Aug 4 (The Sports Xchange) - David Price provided everything
the Blue Jays could have wanted on his Toronto debut on Monday
as he allowed three hits, two walks, one run and struck out 11
in his first start since joining from the Detroit Tigers last
week.
With third baseman Josh Donaldson hitting a two-run homer
and second baseman Ryan Goins belting a solo shot, the Blue Jays
carried the feel-good factor around the clubhouse to a 5-1
defeat of the Minnesota Twins.
Price (10-4) was also impressed by the warm welcome he
received from a sellout crowd, as he was cheered during his
warm-ups and left to a standing ovation after the eighth inning
with the pitcher tipping his cap in return.
"That was the best atmosphere I've ever been in," Price told
reporters.
"I've pitched in really big games: Game 163 in Texas to go
to the playoffs, in Fenway it's an amazing atmosphere always, at
the Trop in 2008 when we were in the playoffs with the cowbells
and the dome that was really loud.
"Baltimore last year with Detroit, that was insane. And then
Comerica (NYSE:CMA) as well. I've pitched in quite a few big games, but
that atmosphere today, that takes the cake. I've never
experienced anything like that. That was cool."
The win was the first for Price since July 9. He had been
0-2 with a no-decision in his final three starts with the
Tigers.
Right-hander LaTroy Hawkins pitched the ninth.
Twins right-hander Ervin Santana (2-2) allowed six hits,
three walks and three runs while striking out two in six
innings.
"It was a like a playoff game today. It was very crowded,
everybody was loud. I just got the adrenalin going. It was good.
(Price) pitched like an ace today," Santana conceded.
After giving up a home run to Torii Hunter in the second,
Price worked out of a bases-loaded jam with none out in the
fourth after first baseman Trevor Plouffe had doubled and
designated hitter Miguel Sano and Hunter had walked.
Left fielder Eddie Rosario popped out to shortstop Tory
Tulowitzki, who made a fine play in shallow center field and
made a quick throw home. Twins center fielder Aaron Hicks and
catcher Kurt Suzuki struck out.
"We didn't get much going after that," Twins manager Paul
Molitor said. "It was kind of tough. A game like today, when you
have chances, you'd like to see guys take advantage of it."
With the game tied at 1-1, Tulowitzki led off the fifth with
a single and Donaldson followed with his 27th homer of the
season, a drive to right, as the Blue Jays took a two-run lead.
The Blue Jays (55-52) added two more runs in the seventh
against right-hander Blaine Boyer, who replaced Santana. The
defeat saw the Twins slip to 54-51.
(Editing by John O'Brien)