After two straight Blue Jays blowouts, it’s weird to have a game end only after two hours and 13 minutes.

Heading into the bottom of the seventh, the game was tied 2-2 and only an hour and a half had elapsed. However, it all went wrong in the final two innings for the Blue Jays as they fell 7-2 to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
<h1>Blue Jays Nation’s player of the game: Yusei Kikuchi</h1>
The 31-year-old left-handed pitcher looks so much better than last season.
He pitched three scoreless innings in today&#8217;s game, walking two and striking out two. However, he had a game-high 10 whiffs, three coming on his slider, split-changeup a piece, and four on his fastball.
Mitch White will likely start the season on the injured list, but I don’t think there was much he could have done, as Kikuchi has been pitching his ass off this spring training.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Here&#39;s Yusei Kikuchi&#39;s strikeout and whiff edit.
He had 10 whiffs!!! Looking like he&#39;ll be the fifth starter.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueJays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueJays</a> <a href="https://t.co/DwUpTwIDQn">pic.twitter.com/DwUpTwIDQn</a>
&mdash; Brennan Delaney (@Brennan_L_D) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brennan_L_D/status/1633180394907475968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<h1>Things worth mentioning:</h1>
Outfield defence was bad in this game… or was it? All game, the commentators noted how spring training in Bradenton, Florida wreaks utter havoc on outfielders due to the sun. By my count, there were five different players where an outfielder messed up (two for the Pirates, three for the Jays). This included a costly Zach Britton error, which prolonged the inning and made the game 6-2. Here&#8217;s big-leaguer Bryan Reynolds struggling with the sun.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Rob Brantly (<a href="https://twitter.com/robbrantly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@robbrantly</a>) with a triple, which gives him his third RBI of the spring training!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BLueJays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BLueJays</a> <a href="https://t.co/XJIpDLB4Oj">pic.twitter.com/XJIpDLB4Oj</a>
&mdash; Brennan Delaney (@Brennan_L_D) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brennan_L_D/status/1633184383946436609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Ricky Tiedemann made his second appearance of spring training, but his ERA took a hit. It started with a single from Andrew McCutchen before Carlos Santana went the opposite way for a two-run blast. Tiedemann then allowed another hit, but Daulton Varsho had a picturesque throw to get the runner. He settled down in his second inning of work and fought through the adversity.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Here&#39;s Ricky Tiedemann (<a href="https://twitter.com/TiedemannRicky3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TiedemannRicky3</a>)&#39;s strikeout and whiff thread from this afternoon.
Tough first inning, but bounced back well in his second inning of work. Good job to fight through adversity.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueJays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueJays</a> <a href="https://t.co/m1KdpmSAub">pic.twitter.com/m1KdpmSAub</a>
&mdash; Brennan Delaney (@Brennan_L_D) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brennan_L_D/status/1633187077184450560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Daulton Varsho continues to make impressive plays in the outfield, throwing out a runner trying to advance to second. Pair this with his third hit in his past two games, and it’s pretty easy to see why the Blue Jays traded for him. He plays the game the right way, and the sun is scared of him, not the other way around.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Oh yes, this is why the Blue Jays went and got Daulton Varsho (<a href="https://twitter.com/DaultonVarsho25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DaultonVarsho25</a>).
He&#39;s 100% winning the gold glove this season. Not up for debate.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueJays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueJays</a> <a href="https://t.co/PMEgf4rnwq">pic.twitter.com/PMEgf4rnwq</a>
