Game #106 Toronto Blue Jays (48-58) @ Oakland A's (63-46) - game recap

Khris Davis was 3-5 with a pair of RBI and a run scored as the A's knocked off the Blue Jays 6-2

The Blue Jays said goodbye to John Axford (now an LA Dodger) and Aaron Loup (now a Philadelphia Phillie) and learned that utility infielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will miss 2-6 weeks with ankle and knee sprains. For now, Curtis Granderson remains a Blue Jay, but he could be moved in August, but now he'll have to clear waivers first. Tonight, the Blue Jays were looking to put last night's disastrous 10-1 beat-down behind them and find a way to beat the Oakland A's, who have thus far won every game in the season series. Sam Gaviglio, who can be inconsistent was on the mound. Could Sammy G lead the Blue Jays to victory? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights

• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the first as Kendrys Morales singled home Randal Grichuk
• The A's took the lead in the bottom half of the inning on a two-run single by Matt Olson that scored Nick Martini and Matt Chapman
• The A's added another run in the bottom of the 3rd as Khris Davis hit a solo shot leading off the inning to straightaway center
• Three batters later, Mark Cahna doubled scoring Olson
• Two batters later, Cahna scored on a perfectly executed double steal
• Sam Gaviglio pitching line: 2.2IP 8H 5R (all earned) 2BB 2K 74 pitches (47 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 4th as Justin Smoak smoked one to right
• The A's added another run in the bottom of the 6th as Davis singled home Chapman
• Trevor Cahill pitching line: 6IP 5H 2R (both earned) 2BB 6K 99 pitches (63 for strikes)
• Final score: A's 6 Blue Jays 2

My Take

• The bad Sammy G was pitching tonight. It's usually not a good sign when you have the bullpen warming up behind you in the top of the 2nd and your team is batting. Gaviglio could not get out of the third inning, giving up three runs on four hits and a perfectly executed double steal. Four of the first five A's batters reached base safely to start the game (the first 2 on walks).
• The Blue Jays defense continues to be a work in progress to say the least. Curtis Granderson misplayed a ground ball hit his way, allowing Marcus Semien to advance to third base on the play in the bottom of the 2nd. In the bottom of the 4th, both Luke Maile and Aledmys Diaz were unable to catch a pop up in foul territory. Giving a good team like the A's extra swings/outs/bases is going to cost you every single time. The Blue Jays offense isn't good enough to overcome runs that should never have scored because of misplays by the defense
• I guess the team meeting after last night's disastrous game didn't help today. Yes, the Blue Jays managed to limit the damage to half of what it was last night, the offensive output was largely the same and the same defensive miscues that have been hampering the team reared their ugly heads again. It is clear that the Blue Jays will have a difficult time against most teams in the league when they are at their best. The mental mistakes we are seeing, players not hustling on the base paths (Solarte) just can't happen.
• I can see more trades happening involving the Blue Jays this month. Tyler Clippard would be attractive to a playoff team looking for a veteran reliever and Curtis Granderson has had his moments in the outfield too.
• Up next, the Blue Jays look to salvage one game out of this season series as Marcus Stroman pitches against A's lefty Sean Manaea, who allowed 4 runs on 5 hits in five innings vs. the Blue Jays back on May 19. Of course, Josh Donaldson and Kevin Pillar were healthy that game and Dwight Smith Jr., Luke Maile and Richard Urena were all batting over .300. Oh well, hopefully we limit the A's to less than 10 runs.