Marcus Stroman’s final game as a Blue Jay

Game Recap | Box Score

While the sportswriters, fans and player may be wrong, everyone expects that this is going to be Marcus Stroman’s last game at home pitching for the Blue Jays.  After getting Greg Allen to groundout in the top of the 7th, Marcus made his way to the dugout as the Blue Jays stood up to offer him a standing ovation. While the fans honoured the six-year he put in with the club, Stroman also took the opportunity to acknowledge the fans and yell thunderously “this is my house.” It was a touching moment from someone who has gone out of his way to show his love for Toronto.

While Marcus didn’t disappoint Blue Jays fans, giving up only one run over seven complete innings, the story of the night was Shane Bieber. Bieber dealt one-hit complete-game shutout, which offered the Cleveland Indians the opportunity to defeat Toronto 4-0. Shane event took a no-hitter into the 7th, which was broken up when Eric Sogard led off the bottom of the inning with a double to right field. Up until that point, his only baserunner was Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who walked while leading off the second inning.

Given how pitchers are handled by most managers today, a starter is rarely allowed to complete the game. I was surprised and delighted to see the Rays give Mister Bieber this rare opportunity.