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Duke Baseball: Blue Jays offense spoils Marcus Stroman’s start

By Kevin Connelly

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 28: Marcus Stroman #6 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning on Opening Day during MLB game action against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre on March 28, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 28: Marcus Stroman #6 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning on Opening Day during MLB game action against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre on March 28, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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The former Duke Baseball star Marcus Stroman was handed the ball on Opening Day for the Toronto Blue Jays and his offense spoiled his tremendous outing.

It was Opening Day around the MLB and every ace was on the mound. That means former Duke Baseball standout Marcus Stroman was on the hill for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Stroman is looking to respond after last seasons disappointing campaign that was hampered primarily due to injury.

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The 27 year old veteran only made 19 starts last year, posting a 4-9 record with a career worst 5.54 ERA. In 102.2 innings pitched Stroman recorded 77 strikeouts and allowed just 36 walks.

The Blue Jays could not have asked more of Stroman on Thursday afternoon as he threw seven shutout innings, scattering just two hits, walking four, and striking out seven in just 94 pitches.

However, despite one of the best starts throughout the majors on Thursday, the Blue Jays were unable to get an Opening Day win, falling to the Detroit Tigers, 2-0, in 10 innings.

The big blow came in the top of the tenth inning when Christian Stewart launched a two run home run off of Daniel Hudson.

Stroman’s counterpart, Jordan Zimmerman, took a perfect game into the seventh inning, but even he couldn’t get a decision in this one.

Last season, Stroman didn’t get his first start of the year until the fourth game against the New York Yankees where he threw just five innings, allowing four runs on three hits, three walks and eight strikeouts.

Like today, Stroman also picked up a no decision in that outing.

The Blue Jays still have three games left in its opening series against the Tigers before hosting American League East rival the Baltimore Orioles.

Marcus Stroman is scheduled to get his second start of the season on April 2 against the Baltimore Orioles in the Rodgers Centre.

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