Game Recap: Indians-Jays, Game 3.

I just don't get it: how is it that both TSN and RSN don't show a Jays' home game? This makes not fucking sense to me at all. Anyway, luckily for mlb.tv, I got to watch the game, but I was forced to endure the Cleveland feed. To add a little insult to injury, somewhere during the begining of the game—through my rage, I can't remember the exact point—Pat Tabler was shown alone in the TSN broadcasting booth watching the game. Fucking Tabby Cat—put on the damn headset and let's do this! I just don't get it.

R-zep made his fourth start of the year yesterday against Cleveland's David Huff. Marc's line was 4.1IP, 4R, 2ER, 6K, 4BB; definitely the worst of his three outings. I could pretty much describe his start today by copying and pasting my descriptions of his last three starts: control was an issue. On 92 pitches, he threw 53 strikes; this is up slightly from his other outings, but still only 57.6%. Again—like all three of his other starts—walks got him into trouble. The top of the 4th started with a single by Cabrera. R-zep then hit Shin-Soo Choo with a pitch and walked Victor Martinez. Shawn Camp was warming up in the bullpen as all this was unfolding. Here we sat, no outs and the bases jacked. I felt this to be another situation where Cito leaves his starter in for one, two, or ten too many batters.

R-zep then struck out Peralta and then Gargo, both swinging; now it was two outs with the bases still full. I was thinking to myself that the kid found his arm again and would get a little pop-up or a ground out to end the inning. No. Like his first start, he gave up a walk to score a run. He then struck out Jamey Carroll swinging.

I just don't understand how R-zep can be so up and down in one inning of play. Whatever it is, he needs to control his walks a lot better than he has. They've been the problem in all of his starts. For the season, he's now averaging 8.87 K/9 but 6.04 BB/9. Over his outings, he's averaging 4.21 P/PA. If he could throw more strikes, he's sure to win more games.

FanGraph's win probability graph shows that the Jays were in it for most of the game. The spike in the 9th came when Rios stole second to put himself into scoring position with no outs. Unfortunately, Baw-tista—all Jay fans know that's how it's pronounced, not Ba-tista like the Indians' announcers kept saying all game—Barajas and Overbay couldn't bring in the equalizer.

Rios's play as of late has been a tiny bright spot in a sky of black. Over his last 10 games he has gone 11-34 at the plate, which has him batting .324/.415/.500, with 3 doubles and a home run. Rios has also stolen 5 bases on 5 attempts over that time as well.

Today is Halladay's second last scheduled start before the "Jays Line." Should be a good one; I bet the Dome will be full.

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