HOFBL Season 2: Twins @ Blue Jays (6/5) Walter Johnson makes history in Toronto
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00:00:00From one Blue Jays way in Toronto, welcome to Rogers Center.
00:00:16Today the finale of this three game weekend set, it's the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto
00:00:21Blue Jays.
00:00:22Alongside Chris Singleton, I'm John Shombie.
00:00:25So the Toronto Blue Jays are in position to sweep this three game series with a win.
00:00:30So Chris, what's their mindset heading into today?
00:00:33Yeah, looking to go three for three, Blue.
00:00:35They've already won the series and now they can really leave their mark.
00:00:38It's all about having confidence and that's what a team takes away from a sweep.
00:00:42So they're happy to win the series, but they'll really be riding high tomorrow with a win
00:00:46today.
00:00:47And we'll be back for the first pitch right after this.
00:00:53Just about set to go and pitching here today, number 22, what's the scouting report on
00:00:58him?
00:00:59Well, he's putting together a really nice season on the mound, ERA in the low threes.
00:01:03Very respectable when you consider guys are looking to do damage.
00:01:07They're not trying to just walk and hit singles.
00:01:10They're trying to hit homers and draw walks and score runs.
00:01:13So when you have a guy that can limit the, that's really tough to beat game in and game
00:01:17out.
00:01:18So just about set.
00:01:19Here's the veteran second baseman, Rod Carew pitches in for a strike and we're off and
00:01:25a rolling in Toronto first pitch 1 0 7 0 and 2 as he waves at that one.
00:01:40I'll tell you this.
00:01:41That's going to go on that pitcher's highlight reel.
00:01:51The pitch and a curve misses outside.
00:01:55Very few would question that Carew was one of the top hitters of the 1970s 1 2 now and
00:02:05a foul ball.
00:02:06He stays alive.
00:02:07The stats Carew put up from 1972 to 78 were just amazing.
00:02:12I mean, it was the prime of his career.
00:02:14Won six batting titles over the course of seven years.
00:02:18Wanted to now bounced out to short, whips it to first on the run, one up, one down.
00:02:31And now we take a peek at the twins lineup.
00:02:33They're dealing with a top level arm on the mound.
00:02:35So this figures to be a tough matchup for what's the key to the offense today?
00:02:40Singing a book.
00:02:41I think when you got a guy that's this talented on the mound, you've got to find ways to disrupt
00:02:46his rhythm, make him uncomfortable a little bit.
00:02:48The guys that can handle the bat and perhaps, you know, blunt, but for a base hit, get him
00:02:52moving off the mound.
00:02:53If you're in the box and he seems to be just in a flow, step out, mess up his timing, somehow
00:02:59try to get in his head a little bit.
00:03:00And then when he does come in the zone, you may only get one pitch.
00:03:04You better not miss it.
00:03:06He was racing down the line and probably didn't assume he was going to be safe until his foot
00:03:11hit the bag and looked up for the umpire.
00:03:14Nice one.
00:03:15Great hustle to get himself a knock.
00:03:27Next to hit Harmon Killebrew.
00:03:29Moved to first.
00:03:31Rice back easily.
00:03:33But Singing, as a team, you need to make the most of the very few opportunities he's going
00:03:38to give you, right?
00:03:40Absolutely.
00:03:41And you know, if you don't get to guys like this a lot of times early, once they really
00:03:45settle in, it's going to be the later innings that they hand that ball over to a reliever
00:03:49if they do at all.
00:04:01And the pitch.
00:04:02Runner on the goal.
00:04:03They pitch out.
00:04:04Throw to second.
00:04:05Tag.
00:04:06Out at second.
00:04:07That goes to show you stealing a base is a tough thing to do and far from a sure thing.
00:04:12Even with big time speed, it's not easy to catch him, but that was a great catch and
00:04:16throw.
00:04:17Quick, not rushed, and accurate.
00:04:29The lefty ready and a 1-1.
00:04:32That one fouled off.
00:04:44Kicked Sandils.
00:04:47Fouled back our way, and that's out of play.
00:04:581-2 now.
00:05:00He's alive.
00:05:06No score, just getting started.
00:05:07Top of the first.
00:05:14The next offering misses.
00:05:16Ball two.
00:05:24Now all even up.
00:05:26The punch out there.
00:05:27Good work there as he gets a 1-2-3.
00:05:31We'll go to the bottom of the first, 0-0.
00:05:46Bottom of the first, and on the hill in this one, Walter Johnson, singing always a treat
00:05:51when we get to watch him work.
00:05:53Very crafty guy out there on the hill.
00:05:55A stellar career ERA in the low twos.
00:05:58Very tough to get to.
00:06:00Just when you think you've got him figured out, he flips the script.
00:06:03We'll see how the hitters are able to adapt to him today.
00:06:17The pitch.
00:06:20That's in there.
00:06:22Strike one.
00:06:23He may have pitched in a much different era, but it doesn't make Walter Johnson's 110 career
00:06:28shutouts any less impressive.
00:06:30It speaks to how overpowering he was.
00:06:33And the righty deals.
00:06:37And that one wrapped foul.
00:06:39Well, the big train.
00:06:41Walter Johnson is a legend of the game, a 400-game winner, one of the first five members
00:06:46of the Hall of Fame.
00:06:47He bridged the gap from baseball's early days to the modern era.
00:06:52Struck him out, and there's one away.
00:06:55Just overmatched on that fastball right there, and it wasn't like he was set up for it by
00:06:59something off speed earlier in the at-bat.
00:07:02Just came right after him with three straight, and he had no answer for it.
00:07:08Tony Fernandez next up for the Blue Jays.
00:07:15First pitch, just misses.
00:07:17And Johnson checks off two boxes that very few pitchers do.
00:07:21A power pitcher with a sidearm delivery, deception and velocity is a rare but a potent combination.
00:07:29One down, base is empty.
00:07:32Swing and a miss.
00:07:33And a count one and one.
00:07:41And he flips a breaking ball in there.
00:07:43Or a changeup.
00:07:44Either one.
00:07:45Something off speed.
00:07:47Good arm action on it, whatever it was.
00:07:50It's amazing to look up and see 88 miles per hour on that changeup.
00:07:54Back in the day, that was a pretty good fastball.
