Marcus Stroman gets 6 innings of mixed signals from Jays fans
"I think Stro's the perfect guy" - Gibbons
There's no doubt Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman felt the pressure in Tuesday night's wild-card game against the Baltimore Orioles.
In what was a controversial decision for Jays fans, manager John Gibbons chose Stroman to take the mound over left-hander Francisco Liriano.
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Blue Jays' Marcus Stroman to start AL wild card game vs. Orioles
But while the Jays were confident in their starting pitcher in their first ever wild-card game, the Twitter world was on the fence.
1. 'In Stroman we trust'
The 25-year-old started the game well, temporarily erasing any doubts fans might have had.
1-2-3 for <a href="https://twitter.com/MStrooo6">@MStrooo6</a> in the 1st! <br><br>Time for the offence to go to work! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OurMoment?src=hash">#OurMoment</a> <a href="https://t.co/C7JqkEp3rG">pic.twitter.com/C7JqkEp3rG</a>
—@BlueJays
So, anyone have a problem with Stroman getting the start now? 9 up, 9 down, 3ks. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueJays?src=hash">#BlueJays</a>
—@SNBarryDavis
In Stroman we trust
—@Mike_Stud
2. 'Stro Blows'
And then the Orioles' Mark Trumbo took Stroman deep in the fourth inning to give Baltimore a brief 2-1.
*cue all negative reaction tweets*
A Trumbo home run and the reaction from stroman. <a href="https://t.co/CXXPocU1Q0">pic.twitter.com/CXXPocU1Q0</a>
—@larryfleisher
Here comes Stroman about to blow it
—@erynjohnston_
Time to pull Stroman.
—@Semprini15
3. Where's Liriano?
It was only a matter of time until the Stroman vs. Liriano controversy resurfaced.
I'm thinking Gibbons did not do so well in maths in High School. That's why he started Stroman over Liriano. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jays?src=hash">#Jays</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueJays?src=hash">#BlueJays</a>
—@REALfirstcircle
Toronto isn't going to win because of the poor decision their coach made by starting stroman over Liriano
—@The_Dream_24
I love Stroman...but no idea why he got the nod over Liriano. Gonna be tough to recoop
—@paul_bisto
4. Stroman Strong
But as the game progressed, through all the ups and downs, fans wrestled their way back and realized the depth and emotion that Stroman gave during his performance. Stroman wound up pitching six innings, giving up two runs on four hits with six strikeouts.
Stroman gave you six solid innings of 2 run baseball. Let's get on the sticks boys!
—@therealpostman7
Cant complain with Stroman's outing. 1 mistake to the home run leader but other than that he was dominant. Let the haters keep hating
—@tstowell24
What did they take stroman out? He looked awesome! <a href="https://twitter.com/FAN590Walker">@FAN590Walker</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WildCardGame?src=hash">#WildCardGame</a>
—@weatherpermit
5. Perspective
As all good and loyal fans exhibit emotion during games like these, maybe at times we all need to sit back and gain a little perspective at times.
Good pitch by Stroman just Trumbo is a phenomenal hitter <a href="https://t.co/crg8VLbIoA">pic.twitter.com/crg8VLbIoA</a>
—@McGuigan1to10
Peace to your Stroman complaints. 6 very good innings.
—@SNFaizalKhamisa