TORONTO – The Blue Jays put an end to an ugly four-game losing skid and afterward the manager was happy to state the obvious. “It was a much needed win, I will definitely say,” said John Gibbons after his club beat Boston 7-1. Baseballs a strange game. It was an ugly homestand, the Blue Jays lost four of six to divisional rivals the Orioles and Red Sox, yet are sandwiched in-between the two teams with Baltimore a half-game ahead and Boston a half-game behind. In five of the six games, Toronto at some point held a lead of three runs or more. The Jays won only two of those five games, Sunday afternoon being one of them. Yet a crisp, efficient win which combined strong starting pitching, clutch relief work, good defence and potent offence buoyed the mood of the club as it heads out on an eight-game road trip through Kansas City, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. “It was a complete joint effort,” said R.A. Dickey, who tossed 6 1/3 innings of one run ball. “I felt like we all had a hand in todays game. It was a game that I felt really good.” Dickey, who didnt walk a hitter for the first time in his Toronto tenure, left with one out in the seventh. The Red Sox had runners at second and third following a hit batsman and a double. Steve Delabar came in and got Jackie Bradley Jr. to pop up to third baseman Brett Lawrie and David Ross to fly out to centerfielder Jose Bautista. Inning over, the 2-1 lead preserved and the Jays would tack on two in the seventh and three more in the eighth to issue a final score that doesnt reflect how close the game was played for most of the afternoon. Edwin Encarnacion had two hits and two RBI, hitting four line drives in his four at-bats. Combined with the final out he made in Saturdays loss, a line drive to centerfield, Gibbons is seeing signs his slugging first baseman is beginning to emerge from a near-dormant first month of the season. “Today I thought he was really using his hands well,” said Gibbons. “Hes like anybody else. Confidence can waver a little bit. I dont care how good you are, how long youve been around or how productive youve been the last couple of seasons. This games all confidence.” Brett Lawrie hit his sixth home run of the season, a solo shot off Jon Lester in the second inning. The timing was important; the Red Sox had taken a 1-0 lead in the top half of the inning. “Definitely,” said Lawrie of the quick response. “This is one of those games you want to win, especially with an off day (Monday) and us going on the road and leaving a sour taste in 40-thousand peoples mouths when we go on the road (with a loss.) We want positivity going on the road.” The Blue Jays open a three-game set in Kansas City on Tuesday night. Right-hander Dustin McGowan will get the start against Royals left-hander Jason Vargas. MORROW UNFAMILIAR WITH McGOWANS DIABETES-RELATED FATIGUE As Dustin McGowan considers a change to his in-game regimen in an attempt to combat fatigue, fellow type 1 diabetic Brandon Morrow is in a comfortable routine and hasnt experienced anything similar to what McGowans going through. “Ive never felt physically fatigued during a game,” said Morrow. “I have nothing to compare it to. What would somebody without diabetes be feeling at the same point? I feel like I recover, physically, as well as anybody else with regulated blood sugar. I think its almost, not an advantage but you really learn your body well.” McGowan deals with wild swings to his blood sugar levels during games in which hes pitching. In Wednesdays outing against Baltimore, he took a reading of more than 300 milligrams per deciliter. To put that in perspective, the average blood sugar level for a resting, non-diabetic is between 100 and 120 milligrams per deciliter. He will wear his insulin pump in Tuesday nights game at Kansas City in the hopes of regulating his blood sugar level. Morrow, on the other hand, has a strict program he follows that begins about four hours before each start. There are six to eight checkpoints, as he calls them, during that time span. Morrows food and drink schedule is meticulous; his exercise and warm up routine equally so; he checks his blood sugar level about an hour and a half before first pitch. Shortly before game time, hes paying close attention. “If I ever go low its in the bullpen,” said Morrow. “Thats a two, three minute adjustment. During the anthem, the anthems always a time I check my blood sugar and if I need a juice or whatever we have something ready to go.” When the Blue Jays are on offence, Morrow will check his blood sugar level two or three times in the early innings of his starts. “My blood sugars crept up a little bit during games sometimes but Ive never felt like Ive just lost energy, like saying getting into the sixth inning and my body just shuts down,” he said. “Ive never felt that way.” High blood sugar levels can sap a diabetic of energy and can cause vision problems, particularly blurriness. Morrow says its never gotten to the point where he blames the condition for an inability to command his pitches. Low blood sugar levels can have an effect similar to drunkenness. There have been times when Morrows been awakened in the middle of the night. Hes in a cold sweat and his hands are shaking. He quickly drinks a glass of juice or eats a small portion and then waits the 15 minutes or so it takes for his body to regulate. WALKER DISCUSSES EJECTION Pitching coach Pete Walker wasnt pleased with home plate umpire Jeff Kelloggs strike zone in Saturdays 7-6 loss to the Red Sox. He was ejected in the third inning. Walker and Kellogg exchanged words following a mound visit. Perhaps the fact his pitching staff has walked 99 hitters so far this season is grating on Walkers nerves?