Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman had a strong performance against the Tigers, striking out 10 batters, his highest count this season. This marks his first double-digit strikeout game of the year, and he appeared quite comfortable on the mound. It was encouraging to see Gausman receive the run support he deserves, something the Blue Jays struggled to provide for him last season.
Blue Jays Starter Strikes Out With Double Digits
Kevin Gausman
Kevin Gausman's Stuff.
Back in my day, we didn't have those fancy strike zone boxes and play-by-play guys called the game underwater with two cans attached by a string…and we loved it. #throwbackbaseball pic.twitter.com/IH671341R4
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 24, 2024
Gausman had a rocky start to the season, initially sidelined by injury. He faced some struggles on the mound, but it was only a matter of time before those difficulties subsided. Gausman remains the Blue Jays’ ace, even when not performing at 100 percent. However, against the Tigers, he showed no signs of struggle and delivered a clutch performance. His early-season issues likely stemmed from his injury, which could have impacted his game. Injuries can certainly set back a player, but a strong pitcher can overcome such adversities, and Gausman is now settling in well for the Blue Jays this season.
Despite the Blue Jays’ lack of run support in 2023, he pitched excellently and was a finalist for the Cy Young Award. His toughest outing this season was against the Colorado Rockies, where he allowed 10 hits and six earned runs. Gausman has since lowered his ERA to 4.47, down from 4.89. This season, he has a 3-3 record with 53 strikeouts and a 1.43 WHIP.
Gas-Man
Gausman delivered impressive stats, culminating in 237 strikeouts for the season. As a strikeout pitcher, he dominated against the Tigers. The combination of Gausman’s performance and the Blue Jays’ core contributors resulted in a strong win for the team. Gausman is back, and fans are eager to see his progress as the season approaches its midpoint. Historically, the most 10+ strikeout games in Blue Jays history are held by Roger Clemens with 25, Kevin Gausman with 14, and A.J. Burnett with 13, highlighting Gausman’s familiarity with strikeouts. Returning from injury is never easy and can create mental tension, but there was never any doubt that Gausman would pitch well again.
