Game #130 Toronto Blue Jays (52-78) @ LA Dodgers (85-44) - game recap

Jacob Waguespack threw 7 shutout innings in a losing effort as the LA Dodgers came from behind in the 9th to edge the Blue Jays 3-2

As expected, the Blue Jays lost the first two games of this series to the juggernaut LA Dodgers, who may be the best all-around team in the majors. The first game wasn't close (a 19-3 drubbing that saw all the big bats in the Dodgers lineup come up big. Russell Martin even played the final 2 innings at 3B and got 2AB. Richard Urena pitched the 8th for the Blue Jays. The second game was much closer and included a blown save by Kenley Jansen off an unlikely HR by Rowdy Tellez. Tonight, The Blue Jays turned to Jacob Waguespack to try and avoid the series sweep and halt the 4-game losing streak. Vlad was back in the starting lineup after most of the day off yesterday, except for 2AB's and 1 2 innings in the field. Ken Giles was placed on paternity leave with  Danny Jansen was also back behind the plate after a complete day off yesterday. Rowdy Tellez got his second straight start at 1B, presumably as a reward for the last gasp heroics to briefly delay the loss. Could the Blue Jays escape LA with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Randal Grichuk scored on a ground out by Derek Fisher
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. whacked a solo blast to left-center
• Kenta Maeda pitching line: 6IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 9K 85 pitches (57 for strikes)
• Jacob Waguespack pitching line 7IP 1H 0R 1BB 5K 95 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Dodgers tied the game in the bottom of the 9th as Cory Seagar doubled home Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy
• A batter later, Kike Hernandez singled scoring Seagar
• Final score: Dodgers 3 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Jacob Waguespack was excellent tonight firing 7 shutout innings, allowing just one hit and walking 1 and hitting a batter. If this game was being played in the American League, Waguespack might have been sent out for the top of the 8th, but his spot was due up first and Brandon Drury pinch hit for him. Waguespack gave the Blue Jays exactly what they needed after two nights when the bullpen was used to the max. Waguespack retired the final 14 batters he faced.
• The Dodgers really are like the Yankees. They toy with you to give you some semblance of hope of victory and then do what they did in the 9th inning, coming back from a 2 run defucit in a matter of three pitches. The LA Dodgers are going to be uber tough to beat 4 times in a series.
• Vlad had a strong day at the plate, going 3-4, including a solo HR for 3 of the 5 hits the Blue Jays had tonight
• Randal Grichuk and Billy McKinney had the other 2 Blue Jays hits. Waguespack also drew a 4-pitch walk in his second AB
• Up next, the Blue Jays head to Seattle looking to snap the 5 game losing streak as Trent Thornton pitches against Mariners lefty Justus Sheffield. It also starts the first day of player's weekend where everyone wears their nicknames on the backs of their jerseys.