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| Teoscar Hernandez drove in both Blue Jays runs and scored one of those runs on a solo shot in a 3-2 loss to the Rays |
After a win over the Rays yesterday on the back of 8 shutout innings from Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were looking to win their 4th game in a row and sweep their 5th series sweep of the season. Ross Stripling was placed on the 15-day IL with a right hip strain. Righty Mitch White, acquired yesterday from the Dodgers, was optioned to AAA-ball. Righty Matt Peacock was recalled from AAA-ball. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer missed his 3rd straight game with an injured elbow. Alejandro Kirk served as DH. Could the Blue Jays win their 4th straight game and sweep their 5th series of the season? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Teoscar Hernandez doubled scoring Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
- Jalen Beeks pitching line: 1IP 2H 1R (earned) 1BB 2K 30 pitches (16 for strikes)
- The Rays tied the game in the bottom of the 3rd on a sac fly by Isaac Paredes that scored Roman Quinn
- The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 4th as Hernandez whacked a solo blast to left
- The Rays tied the game in the bottom half of the inning on a fielder's choice hit by Taylor Walls that scored Randy Arozarena
- Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 4IP 3H 2R (both earned) 1BB 5K 74 pitches (44 for strikes)
- The Rays took the lead in the bottom of the 6th as David Peralta singled scoring Jose Siri
- Jason Adams pitched a perfect 9th for his 5th save of the season
- Final score: Rays 3 Blue Jays 2
- Yusei Kikuchi started out fine, retiring the first seven batters he faced, striking out 4 of them. He then loaded the bases hitting a batter, walking a batter and allowing a hit. He escaped that inning with just one run allowed on a sac fly. The next and final inning for Kikuchi, he allowed the 1st 2 base runners to reach on singles, but retired the next 3 to escape the inning with just one run allowed. There's no question his last 2 starts have been much better and he has regained command of the fastball. He needs to remain calm and not rush himself as he did in the final 2 innings
- The bullpen held the Rays to a run on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 5 over the final 4 innings. Adam Cimber allowed 2 of the hits and walked one of the batters. Tim Mayza was the only one to retire every batter he faced
- Offensively, Teo did the damage for the Blue Jays, driving in both runs and scoring one himself on a screamer over the wall in left. Unfortunately after Teo's solo blast in the 4th, the Blue Jays had just three base runners the rest of the way and none of the three advanced past 1st base.
- Up next, the Blue Jays open a four game series in Minnesota. While the Twins won 2/3 in Toronto back on June 3-5, the Blue Jays outscored the Twins 21-20. Tomorrow's pitching matchup features Alek Manoah against Twins righty Sonny Gray