“Maybe its been building, I dont know,” said Walker. “Its frustrating to watch the staff that we have walk guys because they are guys that know how to throw strikes, know how to attack the strike zone. Their philosophy and our philosophy is to attack early and expand late. It seems like were getting behind and making poor pitches behind in the count.” Heres another frustrating fact: entering Sundays play, the Blue Jays have had leads of at least three runs in four of the first five games of this home stand. The record in those four games: 1-3. The pitching isnt holding up. One day its the starter and the next its the bullpen. “Its really slight, slight mechanical adjustments for a couple of guys but for the most part its their mentality of attacking the zone and trusting their stuff and not buying into the fact that something like this can become contagious,” said Walker. “You walk a few guys, you start thinking about it. The sooner they can get out of their own heads and just get back to pitching and making pitches and trusting their stuff, the sooner we get over this hump.” Discount Jerseys China . Ireland was the last unbeaten side in the championship after France fell to Wales on Friday, and was favoured to end a three-match losing run to England with a side with more than twice as many caps, rampant momentum, and added incentive to celebrate Brian ODriscolls world record-tying 139th test cap. Discount Jerseys Cheap .com) - James van Riemsdyk had two goals with one assist to help the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 5-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night. https://www.discountjerseysonline.com/.C. - Steve Clifford isnt exactly singing his teams praises after the Bobcats won for the sixth time in seven games. Discount Jerseys Authentic . Already owning gold from competition in Vancouver in 2010, Loch posted a combined four-run time of 3:27.526. That included a track-record third run of 51. Discount Jerseys For Sale . Speaking with TSN 1050 following Brendan Shanahans introductory press conference, the Leafs GM also addressed the clubs perceived leadership issues and the type of working relationship that can be expected within Torontos front office.Brett Hull, St. Louis Blues (1995-96)[Credit: Hall of Fame Memorabilia]Brett Hull served as the captain of the St. Louis Blues from 1992-95, but was replaced by Shayne Corson, who signed with St. Louis prior to the 1995-96 season.Shayne Corson, St. Louis Blues (1996)[Credit: Upper Deck]Shayne Corson replaced Brett Hull as the captain of the Blues, but his time as captain – and with the Blues – didnt last very long. The team acquired Wayne Gretzky during the 1996 season and he was immediately named the captain for the remainder of the season. Trevor Linden, Vancouver Canucks (1997-98)[Credit: Vancouver Canucks]Trevor Linden was a fan favourite in Vancouver and served as the leader from 1991-97. The Canucks signed Mark Messier prior to the 1997-98 season and not only did Linden lose his captaincy to Messier, the Canucks traded Linden to the New York Islanders for Todd Bertuzzi, Bryan McCabe and a third-round draft pick that same season. Theoren Fleury, Calgary Flames (1997-98)[Credit: Flames Nation]Originally named interim captain of the Flames in 1995 because Joe Nieuwendyk refused to report to the team, his title was made permanent after Nieuwendyk was dealt to the Stars for Jarome Iginla and Corey Millen. He served as captain for two seasons before being replaced by Todd Simpson. Kevin Dineen, Carolina Hurricanes (1998-99)[Credit: Sports Ecyclopedia]Kevin Dineen was the last captain of the Hartford Whalers and the first captain of the Carolina Hurricanes. He served as Carolinas captain for only one season, before he was replaced by Keith Primeau in 1998.Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay Lightning (2000-01)[Credit: Chris OMeara/AP]Selected first overall by the Lightning in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, Lecavalier, at the time, became the youngest captain in NHL history following his sophomore season. It didnt last very long, as Lightning management decided he was too young to be a captain heading into the 2001-02 season. He was renamed team captain on September 18, 2008, and served as the teams leader until he was bought out following the 2012-13 season. Eric Lindros, Philadelphia Flyers (1999-00)[Credit: NHL Snipers]After suffering his second concussion of the year during a game in March of the 1999-00 season, Lindros criticized the teams medical staff for not properly diagnosing him with symptoms a few weeks before when he was hit. Bobby Clarke heard enough and stripped the "C" from Lindros, who sat out the rest of the year before returning for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. It was his final season in a Flyers uniform.Eric Desjardins, Philadelphia Flyers (2001-02)[Credit: Philadelphia Flyers]After Eric Lindros came Eric Desjardins. Bobby Clarke wasnt going to rename a captain during the season, but Mark Recchi, John LeClair and Desjardins (all were alternate captains at the time) thought it was important to have a leader in the locker room and voted on Desjardins to be that guy. He resigned