00:07:56But with high velocities these days, that speed differential is right where it needs
00:08:01to be.
00:08:02Got him looking.
00:08:04And the home first moving along quickly today.
00:08:07Two gone.
00:08:08Well, any time you can punch out the top two guys in a lineup to start an inning, got to
00:08:12be feeling pretty good out there on the mound.
00:08:14Because when you think of just having a distraction, table setters on the base paths, and all of
00:08:19a sudden you're dealing with a number three hitter, any distraction can cause you to serve
00:08:23up a cookie.
00:08:24And instead of it being a solo shot, it's a two or three run homer.
00:08:37And a 1-0.
00:08:41And there's a foul ball.
00:08:43Looks really sharp at the start of this one.
00:08:46This is how it's going to be today.
00:08:47It's going to be a tough one for this lineup.
00:08:54Not even close there.
00:08:55Two balls and a strike.
00:08:56Well, the Blue Jays have seemed to go all in on players with MLB dads.
00:09:02What about those advantages, guys that have been around the clubhouse a lot?
00:09:05They are not afraid.
00:09:07Being in an intense game, 40,000, 50,000 people screaming, that's like being in the backyard
00:09:13for these guys that have grown up with a big league dad coming to the ballpark all
00:09:17the time.
00:09:18So, they're very comfortable in this environment.
00:09:28And there's ball four.
00:09:31You know, I think he's okay with that outcome.
00:09:34It wasn't an intentional walk, but he wasn't exactly trying to attack the zone either.
00:09:39Jose Bautista next up for the Blue Jays.
00:09:46In the air, right side.
00:09:49And makes the grab.
00:09:50And that will end the inning.
00:09:52We move to the second in Toronto.
00:09:54No score.
00:09:58Back here at Rogers Center, here's the veteran first baseman.
00:10:01Leading off for the twins, the first baseman, number 33, Justin Morneau.
00:10:08And the pitch.
00:10:19Swing and a miss as he was late that time.
00:10:35Now the 0-1.
00:10:38Missed at the plate, but it's a foul ball.
00:10:510-2 now.
00:10:53Fought off foul.
00:11:06And here it comes.
00:11:08And 1-2.
00:11:15Here comes the pitch.
00:11:16Swing and a miss.
00:11:19The velocity blasted it right past him.
00:11:24Goose Goslin getting ready to hit.
00:11:27What a season it's been for him.
00:11:29He has supplied a lot of power and that average.
00:11:34In there for strike one.
00:11:50And now the lefty popped up on the left side of the infield and puts the squeeze on that.
00:11:57Two down.
00:11:59Batting six, the designated hitter, Torrey Hunter.
00:12:05Torrey Hunter, the next twin up to hit.
00:12:08He's someone that you might not describe as having elite level speed, but he can absolutely
00:12:14move and it is a factor in his game.
00:12:18First pitch doesn't find the zone.
00:12:20This guy's definitely a plus runner, but what I love about him is that he goes all out every
00:12:25single time.
00:12:26Never takes a break.
00:12:27Guys like that, even though they don't have the elite speed, the fact that they're consistent
00:12:31with it, they make moves on the base paths.
00:12:46Swing and a line drive, base hit out of the center field.
00:12:49Joey gets on base and keeps it going.
00:12:57And now the center fielder, number 34.
00:13:03And that's in there for strike one.
00:13:13Second inning here.
00:13:14No score.
00:13:15One one now.
00:13:40There's a ball.
00:13:41Good speed on the base pass.
00:13:43He handles the bat very well.
00:13:45I wouldn't be surprised if the skipper puts on some type of hit and run or run and hit.
00:13:58Kicks and fires and it's even up.
00:14:07No score here in the second.
00:14:16Next offering is way upstairs.
00:14:19Great RBI spot here.
00:14:20Just got to stay focused on the pitch.
00:14:22The runner will be in motion, so something in the gap should definitely score it.
00:14:33He swings and hits a fly ball.
00:14:35Center field.
00:14:36And that is that.
00:14:39One left for Minnesota.
00:14:40We'll go to the bottom of the second.
00:14:42No score.
00:14:53And welcome back.
00:14:54Bottom half of inning number two.
00:14:56And stepping in, the rookie left fielder, George Pell.
00:15:01The right hander back to work.
00:15:05In the air out to center.
00:15:07Number 34 under it and he makes the catch.
00:15:12And a quick out.
00:15:13Number one.
00:15:14Batting fifth.
00:15:15The first baseman.
00:15:16Number 20.
00:15:17First offering misses badly for RBI.
00:15:45First offering misses badly for ball one.
00:16:01The wind of the pitch.
00:16:04There's the strike.
00:16:05Looks like a really good fastball today.
00:16:07You can hear that catcher's mitt popping.
00:16:10Looking forward to hearing a lot of that one in this one.
00:16:17Nothing nothing here in the bottom of the second.
00:16:25Next pitch.
00:16:26Not close.
00:16:27Up high.
00:16:37Right hander kicks deals.
00:16:41In the air.
00:16:42Out towards left center.
00:16:46And there are two down.
00:16:52Batting seven.
00:16:53The right fielder.
00:16:55Number 35.
00:16:57Two outs.
00:16:58Base is empty.
00:17:00And now it's going to be number 35.
00:17:03I think when you contemplate him as a player, the first thing you think about is defense
00:17:06and you think about that great arm.
00:17:08I also think about the speed.
00:17:10If he can get on, that's going to give him one more thing for that pitcher to think about.
00:17:14Man, that pitch was dotted.
00:17:17So much talent on display when this guy's out there on the hill.
00:17:25Next one is off the plate.
00:17:26One ball, one strike.
00:17:27Hey, doubled up on the off speed there.
00:17:30We talk about the power fastball, but he's working a little differently here.
00:17:34Swing and a miss.
00:17:36And a count one and two.
00:17:44And that one upstairs.
00:17:45Just not taking the bait right there, but a good pitch with two strikes.
00:17:53Two outs.
00:17:57And a foul ball.
00:17:58Stays alive.
00:18:11He swings and fouls one off.
00:18:25First offering is fouled back.
00:18:34The wind of the pitch.
00:18:38And a swing and a miss.
00:18:40And it's a one, two, three inning.
00:18:42Blue Jays go down in order.
