A day after nearly blowing a lead that would have made for an even more impressive comeback than the one they accomplished Friday (on Friday the Blue Jays scored 6 runs in the 8th to erase an 8-2 deficit and then walked it off in the 9th after Oakland retook the lead. Yesterday, the Blue Jays were up by seven runs and Soria and Romano combined to give up 5 runs without recording an out. Romano was able to retire the next three batters at least). Robbie Ray got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday except Randal Grichuk was in CF. Could the Blue Jays sweep the series and make it 4 straight wins ahead of a crucial 4-game set at Yankee stadium? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. tripled scoring Bo Bichette and Alejandro Kirk
- A batter later, Kirk scored on a ground-rule double by Randal Grichuk
- The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Marcus Semien hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in left
- Four batters later, Kirk smacked a 3-run blast to left; also scoring Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Cole Irvin pitching line: 2.1IP 8H 7R (all earned) 0BB 2K 50 pitches (37 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Bichette doubled scoring Guerrero Jr.
- Robbie Ray pitching line: 6.2IP 1H 0R 3BB 10 K 107 pitches (70 for strikes)
- Final score: Blue Jays 8 A's 0
My Take:
- Robbie Ray continues to deliver like an ace. Today, he allowed just 4 base runners (1 hit and 3 walks) while striking out 10. At this point, Ray may be the opening day starter in 2022 and will be getting a monster contract wherever he wants to play when he becomes a free agent after the 2022 season.
- The bullpen was just as sharp, combining to allow just 1 hit while striking out 4 over the final 2.1 innings
- The offense continues to rake. this time, they touched A's starter Cole Irvin for 7 runs on 8 hits over 2.1 innings. Alejandro kirk drove in three and scored twice. Lourdes tripled home a pair and Bichette scored twice and drove in a run. It will be a shame if the Blue Jays get on a roll and miss the playoffs because they get no help from other teams
- The Blue Jays were 3-15 with runners in scoring position
- Every Blue Jays starter except George Springer, Teoscar Hernandez and Breyvic Valera (drew a walk) had at least one hit.
- In terms of the wild card race, the Yankees and Orioles were tied at seven in the 7th, the Red Sox were losing and the Mariners and Diamondbacks were just getting started.
- Up next, the Blue Jays begin a crucial 8 game in 7 day road trip beginning in NY tomorrow with a holiday matinee. The Blue Jays and Yankees has split the 12 games this season with the Blue Jays outscoring the Yankees 44-42. Hyun-Jin Ryu gets the start Labor Day Monday against Yankees righty Jameson Tallon
