STROMAN IS SOLID
JAYS POWER PAST ANGELS.
TORONTO 6, LOS ANGELES 2
Although Marcus Stroman had no idea why he was called for an illegal quickpitch, he refused to allow the unusual umpiring decision to stop him from carrying the Toronto Blue Jays to another win in their climb out of a huge early-season hole.
He pitched a seven-hitter and Devon Travis hit a go-ahead, tworun homer during a four-run eighth inning in the Blue Jays’ 6-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.
Stroman (2-2) was angered when home plate umpire Ramon De Jesus awarded first base to Kole Calhoun in the third inning for throwing a 3-1 pitch before Calhoun was deemed to be ready. Toronto manager John Gibbons was ejected for arguing the call, and the Angels scored on back-to-back singles immediately afterward.
Stroman escaped the jam, took a few deep breaths and didn’t allow a baserunner in the next five innings, retiring 17 consecutive Halos. When the Blue Jays’ bats finally came alive in the eighth, Stroman was on his way to his third career complete game — and his second in 12 days.
“That’s why I work as hard as I do,” Stroman said. “I think it’s good for our guys. I think it gives our bullpen a day off, lets guys rejuvenate, get healthy down there; and I think it gives our offence, our guys, a little bit more motivation going deep. That’s my goal every time.”
Albert Pujols delivered a runscoring single for the Angels, who have lost 10 of 12 with an injuryplagued pitching staff.
Kevin Pillar added a solo shot moments after Travis’ slump-busting homer for the Blue Jays (5-13), who are off to the worst start in franchise history, even with three wins in five games.
“We started out slow and came to life late,” Gibbons said. “I had a good view in here (in the clubhouse).”
Stroman still isn’t sure exactly what he did wrong in De Jesus’ eyes, since he didn’t get an explanation — and he used the same abbreviated delivery later in the game without getting called.
“There was no reason for it,” Stroman said. “I didn’t really get an explanation as to why I couldn’t or shouldn’t do it, so that was the only thing wrong. I was a little bit upset.”
Gibbons said he also wasn’t sure why De Jesus made the ruling, which “shocked me a little bit.”
Stroman said catcher Russell Martin calmed him down. He also plans to use that short delivery in the future.
“I don’t think it’s going to be something that I’m worried about going forward,” Stroman said.
Stroman survived a rocky ninth by inducing a game-ending doubleplay, but Toronto’s exuberant celebration drew the Angels’ ire. Pujols stepped onto the field, and several Angels glared from the dugout during the Jays’ celebration.
“I’m going to talk to Pujols,” Stroman said. “Lot of respect for that guy. Talked to him in the past. I understand things could have got skewed a bit, but I love Pujols.” TRAINER’S ROOM: Blue Jays: Right-hander Aaron Sanchez is tested his blistered finger by throwing in the outfield. He plans to throw off a mound soon. UP NEXT: Jays: Francisco Liriano (1-1, 4.05 ERA) takes the mound for four-game series finale.