00:18:46with no score.
00:19:01Back now in Toronto, here's the speedy catcher, Joe Mauer.
00:19:05This is a guy who is very highly regarded defensively.
00:19:09Fun to watch him control stuff behind the plate.
00:19:12Good game caller.
00:19:13Good at framing.
00:19:14He has that big arm that really stands out.
00:19:17The pitch.
00:19:19And strike one to the catcher.
00:19:21When you've got a catcher like this guy with a big arm like that behind the plate, it really
00:19:27shuts down the running game.
00:19:30And he deals.
00:19:33Swing and a ball popped up.
00:19:35Racing makes the catch.
00:19:39What a way.
00:19:43And now for the twins, number 15.
00:19:52When you have a catcher that can throw like that, a pitcher doesn't have to worry as much
00:19:56about the slide step.
00:19:57He can keep his mechanics intact and have a better opportunity of getting that hitter
00:20:02out with a swing and miss.
00:20:05That first offering is fouled off.
00:20:33Line drive, base hit.
00:20:41Well the last 10 games or so have been anything but fun at the plate for him, so that one
00:20:45has to feel good.
00:20:46Nice line drive to the pull side, met it out front, but just stayed through it nice enough
00:20:51and ripped it into the outfield.
00:20:53And now they've got some speed on first, so we'll see if they try to get him into motion.
00:20:57Rod Carew now at the plate.
00:20:59Grounded out his first time.
00:21:01Here comes the pitch.
00:21:03Runner breaks for a second.
00:21:04That's in for a strike.
00:21:05Throw to second.
00:21:06Save!
00:21:07See, he definitely showed off the wheels there.
00:21:10Yeah, and it turned out to be a bang bang play.
00:21:13StatCast gives us the data and that stolen base wasn't possible without that sprint speed.
00:21:22At the belt and fires.
00:21:25Two ball drops in there.
00:21:35In the air, left field.
00:21:36Dives for it!
00:21:37Got it!
00:21:38Makes the play!
00:21:39And wow, what a great diving catch, Ziggy.
00:21:47StatCast says that was a near perfect route and it had to be.
00:21:51That's just a big part of his game.
00:21:53I mean, this guy's instincts just seem to always put him in a position to make special
00:21:57plays.
00:21:58And right there, he's done it again.
00:22:01And next for Minnesota, Sam.
00:22:07That one's in there.
00:22:080-1.
00:22:09Well, the best way to shake off yesterday's struggles is to get on the board early.
00:22:13They've got a guy in scoring position.
00:22:14They've got to find a way here to get him in.
00:22:18Drop of the third.
00:22:19No score.
00:22:20In the air, left side.
00:22:21He's got it.
00:22:22And that is that.
00:22:23Twins wind up stranding one.
00:22:24Still, no score.
00:22:25And that is that.
00:22:26And that is that.
00:22:27And that is that.
00:22:28And that is that.
00:22:29And that is that.
00:22:30And that is that.
00:22:31And that is that.
00:22:32And that is that.
00:22:33And that is that.
00:22:34And that is that.
00:22:35And that is that.
00:22:36And that is that.
00:22:37And that is that.
00:22:38And that is that.
00:22:39And that is that.
00:22:40And that is that.
00:22:41And that is that.
00:22:42And that is that.
00:22:43And that is that.
00:22:44And that is that.
00:22:45And that is that.
00:22:46And that is that.
00:22:48Back here at the ballpark.
00:22:50As we go to the last of the third.
00:22:52And now for the Jays.
00:22:54Number 15.
00:22:55Number 15.
00:22:58The wind and the pitch.
00:23:01And downstairs.
00:23:07The 1-0.
00:23:11Tap to first.
00:23:13Mourneau handles.
00:23:15He steps on the bag, leadoff hitter gone in the third.
00:23:26Russell Martin next up for the Blue Jays.
00:23:28Known for his rocket arm behind the plate.
00:23:37And the first offering is not close.
00:23:45And the right hitter deals.
00:23:55There's the strike.
00:23:57Goodness, I think he just took the best pitch he's going to see in this at bat.
00:24:01You don't get many like that in that location.
00:24:03I don't know if you take that pitch against any pitcher out there on the mound.
00:24:07The 1-1.
00:24:11Had a good eye there.
00:24:14Two and one's the count.
00:24:21And that's downstairs and outside.
00:24:323-1 is on the way.
00:24:35And that's ball four.
00:24:39Pretty easy walk right there.
00:24:40Last pitch wasn't even much to think about.
00:24:43Number 12.
00:25:08And first offering is fouled off.
00:25:10Always tough to turn two on a speedster like this.
00:25:13It's even harder with him coming out of the left-handed batter's box.
00:25:16You really need something to hit hard on the ground that they can handle to turn two quickly.
00:25:23Righty to the plate.
00:25:25Pitch misses.
00:25:26And now it's even, one and one.
00:25:28He's really working him away this at bat.
00:25:30Sometimes take a little bit off velocity.
00:25:32Try to get a rollover, something on the ground.
00:25:34Stay away from that big hole on the right side of the infield.
00:25:41And that'll do it.
00:25:50Next offering is in for a strike.
00:25:52Well, triple digits on the gun.
00:25:54I know there are more guys that can reach that now than in the past.
00:25:58But it's still impressive to watch.
00:26:03On the ground, two ball.
00:26:04Killebrew.
00:26:05Toss to second.
00:26:06Double play.
00:26:07And that'll do it for the inning.
00:26:09Nothing, nothing.
00:26:22Welcome back.
00:26:23John Shomby with Chris Singleton.
00:26:24And set to lead off the fourth, Harmon Killebrew.
00:26:40And a pitch.
00:26:43And first offering is fouled off.
00:26:46He's been pitching well, but we'll see what kind of adjustment the hitters make this second time through the order.
00:26:51We'll know if he's got really good stuff in this one or not.
00:26:56The 0-1.
00:26:59And a foul ball.
00:27:01The 0-1.
00:27:04And a foul ball.
00:27:19Next pitch in the dirt.
00:27:20And it's 1-2.
00:27:210-2 count.
00:27:22You got the opportunity to expand the zone.
00:27:24Could get the chase there.
00:27:25Let's see what he comes back with next.
00:27:31Down to the dirt.