&mdash; Brennan Delaney (@Brennan_L_D) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brennan_L_D/status/1633181322502971393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Adrián Hernández looked fantastic in Tuesday afternoon’s game. He had a strikeout, a walk, and allowed an unearned run, but he had the second-most whiffs in the game with seven. Six of these whiffs came off a changeup, which was really moving. There are numerous Blue Jay relief prospects who could factor into the bullpen this season, and Hernández could be one of those relievers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Here&#39;s Adrián Hernández&#39;s strikeout and whiff edit today!
He had SEVEN whiffs (six on the changeup) on 23 pitches (and 13 total swings). Just a fantastic outing for the 23-year-old.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueJays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueJays</a> <a href="https://t.co/xkizZLPDmT">pic.twitter.com/xkizZLPDmT</a>
&mdash; Brennan Delaney (@Brennan_L_D) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brennan_L_D/status/1633196343815548932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Whit Merrifield had the best day in terms of offence for the Blue Jays. He went 2-3, with an RBI to tie the game at two, as well as a stolen base which wasn’t even in question. The battle for second base continues to be very exciting, as it’s anyone’s position to win.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Whit Merrifield (<a href="https://twitter.com/WhitMerrifield?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhitMerrifield</a>) was safe before the pitch even reached home plate 💀.
Pittsburgh had already used their two pickoff attempts.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueJays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueJays</a> <a href="https://t.co/z3GKu443L5">pic.twitter.com/z3GKu443L5</a>
&mdash; Brennan Delaney (@Brennan_L_D) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brennan_L_D/status/1633176751181316097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Jay Jackson is a reliever who deserves a ton of credit. He has pitched 4.2 innings this spring training, has already registered six strikeouts, no walks, and has a WHIP of 0.64. Against the Pirates, he pitched an inning with a strikeout, and the 35-year-old could earn a call-up at some point this season if he can continue this throughout the season.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Honestly, Jay Jackson(<a href="https://twitter.com/Jaxland58?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaxland58</a>) could be a reliever that could get a chance with Toronto if injuries occur.
He&#39;s having a great spring training &#8211; 5 K, 0 ER, 4 IP.
Here&#39;s his strikeout (thread?)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueJays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueJays</a> <a href="https://t.co/viuM7hlpCJ">pic.twitter.com/viuM7hlpCJ</a>
&mdash; Brennan Delaney (@Brennan_L_D) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brennan_L_D/status/1633189694287622144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Kevin Kiermaier registered another hit (six hits in 11 at-bats) but was taken out of the game, likely due to precaution. On a pick off throw, it appeared as if the ball hit his kneecap. Hopefully, Kiermaier is okay as he’ll be an important part of the Blue Jays&#8217; lineup in 2023.
The Jays will play the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday afternoon in a game that will be televised on Sportsnet. Moreover, the World Baseball Classic kicks off Tuesday night, with the Netherlands and Jays&#8217; prospect Jiorgeny Casimiri taking on Cuba!
As always, you can follow me on Twitter and Instagram @Brennan_L_D. Sorry about not making a fancy picture for the header in this one. That’s reserved for their wins.
<hr />
<h1 class="border-b-accent text-accent mb-5 border-b-2 text-3xl font-bold" style="text-align: center"><a class="text-accent" href="https://join.pointsbet.ca/april-launch-generic/?utm_source=Unbounce_Nation_Network_Display&amp;utm_%20medium=Generic_First_Bet&amp;utm_campaign=Free_Bet_25_Bet_Insurance_560&amp;utm_term=Unbounce&amp;utm_content=Nation_Network_Display&amp;promo=NHLGNFBPND" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">POINTSBET IS LIVE IN ONTARIO</a></h1>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-57570" src="https://publish.bluejaysnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/09/unnamed.jpg" alt="" width="727" height="404" srcset="https://publish.bluejaysnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/09/unnamed.jpg 727w, https://publish.bluejaysnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/09/unnamed-300x167.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 727px) 100vw, 727px" />

