After an ugly loss to the Rays on two bad innings from Blue Jays pitchers, the Blue Jays were looking ahead to the rematch against the Twins after the winning two of three in Toronto a week ago and outscoring the Twins 14-12. Charlie Montoyo served his automatic one-game suspension from Borucki getting tossed and coach John Schneider served as manager tonight. Taylor Saucedo was optioned to AAA with Thomas Hatch getting recalled. Breyvic Valera was reinstated from the COVID-19 IL. Jake Lamb was DFA'd. Steven Matz got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Randal Grichuk was in CF and Valera was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays start the final road series of the season with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. doubled scoring Teoscar Hernandez
- The Twins tied the game in the bottom of the 3rd as Jorge Polanco singled scoring Byron Buxton
- Two batters later, Mitch Magiver singled home Polanco
- The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 4th as Teoscar Hernandez whacked a moonshot to left
- Steven Matz pitching line: 3IP 7H 2R (both earned) 2BB 6K 80 pitches (57 for strikes)
- The Twins retook the lead in the bottom of the 5th on a ground out by Luis Arraez that scored Josh Donaldson
- Three batters later, Nick Gordon anniilated a 3-run bomb to right-center; also scoring Mitch Garver and Brent Rooker.
- Michael Pineda pitching line: 5IP 8H 2R (both earned) 1BB 2K 78 pitches (54 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays lost 2 players to injury three batters apart in the 5th inning. First, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was spiked by Randal Grichuk as the latter threw the ball back into play. Gurriel Jr. left the game for precautionary x-rays and needed stitches. Three batters later, Thomas Hatch had to leave the game with hamstring tightness.
- The Twins added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Gordon singled scoring Rooker
- Ralph Garza Jr. threw a perfect 9th for his 1st save of the season
- Final score: Twins 7 Blue Jays 2
My Take:
- Steven Matz had an effectively wid night, throwing 80 pitches and getting just nine outs. Matz gave up 2 runs on 7 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. He actually didn't have any full-counts, but it took him 9 pitches before Buxton rapped a single. He also had several 5- and 6-pitch AB which drove the pitch count up. Unfortunate given the bullpen had a heavy use day yesterday.
- While the injuries to Gurriel Jr. and Hatch are concerning, Gurriel Jr. should miss minimal time, as long as his hand doesn't balloon on him overnight.. Hatch could miss the balance of the season and playoffs, unless the Blue Jays go deep into the post-season.
- Maybe not the best place to use Julian Merryweather, who was immediately taken yard for three runs. You also have to wonder why Adam Cimber came into a lost game. Save him for tomorrow and let one of your lower leverage guys pitch the last inning
- The Blue Jays had plenty of opportunity to drive in runs, but could do nothing with it. They were 2-8 with runners in scoring position
- Every starter, except George Springer had at least one hit
- In terms of the WC race, it was a missed opportunity for the Blue Jays, who had the opportunity to get into a tie for the 2nd WC spot with the idle Yankees. Instead, they are a game back of the 2nd WC spot, and the Mariners, who won today, are a game back of the Blue Jays
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2-game skid. Jose Berrios starts against Twins righty Bailey Ober
