Blue Jays notebook: Red Sox ruin Anderson's debut

Rudi Schuller

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Blue Jays notebook: Red Sox ruin Anderson's debut image

What started out as a battle between starting pitchers ended as a decisive 3-0 victory for the Boston Red Sox over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday.

Brett Anderson's debut as a Blue Jay was spoiled by a lack of offensive output as Toronto was blanked on the night. After chasing Anderson from the game the Red Sox chipped away at Toronto's relievers, scoring in three straight innings to put the contest out of reach. Combined with a superb outing by Boston starter Chris Sale, it all added up to another frustrating night for the floundering Jays.

The loss drops Toronto to 61-71 and puts the Jays further back of an AL Wild Card berth that is looking increasingly unlikely with each passing game. Boston improves to 75-57 and keeps its spot atop the AL East.

Anderson solid in debut

Anderson's first game as a Blue Jay was a good one despite the loss, with the newcomer going 5.2 innings before leaving the game having surrendered a single run.

The 29-year-old was locked in a pitchers' duel with Sale, with both hurlers keeping the opposition scoreless through the first five innings. Unfortunately for Anderson, his dream Jays debut came apart in the sixth, with the Red Sox getting three hits in the inning before Dominic Leone replaced him.

Regardless, it was a positive first impression for Anderson at Rogers Centre, with the lefty picking up three strikeouts in a solid outing.

Joey Bats' arm still strong

Jose Baustista may not be hitting as well as he has in years past, but on Tuesday he showed that he can still throw the ball.

The 36-year-old took an early scoring opportunity away from the visitors when he scooped up the ball in right field and unleashed a rocket towards home plate as Eduardo Nunez was rounding third. 

The throw met Miguel Montero on the base path in front of home plate, allowing the catcher to easily tag Nunez and prevent a first-inning lead for Boston.

Rudi Schuller