KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has managed to play solid defence while trying to fight his way through a post-season batting slump.
On Saturday, his bat finally caught up to his glove. Tulowitzki went 2-for-4 and had an RBI double in a 6-3 loss to Kansas City as the Royals took a 2-0 lead in the American League Championship Series.
The veteran shortstop missed three weeks of action after cracking his shoulder blade last month and has dealt with pain in the area since his return.
"I got some results and got some balls to fall," Tulowitzki said. "But I don’t feel any better today than I did yesterday to be honest."
Tulowitzki, who entered Game 2 with a measly .080 playoff batting average, also singled in the fourth inning.
"I’m not the same but at the same time I’m trying to do whatever I can to help us win," Tulowitzki said.
In the field, Tulowitzki looks like his usual self: great range, steady performance and trademark consistency. If his offensive game returns to form, he could be yet another weapon in a lineup that’s already loaded with power.
"Good day for Tulo, he’s been taking a little heat," said Blue Jays manager John Gibbons. "He’s such a good hitter. It’s a matter of time. Big at-bats today, that really gets him going."