from the role early on in 2001-02 season and was replaced by Keith Primeau.Craig Conroy, Calgary Flames (2003-04)[Credit: Calgary Flames]Late into the 2001-02 season, Craig Conroy and tough guy Bob Boughner were named co-captains of the Flames. He resumed his role the following season. Heading into the 2003-04 campaign, Conroy, like a true captain, did what was best for the organization and decided that it was time for Jarome Iginla to take over as the teams leader. Derian Hatcher, Philadelphia Flyers (2006-07)[Credit: Philadelphia Flyers]After Keith Primeau suffered a career-ending injury during the 2005-06 season, Derian Hatcher was named his replacement for the remainder of the season. That was the only time he spent as Philadelphias captain because Peter Forsberg was given the "C" the following season when Primeau officially announced his retirement.Mike Modano, Dallas Stars (2006-07)[Credit: Fan Pop]Nearing the end of his career, Modano handed the "C" over to Brenden Morrow to give him some time to try to help lead the team in the new direction they were headed. Modano remained an alternate captain with the Stars for four more seasons, before finishing off his career with the Red Wings.Patrik Elias, New Jersey Devills (2007-08)[Credit: New Jersey Devils]Patrik Elias became the first European born captain in franchise history in 2006.dddddddddddd The following season, new coach Brent Sutter had different plans and stripped Elias of the "C" and gave it to Jamie Langenbrunner instead.Scott Niedermayer, Anaheim Ducks (2007-08)[Credit: Anaheim Ducks]While Scott Niedermayer was trying to decide whether or not he should retire following his fourth championship, the Ducks didnt have any time to waste. He was suspended by the team after failing to report to training camp. He returned to the lineup in December, but it was too late, as the Ducks handed the "C" over to Chris Pronger.Chris Pronger, Anaheim Ducks (2008-09)[Credit: Canada.com]Niedermayer contemplated retirement once again heading into the 2008-09 season, but he made a decision much quicker this time around. He decided to return for another year and the Ducks gave him back the "C". Pronger returned to his role as alternate captain.Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks (2009-10)[Credit: Canada.com]When Markus Naslund signed with the New York Rangers prior to the 2008-09 season, the Canucks were in need of a new leader. General manager Mike Gillis and head coach Alain Vigneault decided on Luongo as the teams 12th captain in franchise history. He became the seventh goalie in NHL history to be named captain and the first since 1948. He was replaced by Henrik Sedin prior to the 2010 season after stating he was stepping down.Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks (2009-10)[Credit: San Jose Sharks]After four consecutive years of failing to make it past the second round of the playoffs, the Sharks decided they needed a change of leadership. Patrick Marleau was stripped of the "C" after the Sharks were eliminated by the Ducks in the first round, after finishing the season with a franchise-record 53 wins and a league-high 117 points. He was replaced by Rob Blake for the 2009-10 season. Milan Hejduk, Colorado Avalanche (2012-2013)[Credit: Denver Post]Milan Hejduk served as the Avalanches captain for the 2011-2012 season before he was replaced by Gabriel Landeskog, who surpassed Sidney Crosby as the youngest permanent captain in NHL history at 19 years, 286 days. The move was all about looking ahead for Colorado, as the 2012-13 campaign was Hejduks last. Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks (2014-15)[Credit: NHL]Joe Thornton has served as the captain of the Sharks since the 2010-11 season. Year after year theyve dominated the regular season, but have struggled come playoff time. After blowing a 3-0 series lead to the Kings in last seasons playoffs, they finally had enough. Head coach Todd McLellan and the rest of the management team have decided to let the players decide on the franchises next captain. Theres still a chance that Thornton might return as the captain this upcoming season, but we will have to wait and see. Honourable mentionsDarryl Sittler, Toronto Maple Leafs (1979)[Credit: Hockey Hall of Fame]Darryl Sittler and Leafs management didnt always see eye to eye on everything. Alan Eagleson told general manager Punch Imlach that it would cost the team $500,000 to get Sittler to waive his no-trade clause. Instead, Imlach traded one of Sitters closest friends and one of the teams top players, Lanny McDonald, to the Colorado Rockies. As a protest, Sittler ripped the "C" off his sweater, saying that the captain had to be the go-between with players and management, and he felt that he no longer had any communication with the guys upstairs. The following season, Sittler returned to the Leafs and the "C" was back on his sweater, despite Harold Ballard comparing his previous actions to burning the Canadian flag.Charlie Conway, D3 (1996)Charlie and his teammates were awarded scholarships in D3 to Eden Hall Academy, a high ranking prep school, so things changed for all of them. Having to join the varsity team, Conway lost his role as team captain, but earned it back during a timeout in the final game when coach Orion told him to go for the win if the opportunity presented itself. Sure enough, they won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Greg Goldberg that was set up by Conway. ' ' '