After two straight Blue Jays blowouts, it’s weird to have a game end only after two hours and 13 minutes.



Heading into the bottom of the seventh, the game was tied 2-2 and only an hour and a half had elapsed. However, it all went wrong in the final two innings for the Blue Jays as they fell 7-2 to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
<h1>Blue Jays Nation’s player of the game: Yusei Kikuchi</h1>
The 31-year-old left-handed pitcher looks so much better than last season.

He pitched three scoreless innings in today's game, walking two and striking out two. However, he had a game-high 10 whiffs, three coming on his slider, split-changeup a piece, and four on his fastball.

Mitch White will likely start the season on the injured list, but I don’t think there was much he could have done, as Kikuchi has been pitching his ass off this spring training.

https://twitter.com/Brennan_L_D/status/1633180394907475968
<h1>Things worth mentioning:</h1>
Outfield defence was bad in this game… or was it? All game, the commentators noted how spring training in Bradenton, Florida wreaks utter havoc on outfielders due to the sun. By my count, there were five different players where an outfielder messed up (two for the Pirates, three for the Jays). This included a costly Zach Britton error, which prolonged the inning and made the game 6-2. Here's big-leaguer Bryan Reynolds struggling with the sun.

https://twitter.com/Brennan_L_D/status/1633184383946436609

Ricky Tiedemann made his second appearance of spring training, but his ERA took a hit. It started with a single from Andrew McCutchen before Carlos Santana went the opposite way for a two-run blast. Tiedemann then allowed another hit, but Daulton Varsho had a picturesque throw to get the runner. He settled down in his second inning of work and fought through the adversity.

https://twitter.com/Brennan_L_D/status/1633187077184450560

Daulton Varsho continues to make impressive plays in the outfield, throwing out a runner trying to advance to second. Pair this with his third hit in his past two games, and it’s pretty easy to see why the Blue Jays traded for him. He plays the game the right way, and the sun is scared of him, not the other way around.

https://twitter.com/Brennan_L_D/status/1633181322502971393

Adrián Hernández looked fantastic in Tuesday afternoon’s game. He had a strikeout, a walk, and allowed an unearned run, but he had the second-most whiffs in the game with seven. Six of these whiffs came off a changeup, which was really moving. There are numerous Blue Jay relief prospects who could factor into the bullpen this season, and Hernández could be one of those relievers.

https://twitter.com/Brennan_L_D/status/1633196343815548932

Whit Merrifield had the best day in terms of offence for the Blue Jays. He went 2-3, with an RBI to tie the game at two, as well as a stolen base which wasn’t even in question. The battle for second base continues to be very exciting, as it’s anyone’s position to win.

https://twitter.com/Brennan_L_D/status/1633176751181316097

Jay Jackson is a reliever who deserves a ton of credit. He has pitched 4.2 innings this spring training, has already registered six strikeouts, no walks, and has a WHIP of 0.64. Against the Pirates, he pitched an inning with a strikeout, and the 35-year-old could earn a call-up at some point this season if he can continue this throughout the season.

https://twitter.com/Brennan_L_D/status/1633189694287622144

Kevin Kiermaier registered another hit (six hits in 11 at-bats) but was taken out of the game, likely due to precaution. On a pick off throw, it appeared as if the ball hit his kneecap. Hopefully, Kiermaier is okay as he’ll be an important part of the Blue Jays' lineup in 2023.

The Jays will play the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday afternoon in a game that will be televised on Sportsnet. Moreover, the World Baseball Classic kicks off Tuesday night, with the Netherlands and Jays' prospect Jiorgeny Casimiri taking on Cuba!

As always, you can follow me on Twitter and Instagram @Brennan_L_D. Sorry about not making a fancy picture for the header in this one. That’s reserved for their wins.

<hr />

<h1 class="border-b-accent text-accent mb-5 border-b-2 text-3xl font-bold" style="text-align: center"><a class="text-accent" href="https://join.pointsbet.ca/april-launch-generic/?utm_source=Unbounce_Nation_Network_Display&amp;utm_%20medium=Generic_First_Bet&amp;utm_campaign=Free_Bet_25_Bet_Insurance_560&amp;utm_term=Unbounce&amp;utm_content=Nation_Network_Display&amp;promo=NHLGNFBPND" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">POINTSBET IS LIVE IN ONTARIO</a></h1>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-57570" src="https://publish.bluejaysnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/09/unnamed.jpg" alt="" width="727" height="404" />

The Yusei Kikuchi resurgence continues, Daulton Varsho keeps impressing in the outfield, and more as the Blue Jays fall 7-2 to the Pittsburgh Pirates

Teoscar Hernández is one of 30+ former Blue Jays available in free agency

News and Notes: Blue Jays continue to pursue top-tier starting pitchers, thin catching market takes another hit, Cy Young Award winners, and more

Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) celebrates with first baseman Spencer Horwitz (48) after hitting a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Rogers Centre.

Recent articles from Ryley Delaney

Breaking News