher is assured to be facing the top of their opponents' lineup and so we would perhaps be best to disabuse ourselves of the very notion of early jitters and settling in from them, but the power of convention is strong (tradition is the democracy of the dead, as they say). It's a shame Berrios hit Trevor Story in the head, but honestly that seemed to have worked as well as it could have: Story though understandably surprised (a 93mph fastball off your helmet, in addition to all the other concerns, would be so loud) was unhurt and stayed in the game; Berrios expressed his regret; nobody got silly with retributive plunkings. George Springer took one off the forearm later, but it seemed legitimately incidental/accidental, and it turns out he is probably not going to miss more than today's getaway game, which is a relief, as both Téo and Jansen remain out for now (though man, Kirk is really hitting in Jansen's absence! he could hit just as well in his presence though I bet). Something we noticed last night as the game was unfolding, and which was statistically confirmed to be the case today, was that the home-plate umpire was really having a heck of a game back there, even if not everyone was pleased all of the time (Vladdy is being very particular these days!). I think the umpire scorecard today had it at 97% accuracy? That's fantastic. So imagine my surprise to find out that it had been Angel Hernandez all along! We must give him his due. Also I must turn the game on immediately (love getaway Thursdays!). 

KS