Game #97 Toronto Blue Jays (36-61) @ Boston Red Sox (52-44) - game recap

Teoscar Hernandez was 2-2 with 3 runs scored and an RBI in a 5-4 loss to the Red Sox 

Both teams put up a ten spot to split the first two games of the series. The winner of tonight's game was guaranteed a split. The Blue Jays made a minor deal, acquiring righty Wilmer Font from the NY Mets. This will be Font's 3rd team this season, beginning the year with the TB Rays. He is 2-2 with a 5.20ERA in 25 appearances (3 starts) this season. He replaces Edwin Jackson, who was DFA'd yesterday. It could also mean that the injury to Clayton Richard is more significant than first thought. Also, Marcus Stroman is expected to be dealt in the next 2 weeks. As well, Ryan Borucki has yet to pitch and it's unclear how effective he'll be. Aaron Sanchez got the start. He was looking to have a similar performance as last game where he looked decent the first 4 innings before tiring and giving up 4 runs. Luke Maile got the start behind the plate as the primary catcher for Sanchez. Cavan Biggio returned to the lineup after an off-day yesterday. Could the Blue Jays take two in a row from the Bosox? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Red Sox opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Brock Holt singled home Andrew Benintendi
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 3rd as Teoscar Hernandez crushed a solo bomb to dead center
• The Red Sox took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Rafael Devers slammed a solo shot over the green monster in left-center
• The Red Sox added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 4th as Rafael Devers doubled home Mookie Betts and Christian Vazquez
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th as Hernandez crushed his second solo bomb of the game to left-center
• Aaron Sanchez pitching line: 5IP 8H 4R (all earned) 1BB 4K 99 pitches (66 for strikes)
• Eduardo Rodriguez pitching line: 6.1IP 3H 2R (both earned) 3BB 4K 99 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 8th as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. smashed a solo blast over the green monster in left
• The Red Sox added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Devers singled home Holt
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th as Gurriel Jr. singled scoring Hernandez
• Brandon Workman got the final 5 outs for his 5th save of the season
• Final score: Red Sox 5 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• As has been the case time and time, Aaron Sanchez pitched his way in and out of trouble. His command was a bit better, issuing the one walk and hitting Michael Chavis with a pitch. He also allowed 4 runs on 8 hits. His counter part threw 99 pitches as well and got through almost 2 more innings. Sanchez needs to be in the bullpen, if not this year then next year
• For the second time in three days, a late rally fell short. However, the Blue Jays likely won't have to face Brandon Workman, who was forced to throw 45 pitches to get the final five outs. The one thing I've liked about the Blue Jays is they battle late. Yes, they are now 0-53 when down after 8 innings. However, they are gaining that valuable experience and at some point they will win one of these games and be better for it
• Teoscar Hernandez (2-2, 3 runs scored, 2RBI and 2 walks) and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (2-5, a run scored and 2RBI) both had strong games. Hernandez also had an outfield assist.
• Justin Smoak got the only other Blue Jays hit. Eric Sogard, Danny Jansen and Randal Grichuk each drew a walk
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to earn a split against the Red Sox as ace Chris Sale takes to the mound. He has struggled against the blue Jays at Fenway Park. The Blue Jays will have a bullpen day, likely using SRF, newly acquired Wilmer Font or Derek Law as an opener.