After dropping their 5th straight game, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the season long losing streak. They welcomed Hyun-Jin Ru and Danny Jansen back from the IL and both were in the starting lineup (Jansen got the start behind the plate). Trent Thornton and Tyler Heineman were both optioned back to AAA ball. George Springer was out of the lineup after leaving the game yesterday with an ankle injury. Raimel Tapia was in CF and batting 9th. Matt Chapman batted leadoff. Alejandro Kirk served as DH. Could the Blue Jays snap the 5-game losing streak? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 1st on a sac fly by Santiago Espinal that scored Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- The Rays tied it up in the bottom half of the inning as Yandy Diaz whacked an opposite fite solo shot to right
- Ryan Yarborough pitching line: 3.2IP 2H 1R (earned) 3BB 2K 80 pitches (46 for strikes)
- Hyun-Jin Ryu pitching line: 4.2IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 3K 71 pitches (44 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 8th as Teoscar Hernandez bashed a solo blast to dead center
- Four batters later, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. singled home Espinal
- Two batters later, Danny Jansen whacked a 2- run blast to left; also scoring Bradley Zimmer
- Final score: Blue Jays 5 Rays 1
My Take:
- Hyun-Jin Ryu had a decent start in his return from the IL, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking one and striking out 3 ove 4.2 innings. It helped that Danny Jansen, who Ryu likes pitching to most, coming off the IL today too. Ryu relies on control now more than ever. The big test will be how he feels in the morning.
- The bullpen was solid tonight, allowing just a pair of hits and a walk while striking out 4 over the final 4.1 innings. Tim Mayza was credited with the win. It was a nice bounceback from him after he gave up a pair of run scoring singles yesterday.
- It was nice to see the offence rally for 4 runs in the 8th inning. It was also nice to see Teo, who recently came off the IL, and Danny Jansen, coming off the IL today, knock balls out of the park.
- The Blue Jays still need to get more runners in scoring position and be more consistent with knocking them in. They were 1-3 with runners in scoring position tonight.
- Up next, the Blue Jays go for their first series win since taking two of three against Houston at the Rogers' Centre back on April 29-May 1. Alek Manoah starts against Rays lefty Jeffrey Springs
