By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
McGowan, Blue Jays scalped by Indians
Placeholder Image
Dustin McGowan had been solid and consistent going into Saturday’s game against Cleveland, but in this game the party was over early for the right-hander as he had his worst outing of the season.
The Blue Jays lost to the Cleveland Indians in a 12-0 rout.
The Indians put up five hits in the opening frame and finished off with a six-run explosion early. Led by a solo homer over the right center field fence by Cleveland leadoff man Grady Sizemore, the game was really over before it ever got started.
In the fourth, the former Long County Blue Tide hurler gave up three more runs, one at the mercy of Sizemore who this time smacked a double, and then two more on a single by Victor Martinez.  Jays Manager John Gibbons pulled McGowan in the inning.
For the game the pitcher went 3-2/3rd innings giving up 9 hits, 9 runs, a homerun and one walk.  McGowan could only muster a single strikeout and his ERA is now 4.47. McGowan faced 22 batters, throwing 79 pitches, 46 strikes.
Even though the local favorite had a bad outing, he and the rest of the Blue Jay pitchers have been the rock, keeping Toronto in games, but the offense continues to be in the cellar in the American League.  Over the Jays last four games, all losses, they have been outscored 24-6.
Toronto also has had the injury bug hit recently as they have had to put Vernon Wells on the disabled list with a fractured wrist, Jeremy Accardo with a forearm injury, joining David Eckstein and John McDonald on DL.
The Blue Jays at 18-22 are in fifth in the American League East with the Boston Red Sox out front with a 24-17 record, which happens to be the best record in the league.
McGowan (2-3) will try to leave this game behind, and get back on the winning track tomorrow night when he and his team will take on Minnesota at Hubert Humphrey Metrodome.  The Twins bring an 18-17 record into the game, and McGowan will be facing left-hander Glen Perkins.
Perkins is currently 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA.  In two previous outings against Minnesota, McGowan has a 1-0 record with a 0.00 ERA.
The first pitch will be a 1:10 p.m. on Thursday.
Sign up for our e-newsletters