Jesse Litsch pitched eight strong innings as theJays wrapped up a three-game set against the Reds with a 7-1 win.
Litsch (8-4) gave up just one run on three hits with a walk and six strikeouts for the Blue Jays, who have won three of four after a seven-game losing streak. Scott Rolen hit a two-run home run and drove in three while Vernon Wells had a pair of RBI and scored twice.
“The last few days we have swung the bat better than in the past,” Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said.
Edinson Volquez (10-3) had his worst start of the season as he gave up seven runs — five earned — on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings of work while Brandon Phillips drove in the lone run for the Reds, who have dropped three of their last four.
“The only thing I can say is it’s a bad day,” Volquez said. “I knew it was going to happen some day. All I can do is get ready for my next start.”
The Blue Jays took the lead in the second as Matt Stairs started the frame with a walk and Rolen followed by roping a slider into the left field stands.
Toronto tacked on three more runs to its lead in the third. With the bases loaded, Wells hit into a fielder’s choice that scored Marco Scutaro. Lyle Overbay later added a two-run single to extend the lead to 5-0.
The Reds got on the board in the fourth inning when Adam Dunn hit a double, moved to third on a wild pitch and crossed the plate on a sacrifice fly from Phillips.
The Blue Jays added to their lead in the fifth. Alex Rios led off with a double and then scored on a double from Wells. Later in the inning, Rolen belted a double to right that brought home Wells for a 7-1 lead.
After giving up the double in the fourth, Litsch was nearly flawless as he allowed just a single to Jerry Hairston Jr. in the sixth and a double to Corey Patterson along with a walk to Paul Bako in the eighth.
Brian Tallet pitched the ninth for Toronto to finish the win.
Like this post? Share it »
Last post (s) by Justin Barracosa
- GSP vs BJ Penn II Fight Update...coming sooner? - August 27th, 2008
- Move over Britney, Tito and Jenna expecting. - August 27th, 2008
- Cena out with herniated disk - August 26th, 2008
3 Responses to “Jays and Litsch knock off Reds”
Posted: 06/27/08 at 6:28 am
I knew that Dusty Baker was a suspect manager at best but his insistance on keeping Ken Griffey Jr in the middle of the lineup with his 240 average and non existant power is killing the Reds.
Posted: 06/27/08 at 1:30 pm
What a great series to watch… I guess its always fun when we can score more than 3 runs a game!
Posted: 06/27/08 at 7:25 pm
its not everyday, but it is fun!