The only thing missing from Miguel Gonzalez's start today was run support. And maybe a better plan against Blue Jays third baseman Maicer Izturis.
Gonzalez allowed only three hits in 7 1/3 innings - Adam Lind's single in the first, Izturis' first-pitch home run in the fifth and Munenori Kawasaki's bouncer up the middle with one out in the eighth. The Jays led 2-1 before Taylor Teagarden launched his second home run of the season in the top of the eighth to tie the game.
Gonzalez walked three batters, struck out five and threw a wild pitch. He came out of the game after 111 pitches, 73 for strikes.
This is Gonzalez's first start as a father and his ninth quality start of the season, including four in a row. He's permitted seven earned runs in his last four starts covering 27 2/3 innings.
Teagarden has three hits this season and four RBIs. He's homered in each of his last two starts, reaching the second deck in left field today.
Hey, if Izturis and Kawasaki can muscle up in this series, why not Teagarden?
Teagarden is 2-for-3 with two homers and three RBIs lifetime against the ageless Oliver, who probably can't remember his age.
Manager Buck Showalter rested Matt Wieters following a night game. Wieters will be back in the lineup on Sunday, most likely catching Freddy Garcia. Teagarden will wait for his next opportunity.
Opposing pitchers have been warned.
Update: Darren O'Day replaced Gonzalez, and Jose Bautista lined a two-run homer down the left field line to give Toronto a 4-2 lead. And that's how the game ended, as the Blue Jays won their 10th in a row and moved one game above .500.
Add another earned run to Gonzalez's line. It's still a quality start.
Bautista is 3-for-12 with three homers and six RBIs vs. O'Day. And there's apparently some bad blood between them, with Bautista jawing at O'Day after striking out last night and again as he rounded third base today. O'Day said something back to Bautista.
No idea what that's all about.
O'Day hadn't surrendered a home run in 12 straight appearances, the last one coming May 22 against the Yankees.
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