00:27:32Swing and a miss.
00:27:35And it beats him for the first out after the dropped third strike.
00:27:40The first baseman, number 33, Justin Mourneau.
00:27:46Justin Mourneau.
00:27:47The next twin up to hit.
00:27:49This guy has turned into a beast.
00:27:53Next pitch downstairs.
00:27:55Ball one.
00:28:03Left-hand hitter waits.
00:28:05And now 2-0.
00:28:07Well, he looks more focused at the plate.
00:28:09And he's got it.
00:28:11He's got it.
00:28:12He's got it.
00:28:13He's got it.
00:28:14He's got it.
00:28:15He's got it.
00:28:16He's got it.
00:28:17He's got it.
00:28:18He's got it.
00:28:19He's got it.
00:28:20He's got it.
00:28:21He's got it.
00:28:22He's got it.
00:28:23Next pitch.
00:28:24He looks more focused at the plate.
00:28:25And working the count after that first at-bat strikeout.
00:28:35And a base hit on a line.
00:28:37And that one's gonna get into the corner.
00:28:39The throw into second.
00:28:41In there.
00:28:43That's a double.
00:28:44You gotta get on your horse and get to that thing and get it back in.
00:28:47Because he's gonna come barrel around first.
00:28:49first he's gonna put pressure on you if you bobble it or you don't get there in
00:28:53a hurry he's gonna make you look silly and end up on second base
00:29:07Goose Gosling the next twin up to hit
00:29:14that one laced the center in a base hit Mordeaux headed for the plate he'll
00:29:22score the twins have the lead one nothing always feels good when you come
00:29:27through and get your team on the board first just a very nice approach and
00:29:31swing right there to use the big part of the field everything was on time he
00:29:35stayed balanced through the entire swing and just launched that one into center
00:29:39so now the DH spot Torrey Hunter
00:29:46first pitch and that's in for a strike
00:30:03that one missed this is one of those situations defensively where you can't
00:30:08try to do too much you got to make sure that you feel the ball cleanly and get
00:30:12one out first it's gonna be tough to get to with this kind of speed in the
00:30:16batter's box
00:30:23and a pitch and a count one and two
00:30:29and a strike
00:30:41move to first Gosling dives back in safely
00:30:46and a pitch line drive and that gets down for a base hit they get it in
00:30:57quickly so first and second now one out so up next for Minnesota number 34
00:31:08in there for strike one hitters got some good opposite field power what I
00:31:16like about something being hit to the right side into the outfield is that the
00:31:20base runner at second has a very good read and can determine whether or not he
00:31:25can score on that base hit on the ground the first could be two and he can't come
00:31:32up with it throw the first gets him good job to stay with it there for the second
00:31:37out well that was clearly a double play ball but the bobble unfortunately
00:31:41prevented him from being able to get two but a good job to stay with it and make
00:31:45sure you got at least one and here's the catcher Joe Mauer he popped out his
00:31:52first time and this is a big opportunity for him to pick up his teammate right
00:31:57here
00:32:04next offering is down low one and oh well he's so good about trying to drive
00:32:10the ball to the opposite field gap in these situations if he takes that
00:32:13approach he could bust this game wide open and a foul ball two outs two in
00:32:25scoring position next pitch is outside and it's two and one
00:32:48good eye right there
00:32:55two outs two in scoring position
00:33:06the pitch and they're all loaded up now that sets up a really big at bat in this
00:33:14game these are the moments when everyone in the stadium gets really locked in two
00:33:19to hit
00:33:26first pitch and he just misses yeah I'm surprised we didn't see a visit from the
00:33:31pitching coach here just to remind him focus on the hitter don't worry about
00:33:35anything else bases loaded two down
00:33:42next offering is downstairs pressures on right here to Ocala bases loaded you
00:33:51don't want to fall to a three ball count and then walk in Iran he's got a
00:33:55challenge the hitter right here
00:34:00to all that smacked on a line to center no trouble here puts it away for the out
00:34:08and that is the third out of the inning
00:34:24ready to go for the last half of the inning and the batter will be the short
00:34:28stop Tony Fernandez Johnson back to work ball one no strikes it's good speed
00:34:39at the top of the order here you want to get it on see if you can get a stolen
00:34:42base maybe get around the bases and pick up a run and there's the strike now
00:34:50interesting strategy there you must have seen something after that first pitch
00:34:54didn't attempt to bond but here on the second one he does so now one in two
00:35:13the pitch
00:35:16got him and one gone to the fourth as they get the leadoff man oh it's a
00:35:21pretty nasty curveball right there and the hitter didn't look comfortable at
00:35:25all clearly fool try to check his swing and went around but bit of it called a
00:35:29third strike anyhow that's how dirty it was nice pitch for the punch out still
00:35:39Gatto batting with one down takes a strike left hand batter waits and it's
00:35:50fouled away
00:35:58righty delivers swing and a miss and he got him back-to-back strikeouts toughest
00:36:07pitch to hit fastball on the outer black man sometimes you just gotta tip your
00:36:11cap
00:36:14two out spaces empty now here is Jose Bautista first offering mrs. DeMar the
00:36:35Jays yet to pick up a hit here
00:36:44I don't believe there is there a way to look it up
00:37:04kick San Diego's swings through that and it's a strikeout third out that ends the
00:37:12frame nothing doing for the Blue Jays they're down 1 nothing back here at
00:37:24Rogers Center leading off Rod Carew Chris baseball today so many strikeouts
00:37:30and they are available to pitchers but this is a guy that puts the bat on the
00:37:35ball and it's kind of different from the players that we see day in day out
00:37:42that one lifted to left dives what a play
00:38:00this dive wasn't the result of a bad route singing the only reason he made
00:38:05the place because his route was so good no doubt folks that cast tells the same
00:38:10story I mean he got to a spot as quickly as you can possibly get there
00:38:14and he had to in order to have a chance at that diving play just special and now
00:38:21here is Sam Rice that hits the dirt and that's ball one
00:38:40and the pitch out towards left center bell puts it away and a couple of quick
00:38:47outs pretty good job of the mound and this one singing it feels like we've
