Richmond's solid outing turns sour in a hurry

What the hell happened to Scott Richmond?

Richmond breezed through the first 4 innings, allowing just 1 hit. That's when he hit the fan. Staked to a 2-0 lead, Canadian Richmond, making his first start in 13 days, served up a 2 run blast to fellow Canuck Mark Teahen in the 5th inning. He then proceeded to allow a double, followed by a pair of walks. Willie Bloomquist (really, Bloomquist?) cleared the bags with a triple. 5-2 Royals. Day over for Richmond.

Holy crap.

Chavez hit a home run... yes, you read that right

In the words of Matt Kennedy Gould from the Joe Schmo Show, "what is going on?" Raul Chavez, yes, Raul Chavez has hit a home run! His two run shot in the 3rd inning has put the Jays ahead 2-0.

Just how rare is it to see Chavez go yard apple? It's his 6th home run. Ever. In his 11 year career! And only his 2nd in the last 4 years.

Wow.

Romero bounces back

Ricky Romero bounced back from two poor outings to have his first quality start since coming off the disabled list. After a pair of bad games, where he was knocked around for 10 runs in 9.1 innings, the lefty responded to go 7 strong innings in the opener against Kansas City.

Romero cruised through the first 6 innings without allowing a run, but ran into a speed bump in the 7th frame. The Jays rookie hurler allowed a 2 run shot to Jose Guillen, followed immediately by a solo bomb to Mike Jacobs. Suddenly, the Jays 7-0 lead evaporated, tightening the collar on Romero, potentially signalled another blow up. However, he settled down to retire the side to get out of the 7th inning and picked up his 3rd victory of the campaign.

Romero displayed maturity for a young rookie. It's something he should keep in the memory bank should he get roughed up again, knowing that he has the ability to work through a bad inning, and also pitch well after struggling in a couple of contests.

Jays light up "best pitcher in baseball" Greinke!

Enough already with the talk that Kansas City Royals ace Zack Greinke is the "best pitcher in baseball." He wasn't even the best pitcher suited up at the Rogers Centre Friday night. That distinction belongs to Roy Halladay.

The Jays lit up Greinke, tagging him for 7 runs (5 earned) in just 5 innings of work, allowing the Blue Birds to cruise easily to victory. The Jays scored 6 runs in the first three innings, aided by strong performances of guys that have floundered for much of the season. Alex Rios had an RBI double, Vernon Wells drove in a pair of runs, and Lyle Overbay plated three runners.

Overbay's home run in the 2nd frame ended Greinke's phenomenal (and I'll tip my cap, this stat is RIDICULOUS) consecutive homerless innings streak at 111.

Greinke is an outstanding pitcher, but he had one very bad game. It happens. But if he wins the CY Young over Halladay it'll be a travesty. Enough already with these pitchers (see Cliff Lee last season) that have one unbelievable year to unseat the brilliant Doc Halladay.

Halladay will pitch in the series finale Sunday. Take notes Greinke. See how the actual best pitcher in baseball gets it done.