Opinion
3 min read

Will Blue Jays' Pitching Hold Against Athletics' Batting at Rogers Centre?

First Inning


As the Toronto Blue Jays prepare to face off against the Oakland Athletics at Rogers Centre on June 1st, fans are eager to see if the Birds can turn their recent fortunes around. The first inning will be crucial for setting the tone of this matchup. The Jays have struggled with early runs in previous games, as seen in their May 25th game against Tampa Bay Rays where they allowed 2 runs in the first inning alone. This time, they'll need a strong start from their pitching staff to keep the A’s from gaining an early advantage.


Aug 11, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third base Luis De Los Santos (20) and left field Davis Schneider (36) celebrate scoring in the eighth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports

The Athletics have shown they can capitalize on weak pitching starts, and with players like Tony Kemp and Seth Brown leading their lineup, they could pose a significant threat right out of the gate. The Jays’ starting pitcher must focus on precision and control to avoid giving up easy hits or walks that could lead to scoring opportunities for Oakland.


Middle Innings


Moving into the middle innings, Toronto's bullpen will play a pivotal role. In recent games against Tampa Bay (May 24th), Toronto's bullpen demonstrated resilience by allowing only one run after a shaky start by their starter. However, consistency has been an issue; during another game on May 23rd against Tampa Bay, they allowed multiple runs which ultimately led to defeat.


Aug 11, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) pitches in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports

The key for Toronto here is maintaining composure under pressure and executing strategic pitches that force groundouts or flyouts rather than allowing line drives or home runs. With Oakland's batting lineup capable of turning any mistake into extra bases or scores quickly, every pitch counts.


Late Innings


As we approach the late innings of this anticipated clash at Rogers Centre, it becomes imperative for both teams but especially critical for Toronto given past performances where late-game errors cost them dearly (as observed again during their series with Tampa Bay). Closing pitchers must bring their best game forward; any lapse could mean handing over momentum—and potentially victory—to Oakland.


Aug 11, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Oakland Athletics centre field JJ Bleday (33) fields a fly ball from Toronto Blue Jays short stop Ernie Clement (28) in the seventh inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto’s offense also needs stepping up during these crucial moments—capitalizing on any fatigue within opposing pitchers while avoiding strikeouts which plagued them previously (notably striking out seven times swinging alone in one match).


Conclusion


In conclusion: Can Blue Birds’ pitching withstand Green & Gold’s batting prowess? It remains uncertain yet promising if adjustments are made based upon lessons learned recently versus formidable opponents like TB Rays earlier last month! Fans should mark calendars now because come June 1st @1:37 PM EDT live broadcast via NBCS-CA promises thrilling action worth watching unfold firsthand either stadium-side or through screens nationwide!


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