A resurgent outing for Blue Jays lefty Steven Matz was overshadowed by some Trent Thornton struggles, a costly error and some weak offence. (ShiDavidi)
Watkins, meanwhile, recovered after getting out of the first at only one run allowed, holding the Blue Jays to two singles and two walks over the next four innings. They pecked away at the Orioles bullpen but never managed to build an extended rally.
Matz’s next turn comes Sunday in the series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays just before the all-star break. After some inconsistencies he had finally seemed to find his stride against the Boston Red Sox on June 12, striking out eight in 5.2 innings of one-run ball, but hit the COVID list right after.
“I was in a decent groove before that, but I’m happy with where I’m at physically and where my rhythm was today compared to last start,” said Matz, who got eight whiffs and seven fouls on 20 fastball swings. “I kind of feel like I’m back where I was.”