"I was able to establish the fastball and I think really kept them uncomfortable," Collmenter said.
Several of the Blue Jays had hit him hard in the past, and Weaver had to concentrate on establishing the fastball inside to a mostly left-handed lineup.
The Blue Jays were also the opponent when Chamberlain made his major league debut, on Aug. 7. Chamberlain has faced the Jays six times, covering nine innings, without allowing a run and striking out 14. Chamberlain said his approach would be no different than relieving: establish the fastball, then pitch off the fastball.
So Thole signaled for an inside fastball: "He established the inside of the plate very well, so there was no question that's where I was going.
It's like a pitcher learning to take something off his fastball, changing speeds to make the fastball more effective.
He began the game with his usual approach, looking to establish his fastball and complement it with his forkball, but Cleveland scored a run in the first inning and two more in the third.
"I try to establish my fastball inside.
"We need him to establish his fastball in and out, and he did that".
"Being a starter and a four-pitch guy my whole career, you have to establish your fastball, curve, slider and changeup," Blanton said.
Johnson had said he needed to establish his inside fastball to beat the Mets.
