Game #32 Toronto Blue Jays (15-17) @ Texas Rangers (14-16) - game recap

Trent Thornton threw 7 shutout innings, but got the no-decision as the Blue Jays edged the Rangers 1-0 in 12 innings

After getting swept by the Angels, the Blue Jays limped into Texas trying to snap a three game losing streak. Alen Hanson was DFA'd after that colossal error that cost the Blue Jays 2 runs. Actually, he was dropped mainly because the Blue Jays needed more pitchers with a lack of reliable starter available Saturday. Trent Thornton was back on the mound still looking for his first career win. He's pitched well, but has lacked run support. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also returned to the lineup after sitting out yesterday's game. Could the Blue Jays snap the three game losing streak? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights: 

• Trent Thornton pitching line: 7IP 1H 0R 2BB 5K 102 pitches (59 for strikes)
• Mike Minor pitching line: 8IP 7H 0R 2BB 9K 116 pitches (76 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 12th as Brandon Drury scored on a sacrifice bunt by Danny Jansen
• Ken Giles pitched a scoreless 12th for his 8th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 1 Rangers 0

My Take:

• Trent Thornton pitched the best game of his career, throwing 7 innings of 1 hit ball, while allowing 2 walks and striking out 5. It's too bad that the Blue Jays bats were ice cold and could not score any runs for him.
• I loved the hustle of Vladimir Guerrero Junior to leg out an infield single in the top of the ninth. He also made a great defensive play in the bottom of the sixth snagging a hard line drive and throwing Delino DeShields at 1st base.
• How ironic that the Blue Jays win on a sacrifice bunt. Readers of this blog absolutely despise the sacrifice bunt. Guess what? The Blue Jays are now a perfect 7-0 when they have a successful sacrifice bunt. Also, the Tampa Bay Rays, poster child of the bunt, continue to lead the entire MLB with a strong 21-11 record. 
• This game never should have gone to extra innings. The Blue Jays were a paltry 1-11 with runners in scoring position. I fault the strikeouts more than I do wasting an out on a bunt.
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for the series win with a bullpen day! Thomas Pannone is expected to get the start with Sam Gaviglio likely second man up. The Rangers will counter with righty Lance Lynn.