00:38:51seen a lot of off balance swings yeah just one free pass and obviously he's
00:38:57not a big strikeout guy but he gets soft contact and he gets outs two outs
00:39:02space is empty and now for the twins harm and kill a brew
00:39:12in there and it's all in one well they've kept him pretty quiet in this
00:39:16series still doesn't have a knock I know you want to get that first knock out of
00:39:20the way maybe more will come but you got to give some credit to the pitching
00:39:23staff they've had a great plan against it one-on-one
00:39:39the pitch swang and a miss one and two love to see it power versus power right
00:39:46there two down nobody on and now the count is
00:39:51even and see how the catcher wanted that pitch up and in want to try to tie
00:39:55him up that's the one thing we're seeing that high fastball you have to
00:39:58get it up there because of how hitters have changed their swings
00:40:13two two now and a swing and a miss and that's that
00:40:18down go the twins in order but they lead it one to nothing
00:40:30yes and welcome back here's the left fielder george bell
00:40:35and here it comes
00:40:39and first offering is fouled off
00:40:53now wanted one
00:40:55yes
00:40:59the next pitch misses and a count two and one
00:41:14my covered bounce to the left side
00:41:18on the run throw to first one up one down well he's doing a nice job of keeping the
00:41:23ball out of the air lets the defense work behind him with another ground ball
00:41:27good execution well on the mound very efficient able to produce an outcome it
00:41:34seems like within the third or fourth pitch of just about every at-bat
00:41:38number 20 in the box for the second time one ball no strikes
00:41:45and a 1-0
00:41:49good eye right there
00:41:53two and oh
00:41:54one ball no strikes
00:41:58and a 1-0
00:42:02good eye right there
00:42:06two and oh
00:42:09the why to kick the pitch
00:42:16the blue jays still looking for their first hit in this one
00:42:23To one pitch is in there and the
00:42:25count is even and now it's
00:42:34filled up and here's a 3 2 and
00:42:50that one fouled off swing and a
00:43:04miss struck him out to gone he
00:43:07came out of his mechanics there
00:43:09typically likes to shoot the
00:43:10ball the other way but that time
00:43:13a little anxious number 35 next
00:43:22up for the Blue Jays first pitch
00:43:30and he misses one ball no
00:43:32strikes and the righty deals
00:43:59There's a strike.
00:44:00I guess you throw it that hard you can get away with locations like that right down the middle.
00:44:05But I still think it's a dangerous pitch. Don't want to do it again.
00:44:08Next one misses three and one now.
00:44:11Three balls and no strikes.
00:44:13Now this offense has just been locked down.
00:44:28Almost five full innings of shutout baseball.
00:44:32Payoff pitch.
00:44:36Fouled off again.
00:44:38And it remains three and two.
00:44:49Stays alive.
00:44:55Eighth pitch of the at bat coming up.
00:45:02The three two is off the outside edge and that is ball four.
00:45:07Man that's a tough one to take on the full count but I guess he saw it really well.
00:45:12It's a really nice plate appearance.
00:45:14Number 15 will hit next.
00:45:17We talk about guys with good speed and definitely he has it.
00:45:21But pushing the offense aside for just a second Chris.
00:45:24It's the defensive side that I think the speed factors in the most.
00:45:32That one pulled foul.
00:45:50Next offering is in for a strike.
00:45:52Now there's a pitch we haven't seen in a while.
00:45:54It's going to be tough on the hitters if he can mix that in whenever he wants.
00:45:59Kicks and fires.
00:46:01And that one a little bit high.
00:46:03Really good take especially with two strikes.
00:46:29Next pitch just misses.
00:46:31Two and two.
00:46:38Right hander kicks deals.
00:46:42Morneau drifts towards it.
00:46:45Makes the play and it's out number three.
00:46:50Blue Jays held in check.
00:46:52And it remains one nothing.
00:46:58Come on Blue Jays.
00:47:03All set for the top of the sixth.
00:47:05Now the Minnesota cleanup hitter.
00:47:21The pitch.
00:47:23Ball one no strikes.
00:47:29And now the lefty.
00:47:31And now it's even up.
00:47:33I think he was sitting off speed right there because he just let the fastball go by.
00:47:47The pitch.
00:47:49And fouled off.
00:47:52Operator.
00:47:55One and two here.
00:47:57This one high in the air to left center.
00:47:59Number 15 on the move to his right.
00:48:02Makes the grab after a long run.
00:48:05And there's one down.
00:48:07Every day during batting practice these outfielders get about ten minutes of batting time.
00:48:13And it's just a matter of timing.
00:48:15And there's one down.
00:48:16Every day during batting practice these outfielders get about ten minutes of balls in the gaps.
00:48:22They practice this and when the game comes they make the play perfectly.
00:48:35Gosselin in the box again.
00:48:37Takes a strike.
00:48:46That one ripped.
00:48:48He can't get there.
00:48:49That should be extra bases.
00:48:51And that rolls into the corner.
00:48:55He's in at second with a one out double.
00:48:57Multi-hit game for him now and with the lack of results he's been having lately I'm sure he's feeling some relief.
00:49:03He got a pitch he could drive but he didn't get too excited like a lot of guys do and pull off the baseball.
00:49:08Really good timing all the way through the swing.
00:49:12And the barrel was so on plane with the ball.
00:49:14Easy drive into the gap for that double.
00:49:16And now Torrey Hunter.
00:49:18And the first pitch misses for ball one.
00:49:42This one in the air right field.
00:49:44Number 35 moving under this one.
00:49:47Two away.
00:49:56Next to hit.
00:49:57Number 34.
00:49:59You talk about elite defensive players especially in the middle of the diamond.
00:50:03And this guy is at the top of the list.
00:50:07That one's in there 0-1.
00:50:11Yeah we go beyond just the fielding percentage and what it looks like but the ability to have range and close holes that are normally there against an average defender.
00:50:23But this guy is special and you can see it in his first step quickness.
00:50:37And a 1-1.
00:50:40Liner to second and picked on the hop.
00:50:43Gathers and throws to first.
00:50:45Third out.
00:50:469-1 and 2 scheduled to hit in the home half of the 6th.
00:50:49It's the twins 1 and the Jays nothing.
00:50:57Back now in Toronto.
00:50:58Bottom of the 6th.
00:50:59Here's the catcher.
00:51:01Johnson back to work.
00:51:05Boogan the one thing about that is speed never goes in a slump and defense shouldn't either.
