Colabello breaks out to help streaking Toronto
Designated hitter notches two doubles, extends own hitting streak to eight games
TORONTO -- Chris Colabello has been among the most pleasant surprises the Blue Jays have enjoyed this season. He continued to give his team a reason to smile on Tuesday, going 3-for-4 at the plate to help the Blue Jays to a 4-2 victory over the A's in the series opener at Rogers Centre.
Colabello, whose unlikely journey to the big leagues started with eight years of independent ball, was given a vote of confidence by the Blue Jays when the club elected to keep him over Danny Valencia at the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. He's repaid them with an 8-for-15 showing at the plate in the month of August, and he's riding an eight-game hit streak.
"I don't think anything's changed in my eyes," Colabello said. "I'd like to be in there every day, but whatever I can do to help this team."
In recording his 19th multihit game, Colabello belted a pair of doubles, giving him 15 on the season and setting a career-high for two-baggers. He said it's nice to have a good night at the plate, but he remains focused on the ultimate goal.
"I don't think anyone is worried about their own stuff," Colabello said. "You're worried about one thing. Winning the division, putting ourselves into a position to make the postseason, and we believe guys one through 25 have the ability to get it done."
Colabello's output at the plate on Tuesday was complemented by a solid performance from starter Drew Hutchison and some timely situational hitting from his teammates.
Video: OAK@TOR: Hutchison pitches seven-plus solid frames
It wasn't a typical Blue Jays blowout win -- the team owns a Major League best plus-131 run differential -- but it was enough to grow their winning streak to nine games. In seven of those wins, the Blue Jays have won by four runs or fewer. Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said he thinks his team is playing a more complete game of late.
"You can't expect the offense to score five, six runs every night," Gibbons said. " ... It's a combination of things, it goes with good pitching, but I also think our defence is better."