Player of the Game:
Justin Masterson started the 2012 season with an outstanding performance, making him today’s “Player of the Game” with a score of 7.98. Masterson dominated today, giving up just one run and 2 hits in his 8 inning outing. On top of just allowing 2 hits, Masterson only gave up one walk and stuck out 10 Blue Jays batters. Masterson is on pace to strike out 330 hitters this year. Second behind Masterson in the PoG race was Jack Hannahan with a score of 5.76.
Feathers Up:
The game started with Justin Masterson striking out the side in the first inning. Masterson made Toronto hitters look foolish, with all three of them striking out swinging.
Jack Hannahan repeated his opening day feat of last season, hitting a three-run shot in the 2nd inning. This is the 3rd time in his career that Hannahan has gone deep on opening day.
It was the bottom of the lineup today that produced offense for the Tribe. In the second inning, it was the last 6 hitters in the lineup that amounted for the 4 runs the Indians scored today.
After Chris Perez exited the game in the 9th inning, the rest of the bullpen pulled through. Vinnie Pestano, Joe Smith, Tony Sipp, Jairo Asencio, combined for 6.1 scoreless innings until Asencio gave up a 3-run homer in the top of the 16th inning.
After the marathon 16 inning game (the longest Opening Day game in MLB history), it’s a good thing the Indians have an off day tomorrow.
Feathers Down:
Blue Jays first baseman Jose Bautisa proved that he can still hit blasting a solo shot off of Justin Masterson in the 4th inning. This was the only mistake Masterson made today.
Manny Acta pulled Justin Masterson after 8 innings to get Chris Perez his first save of the year. Unfortunately, Perez did not have control. Pure Rage pitched just 2/3 of an inning, walked 2 batters, allowed 3 hits and 3 runs, blowing the Indians lead and robbing Masterson of his first win of the year.
The Indians had an opportunity to win the game in the bottom of the 9th inning after Travis Hafner led off the inning with a double. Aaron Cunningham then sacrificed pinch runner Jason Donald to 3rd base, but Casey Kotchman and Jason Kipnis were unable to drive him in. The Indians had another opportunity to win in the bottom of the 12th inning, loading the bases with just one out. The Blue Jays brought utility infielder, Omar Vizquel, into the game as a 5th infielder and Asdrubal Cabrera hit into an easy double play, ending the inning.
Play of the Game:
Jack Hannahan’s 3-run home run in the bottom of the 2nd inning. See it here
Final Score: Toronto Blue Jays 7 – Cleveland Indians 4
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