That's what I'm saying, guy…

Ricky Romero, making Canadians proud

When all hope is lost, start Ricky Romero. The Jays may have played themselves out of contention the past month or so, but they’ve gotten a big boost from the man they so ludicrously selected over .249-hitting Troy Tulowitzki a few years ago. Romero, fresh off seven shutout innings against the Phillies on Friday (Toronto’s last win, actually), posted zeros through eight this afternoon in beating the Rays 5-0 and snapping the Jays’ four-game losing skid.

Romero made quick work of Tampa Bay early, striking out six through the first four innings and later getting two key double plays to get out of jams in the seventh and eighth. Overall, the rookie surrender four hits and walked four, improving to 6-3 and lowering his ERA to 2.85. Rod Barajas, Adam Lind and Scott Rolen all hit solo shots for Toronto, who won despite not having superstar centre fielder Vernon Wells in the starting lineup.

The win means Toronto finished the homestand 4-5 — not too pretty, but still nice to head to Yankee Stadium on a winning note. The Jays play four straight afternoon games against New York, with Brian Tallet facing some guy named A.J. Burnett in the opener tomorrow.