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David Price turns in exceptional first start with the Blue Jays
Look out, other American League teams, the Toronto Blue Jays finally have an ace. David Price was fantastic in his first start with the club, picking up a 5-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Monday.
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Price wasted no time showing off his skills. He struck out the first two batters he faced as a member of the Blue Jays. While Price ran into some trouble in the second inning, giving up a solo home run to Torii Hunter, he cruised through the rest of the start.
When all was said and done, Price allowed just one run on three hits over eight innings. He struck out 11 and walked two during the contest.
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After the game, Price was complimentary of the fans and the atmosphere in Toronto.
When was the last time anyone said this about baseball at the RC? David Price on the ambiance … #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/LytgoU1reJ
— John Lott (@LottOnBaseball) August 3, 2015
Price's new manager, John Gibbons, was also pretty happy with the performance.
Gibbons on Price: "a great way to make your debut for your new team" #BlueJays
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) August 3, 2015
It's no surprise Price was successful his first time out. The 29-year-old ace said he say Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin studying tape of his recent starts prior to the start of the game.
Price said pitching to Martin went "as smooth as it could have." Said he saw Martin watching video of him for nearly an hour before game.
— Brendan Kennedy (@BKennedyStar) August 3, 2015
With the win, Toronto moved into a tie for the second AL wild card spot.
Overall, it's a pretty great start for Price with his new club. Toronto clearly went all-in at the deadline, and the Price move signified that the most. He's only under contract through the rest of the season, so if the Blue Jays don't make the playoffs, Price is probably gone.
This start is why the team took the risk, though. Price is a legitimate ace, and can dominate any team on any day. Toronto didn't have that type of pitcher two weeks ago.
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With David Price in tow, it's going to be tough to keep the Blue Jays down in the second half. Monday's start was the first what the Blue Jays hope will be many dominant performances down the stretch.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