00:51:11Hitting wise you can struggle you can lose your mechanics but the thing that you can do consistently every single game is play great defense if you're talented in that way.
00:51:21And this is what this guy does.
00:51:24Next offering is in for a strike.
00:51:26One ball two strikes.
00:51:35And a foul ball he stays alive.
00:51:45The wind and the pitch.
00:51:48That one misses and it's 2 and 2.
00:51:53Righty to the plate.
00:51:57That one misses and it's 3 and 2.
00:52:08Here comes the pitch.
00:52:11Fouled off again and it remains 3 and 2.
00:52:25Swing and a miss and he struck him out.
00:52:28So he's gotten deep into this game and at least so far not showing a ton of signs of fatigue.
00:52:37Back to the leadoff spot in the Blue Jays lineup and now it's the switch hitting second baseman number 12.
00:52:44And first offering is fouled off.
00:52:47Back to the leadoff spot in the Blue Jays lineup and now it's the switch hitting second baseman number 12.
00:52:54And first offering is fouled off.
00:53:09The wind and the pitch.
00:53:11The wind and the pitch.
00:53:15That one at triple digits.
00:53:17I'll try to punt for a hit right there and you can tell he's trying to get something, anything going offensively.
00:53:24Next offering is down low.
00:53:26Recognize that change up right out of the hand, just spit on it.
00:53:32The Jays hit list so far in the game.
00:53:35Next pitch misses and the count is 2 and 2.
00:53:52Kicks and deals.
00:53:56Swing and a miss struck him out.
00:53:59Two down.
00:54:01Still two down now and here is Tony Fernandez.
00:54:14No base hits in the series for him so far and it's clearly been a rough one.
00:54:18You just hope he's not pressing too hard because that just compounds things and makes the slump even longer.
00:54:23Never seems to help, never helped me.
00:54:26Fouled off left side.
00:54:37Here's a 1-1.
00:54:44Carew throws the first in time and the inning is over.
00:54:491, 2, 3, go.
00:54:50Carew throws the first in time and the inning is over.
00:54:541, 2, 3, go the Blue Jays.
00:54:56They trail here, 1-0.
00:55:07New arm out of the bullpen, number 41.
00:55:10And his job is to collect quick outs and keep his team within striking distance.
00:55:21Back here at the ballpark, new inning getting started.
00:55:24And now the catcher comes up to him, Joe Maurer.
00:55:32And he deals.
00:55:35And that one hammered back there.
00:55:39And out of here.
00:55:43He blasts one out to center.
00:55:45It's his eighth home run of the year.
00:55:47And they add a run, it's 2-0.
00:55:50He sent the first pitch over the wall.
00:55:53Must have dinner reservations because he wasn't wasting any time at the plate and added bat.
00:56:01Welcome to the game.
00:56:02First pitch out of the bullpen, a tough one.
00:56:04And you know he's just trying to get one in there for a strike.
00:56:07And on the other side as a hitter, it's a great time to be aggressive and let it fly.
00:56:11It's not what they were looking for when they turned to him.
00:56:13But now he's got to find a way to reset.
00:56:16Digging in, number 15.
00:56:19And that's in there for strike one.
00:56:21Always exciting to see a laid off home run in an inning.
00:56:24Kind of gets the offense fired up and you start to expect a big inning.
00:56:35And he'll one.
00:56:38They say he'll win.
00:56:48That's one of the things I look at.
00:56:51Next offering misses.
00:56:52And the count is one and two.
00:56:54One and two.
00:56:59And a pinch.
00:57:02Swing and a miss.
00:57:03And he's down on strikes.
00:57:05And that's the first out.
00:57:07Nice recovery after giving up the homer.
00:57:09There's a small sigh of relief right there.
00:57:11I mean just to keep that speed off the base pass.
00:57:14It's not just the pitcher.
00:57:15It's other guys that have to think about it.
00:57:17From your infielders.
00:57:19Have to think about that runner potentially stealing.
00:57:21But also be in position to make a play.
00:57:23As an outfielder, you're thinking about a base hit to the outfield.
00:57:26I got to get to it quickly to try to keep this guy from taking an extra base.
00:57:29So I think everyone just a little more relaxed that he didn't reach base.
00:57:33And a pinch.
00:57:56So a foul ball makes it one and two.
00:57:59So a foul ball makes it one and two.
00:58:09A pinch.
00:58:12Stays alive.
00:58:25The one-two.
00:58:28Got him.
00:58:29Two gone now.
00:58:32Now pitchers have become so much better at commanding that high fastball.
00:58:36It used to be that a lot of guys didn't like to throw it.
00:58:39Because it threw off their release point and their mechanics.
00:58:42And they're aimed at keeping everything at the knees.
00:58:44Get ground balls.
00:58:45But because hitters get a swing path that can lift balls at the knees.
00:58:49Up in the air and over the fence.
00:58:51This pitch has come back into play.
00:58:53And they are doing some special things with it.
00:58:55Sam Rice stands in with two away as he takes a ball.
00:59:11Slap the other way.
00:59:12Foul.
00:59:23The one-one.
00:59:26And another ball.
00:59:34Two outs.
00:59:37Swings through that one.
00:59:44And the pitch.
00:59:47Swings through that one.
00:59:48It's a strikeout.
00:59:49That's the third out.
00:59:50That's the third out.
00:59:51But add on one more as the solo shot stretches their lead even further.
00:59:56And it's 2-0.
01:00:06Welcome back.
01:00:07And now the D.H., Carlos Delgado.
01:00:10Well, these fans definitely want to get involved in the game.
01:00:14All it's going to take is to get the lead off man or even a base runner on.
01:00:21The right-hander back to work.
01:00:26Just off the outside part of the plate.
01:00:29If you're on the mound right now, you know you have to retire this hitter.
01:00:32If he gets on base, it could open up the floodgates for this offense to score some runs.
01:00:40The next pitch misses.
01:00:41And the count is 2-0.
01:00:43You get to this part of the order.
01:00:45Yeah, there's some pop there.
01:00:47But more likely, there's some base hits.
01:00:49So very important to be patient.
01:00:51Let the pitcher walk you, if he will.
01:00:53Number 34 on the move to the alley.
01:00:56Makes the grab.
01:00:58One down.
