The Toronto Blue Jays made it big yesterday on Canada Day.
On this July 1st, red was in the spotlight and the team took the opportunity to underline the great years of Russell Martin spent with the Toronto squad.
Recall that Martin wore the Jays uniform from 2015 to 2018, before returning to the Dodgers to end his career there in 2019.
In 2015, he participated in the All-Star Game thanks to excellent offensive statistics.
On the field, the locals also contributed to the celebration by taking the measure of the Tampa Bay Rays by the score of 9-2. Opportunism was in the spotlight, with the Blue Jays scoring nine runs on eleven hits. They also chased the Rays starter in the third set as Corey Kluber (3-5) gave them five runs in that set alone.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (3), George Springer (2) and Bo Bichette (2) produced almost all of the team’s runs, while Lourdes Gurriel Jr. went there with his fifth long ball of the season, a solo effort during round seven. Gurriel Jr. also had a solid game, recording three hits in as many at-bats.
Jays starter Jose Berrios did just well enough to earn his sixth win this season. The right-hander spaced eight hits in five innings of work while giving the visitors two runs.
Newcomer Sergio Romo made his first appearance on the mound by pitching the seventh inning. Romo struck out two Rays, but allowed one walk.
Going back to Russell Martin’s day, he was presented with a shared Jays and Team Canada shirt, in the presence of members of the Canadian junior baseball team.
The celebrations included the announcement of a new award that will be given annually to Canada’s most valuable player, the Russell Martin Award.
The organizers of this special day played in front of a stadium at full capacity had planned a very symbolic aspect by allowing Russell Martin to make the ceremonial throw to the young receiver Gabriel Moreno, the two wearing the number 55. This must be seen as a transfer powers behind home plate, even after a few years.
Martin then took his usual place behind home plate to hear the national anthems.
- Rich Hill injured his knee.
- Khris Davis finds a job.
- The acting manager of the acting manager has been suspended in Anaheim.
- Tony Gonsolin is having a big season.
- 14 strikeouts for Cristian Javier yesterday.
