Rapid Reactions: Offense, Bullpen Let Scherzer Down

Blue Jays 4, Tigers 2 (box)

• Max Scherzer pitched well enough to win, but the offense failed to support him with more than one run while he was in the game, and the bullpen promptly allowed Toronto to take the lead upon his departure. Tough luck for Max who only allowed one (unearned) run in seven innings.
• The offense had a chance to break the game open early, but they only managed to score one run after loading the bases before making the first out. On average, teams score about 2.5 runs in these situations. The Tigers certainly could have used an extra couple of runs tonight.
• But it wasn’t the entire offense that failed to produce anything. Andy Dirks was 1-2 plus a walk in his major league debut. Austin Jackson reached base twice in four plate apperances, so the top two hitters certainly did their part, but no one stepped up to drive them in.
• What to do with Joaquin Benoit? He was signed to a hefty deal to nail down the late innings, but he can’t seem to record any outs without allowing runs. This situation is getting scary.
• If I was still a kid, and this ball game was a video game (probably this one), I’d probably hit the reset button and give it another go. Hopefully the Tigers can reset themselves before tomorrow’s game and begin another extended winning streak.

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