01:01:03Now batting, third baseman, Jose Batista.
01:01:08Jose Batista next up for the Blue Jays.
01:01:11Good contact guy, good defender.
01:01:20First pitch and that's in for a strike.
01:01:27And the right-hander deals.
01:01:31Foul ball there.
01:01:41Righty delivers.
01:01:44The punch out there.
01:01:46And he's down on strikes for the second time today.
01:01:50Gosh, here it is.
01:01:51Hit it.
01:01:52Three-pitch strikeout.
01:01:53All fastballs.
01:01:54Man, he's got a lot of confidence in that pitch right now.
01:02:04Two outs, base is empty.
01:02:06Now the left fielder, George Bell.
01:02:09Still no hits on the board.
01:02:11One out away from taking the...
01:02:13And it gets by him.
01:02:15But they get the out at first.
01:02:17And that'll do it for the inning.
01:02:19Down in order go the Blue Jays.
01:02:21They trail things here to nothing.
01:02:32Ready to begin the eighth.
01:02:34And now for the twins, Parm and Killebrew.
01:02:37He's not going to get cheated up there.
01:02:39No, he's not.
01:02:40He's looking to do damage with every swing he takes.
01:02:45Killebrew.
01:02:52The pitch.
01:02:55Ball one there.
01:02:56Toronto's bullpen with some action.
01:02:58Dwayne Ward up and loosening in the pen.
01:03:15Next offering is in for a strike.
01:03:25And that one fouled off.
01:03:39Swing and a miss.
01:03:40Struck him out.
01:03:41One out.
01:03:42This guy's been pretty much a non-factor so far this weekend.
01:03:45Very little in the way of impactful at-bats and quality at-bats.
01:03:49And let alone contact.
01:03:51That's the sixth time they've sent him down on strikes in the series.
01:03:54So no doubt frustration mounting and very high right now.
01:03:59So here's the cleanup hitter, Justin Mordeau.
01:04:04In there for strike one.
01:04:13The pitch.
01:04:36And that one moves his feet.
01:04:39And that one moves his feet.
01:04:51Here's a one-two.
01:04:54And a foul.
01:04:55Baldy stays alive.
01:05:05At the belt and fires.
01:05:09To third.
01:05:12Sends it to first.
01:05:14Two up, two down here in the top of the eighth.
01:05:24So digging in, Goose Goslin.
01:05:27Really good piece of hitting last time.
01:05:29Going to the opposite field.
01:05:39First pitch and he just misses.
01:05:50Oh, and that deflects off his glove.
01:05:53Fires over to first.
01:05:55And that is that.
01:05:58Nothing doing here for the twins.
01:06:00But they're on top two-nothing.
01:06:09It ain't real, it ain't real.
01:06:12Bottom of the eighth.
01:06:13And now the first baseman.
01:06:16You know, he's been so great today.
01:06:18Really just throwing whatever the catcher puts down.
01:06:20I mean, hasn't shaken off the catcher very much at all today.
01:06:26First pitch doesn't find the zone.
01:06:32Left-hand batter waits.
01:06:35Swing and a tapper that rolls foul.
01:06:49Next pitch misses inside.
01:06:51Two and one.
01:06:59Next pitch misses inside.
01:07:01Three balls and a strike.
01:07:05Right-hander kicks, deals.
01:07:09And that clips the inside corner.
01:07:11Two-seam fastball has been very consistent.
01:07:13He's been able to throw it to both sides of the plate
01:07:16in some really good arm-side run.
01:07:24And a swing and a miss.
01:07:26Now one away.
01:07:28And a swing and a miss.
01:07:31And a swing and a miss.
01:07:33Now one away.
01:07:38And next for Toronto.
01:07:40Number 35.
01:07:42This is where the no-hit bid really starts feeling real,
01:07:45but still a long ways to go.
01:07:53First offering misses the mark.
01:07:56But why the kick the pitch?
01:08:00Swings through that one out in front that time.
01:08:10Yeah, the pitch is in for a strike.
01:08:12That's strike two.
01:08:19And that one off the outside edge.
01:08:21Well, he might have to look for a different angle.
01:08:23Well, he might have to look for a different put-away pitch right here, 2-2.
01:08:26He's already seen the curveball a couple of times in this at-bat,
01:08:29so might have it timed up and ready for it.
01:08:34Puts it in the air out towards left-center.
01:08:36Grabs it on the run.
01:08:38And there's two down.
01:08:40Man, he's getting really close to this thing right now.
01:08:42Only four outs left, but it's going to be tough to get.
01:08:46Two outs, base is empty.
01:08:48So up next for Toronto, number 15.
01:08:52Singy, you've got to appreciate a guy who's this good defensively.
01:08:55I mean, watching him track balls to the outfield, it is beautiful.
01:09:00And first offering is fouled off.
01:09:100-1 down.
01:09:14And that one wrapped foul.
01:09:22Left-hand hitter waits.
01:09:26And down on strikes he goes.
01:09:28That's the third out, inning over.
01:09:30Blue Jays go down in order.
01:09:32They trail it here, 2-0.
01:09:41Back here at Rogers Center.
01:09:43All set for the start of the inning.
01:09:45And now the Minnesota designated hitter, Torrey Hunter.
01:09:49And the pitch.
01:09:53That misses off the outside edge.
01:09:55Action in the pen down there.
01:09:57Number 30, a right-hander with big strikeout stuff, is getting it fired up.
01:10:08The pitch.
01:10:11Late swing, fouled off.
01:10:14Late swing, fouled off.
01:10:30Next pitch, inside.
01:10:322-1.
01:10:39And the righty deals.
01:10:43Just off the outside edge.
01:10:59And strike two.
01:11:02Back around.
01:11:10Oh, now this one's blasted deep to left.
01:11:13Way back there, on its way and out of here.
01:11:18He'll circle the bases.
01:11:20His fourth home run of the season.
01:11:22It's 3-0.
01:11:24He absolutely crushed that one.
01:11:26No doubt about that one, Boog.
01:11:28We knew it wasn't coming back.
01:11:323-1.
01:11:38Well, he really crushed that thing down the line.
01:11:41And everyone had to hold their breath until it clanked off the bowl.
01:11:44And every time that happens, it just kind of feels like a trick shot or something.
