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| Matt Chapman scored twice and drove in a run on a solo HR in a 7-4 loss to the Orioles |
After a clutch extra-innings win over the Twins yesterday, the Blue Jays begin a 3-game set tonight in Baltimore. The Blue Jays and Orioles have split the four games in the season series with the Blue Jays outscoring the Orioles 25-23. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Whit Merrifield was in CF and Raimel Tapia was in LF. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday and Cavan Biggio was at 2B. Alejandro Kirk served as DH. Could the Blue Jays make it two wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Twins opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Ramon Urias hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Adley Rutschman and Ryan Montcastle
- The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 3rd as Cavan Biggio whacked a solo blast just over the wall in right-center
- The Orioles added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Anthony Santander smashed a solo blast to left-center and into the Orioles bullpen
- The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Matt Chapman belted a solo bomb to left
- A batter later, Mountcastle drilled a solo bomb to left
- Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 5IP 6H 5R (all earned) 3BB 4K 84 pitches (52 for strikes)
- Jordan Lyles pitching line: 5.2IP 8H 2R (both earned) 2BB 1K 103 pitches (67 for strikes)
- The Orioles added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Austin Hays crushed a solo bomb to left
- The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 8th as Raimel Tapia singled scoring Bo Bichette
- A batter later, Chapman scored on a sac fly by Danny Jansen
- The Orioles added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Mountcastle singled home Rutschman
- Felix Bautista got the last 4 outs for his 5th save of the season
- Final score: Orioles 7 Blue Jays 4
My Take:
- It was another rough outing for Yusei Kikuchi, who gave up 5 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4. Tonight, Kikuchi was all over the map. He couldn't keep the ball in the ballpark (gave up 3 HR for 5 runs, including a 3-run shot in the 1st inning, He had actually been doing better with the walks, but he walked three batters tonight. I think Kikuchi will remain in the bullpen for the year, and almost certainly would not get a roster spot in the playoffs. You also have to think the Blue Jays will go after another starting pitcher via free agency or a trade this off-season to at least give them an option if Kikuchi falters next year.
- Trent Thornton and Trevor Richards both gave up a run in the final three innings to put the game away. They should recall a lefty for the bullpen. That way they can turn a switch hitter around or get a lefty-lefty matchup
- The Blue Jays also hit a pair of home runs, unfortunately with no one on base. It was good to see the team manufacture runs as they did in the 8th with a single and sac fly
- Vlad extended his hitting streak to 19 games - still not halfway to 56
- Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Danny Jansen had at least one hit
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Alek Manoah starts against Orioles righty Kyle Bradish
