After dropping the second game of the series on a subpar performance from Yusei Kikuchi, who continues to struggle with his command, the Blue Jays were looking to take the lead in the series. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Teoscar Hernandez got the half day off as DH with Raimel Tapia in RF. Santiago Espinal was back at 2B after the day off yesterday. Could the Blue Jays take the lead in the 4-gsame series and set up the opportunity for their 13th series win of the season Thursday? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Alejandro Kirk doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Teoscar Hernandez drilled a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Guerrero Jr.
- Two batters later, Matt Chapman hammered a 2-run bomb to the second deck in left
- The Orioles got a pair back in the top of the 4th as Adley Rutschmann smashed a 2-run blast to straightaway center; also scoring Austin Hays
- The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Guerrero Jr. belted a solo bomb to dead center
- Bruce Zimmermann pitching line. 4.2IP 11H 6R (all earned) 0 BB 2K 80 pitches (54 for strikes)
- The Orioles got one back in the top of the 7th as Ryan Mountcastle bashed a solo bomb to the second deck in left
- Jose Berrios pitching line: 7IP 3H 3R (all earned) 0BB 8K 86 pitches (64 for strikes)
- The Orioles got one back in the top of the 7th as Hays doubled home Cedric Mullins
- A batter later, Mountcastle drilled a 2- run bomb to dead center; also scoring Hays
- The Blue Jays walked it off in the 10th as Guerrero Jr. singled home Bo Bichette
- Final score: Blue Jays 7 Orioles 6
My Take:
- Jose Berrios threw 7 strong innings, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits while walking none and striking out 7. Berrios has been excellent in June, pitching at least 7 innings in all 3 starts, allowing 6 runs, walking 3 batters and striking out 26 over the 3 starts.
- A day after Trevor Richards gave up a pair of runs to put the game out of reach, Yimi Garcia coughed up a 3 run lead in the 8th inning. Adam Cimber was credited with his 7th win of the season after pitching a scoreless 10th inning. GM Ross Atkins says the Blue Jays will pursue a starter at the trade deadline with Hyun-Jin Ryu done for the year. He may add a reliever to that shopping list.
- The bats were getting the job done today, building up a 6-2 lead after 5 innings. Vlad had a big day, going 4-5 and driving in 2 (including the game winner) and scoring 3 times.
- Every Blue Jays starter except Bo Bichette (although he was on base to start the 10th after being the final out of the 9th) and George Springer reached base at least once
- Up next, the Blue Jays go for their 13th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Orioles righty Tyler Wells