01:11:48But really, it's just a stroke of luck that it stays fair long enough.
01:11:52New pitcher now for the Jays, Dwayne Ward.
01:11:55He's into the game with the bases empty.
01:12:02Number 34, the next twin up to hit.
01:12:11And the first pitch misses for ball one.
01:12:28Righty to the plate.
01:12:31Right down to shoot.
01:12:33That's strike one.
01:12:50And a foul ball.
01:13:02Here comes a pitch.
01:13:04Stays alive.
01:13:19And down on strikes.
01:13:21And that's the first out.
01:13:23You've got to be pretty quick with the bat speed these days.
01:13:26So many guys throwing in the upper 90s.
01:13:29And you see the velocity on that one.
01:13:31Just tough to catch up to.
01:13:33I mean, guys are coming in and they're going max effort.
01:13:35They're not looking to go a long distance.
01:13:37They want to get as many strikeouts as they possibly can.
01:13:40Joe Maurer digs in now.
01:13:45That one pushed to the left and fouled.
01:14:00The 0-1.
01:14:02And there's the strike.
01:14:12The pitch.
01:14:14And a foul ball.
01:14:16He stays alive.
01:14:19Kicks and fires.
01:14:21Just off the inside edge.
01:14:31Swings and misses.
01:14:33Two away.
01:14:38And now the shortstop.
01:14:40And a foul ball.
01:14:42Two away.
01:14:47And now the shortstop, number 15.
01:14:50Chris, his skill set straight out of the mid-80s.
01:14:53Good contact, not much power, and he could run.
01:14:56He always uses the wheels to his advantage.
01:14:59His biggest challenge in this day and age is to not get caught up
01:15:03in trying to hit home runs because so many people are.
01:15:07Right-handed reliever.
01:15:22Next pitch is inside.
01:15:24Going to count one and two.
01:15:36Swing and a miss, and he struck him out.
01:15:39That's his second strikeout.
01:15:53We head to the bottom of the ninth, and here's the catcher,
01:15:56Russell Martin.
01:15:58This guy, one of the best defensive catchers going.
01:16:01You talk about framing, the ability to block, catch, and throw.
01:16:05He is at the top of the game.
01:16:07First pitch, and he just misses.
01:16:10Really good athlete, and many times we talk about, you know,
01:16:13the feet of infielders.
01:16:15This catcher as well, really quick feet.
01:16:18He's able to recognize the pitch, see the trajectory,
01:16:21and get into a spot where he can block those balls
01:16:23and keep them from going to the backstop.
01:16:27The next offering misses, and it's 3-0.
01:16:36That's through there for a strike.
01:16:38Really impressive with the way he frames,
01:16:40the way that he sets it up,
01:16:42because sometimes those pitches are off the plate,
01:16:44but because he sets up and presents it so well,
01:16:47he steals strikes for his pitcher.
01:16:49And he walked him.
01:16:50They're not ready to go home quite yet.
01:16:54So the batting order turns over.
01:16:56Number 12, next up for the Blue Jays.
01:17:00So the batting order turns over.
01:17:02Number 12, next up for the Blue Jays.
01:17:05Feels like it's less common today that you see a guy like this.
01:17:09The speed component, the contact component, but lack of power.
01:17:15He just has to understand that his skill set is unique,
01:17:18and he's very valuable for any ball club.
01:17:20If he does that, he'll play a long time in this league.
01:17:24First pitch, just misses.
01:17:30And here it comes.
01:17:33Swing and a ball lifted left field.
01:17:36Tracks it down for the out.
01:17:38And there's one down.
01:17:43The batter, number one,
01:17:45shortstop, Tony Fernandez.
01:17:53Here's the shortstop.
01:17:56Here's the shortstop at the play.
01:17:58Tony Fernandez.
01:18:00Singh, you talk about a guy that has all the skills.
01:18:03The range is really good,
01:18:05but the arm just stands out and he makes all the plays.
01:18:12And he swings and misses at the initial offering.
01:18:15And because of that big power arm,
01:18:17he's able to play a little bit deeper,
01:18:19make throws from the outfield grass
01:18:21all the way across the diamond.
01:18:23And still get a pretty good runner.
01:18:25That's impressive.
01:18:47And he'll chew.
01:18:49And he'll chew.
01:19:04Stays alive.
01:19:19And he deals.
01:19:22Swing and a ball lifted to center field.
01:19:25In there, base hit!
01:19:27And the bid for history is gone.
01:19:30And that's the second out of the inning on the fourth play.
01:19:33Wow, this is one of those plays that happens sometimes,
01:19:35but it never really should.
01:19:37Seems like you just got a bad read on the ball
01:19:39and the good throw from the outfield
01:19:41was perfect to get the out.
01:19:44And next is the designated hitter,
01:19:46Carlos Delgado.
01:19:50Yeah!
01:19:55On the ground, right side.
01:19:57History! The final out.
01:20:01Congratulations to him.
01:20:03He was dominant all game long.
01:20:05Got some really nice play behind him defensively.
01:20:07It seemed like everyone was on board,
01:20:09pulling for him to finish the no-hitter.
01:20:11But most importantly, get the W for the team.
01:20:19The fifth four, mental four.
01:20:21Tell me what to do.
01:20:23Switch up your paradigm.
01:20:25Hold back, spread out all your parasites.
01:20:28Fails, see me running cool too.
01:20:31Heart, only beating with resent.
01:20:34Oh, no.
01:20:36I'mma pull through.
01:20:37My worth is guaranteed.
01:20:394-and-D.
01:20:41At me.
01:20:43Rolling real.
01:20:45Whizzing real, real.
01:20:48Whizzing real, real.
01:20:50You see that steno?
01:20:52Come out the window.
01:20:54We playing like Nintendo.
01:20:57Whizzing real, real.
01:20:59Whizzing real, real.
01:21:02Keep playing your game.
01:21:04It's getting much harder to live.
01:21:06The only thing that I've been dodging is guarding the bid.
01:21:09Collect calls to my mama, my father, his kids.
01:21:12Cause that kind of time to do is much harder to give.
01:21:15Fatherless kid, his eyes wider than mine.
01:21:20The final line score for this afternoon's ball game.
01:21:23For the victorious twins, three runs on nine hits, no errors.
01:21:27They left six men...