Game #161 - Tampa Bay Rays (98-63) @ Toronto Blue Jays (89-72) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho drove in 3 runs and scored a run in a losing effort as the Rays came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 7-5 in 10 innings

After a resounding win over the Rays,  the Blue Jays were looking to punch their ticket into the postseason with a win.  Also,  they were looking to extend the win streak to 3 and notch their 31st series win of the season. Hyun Jin Ryu got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio in RF.  Whit Merrifield got the start at 2B.  Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games,  notch their 31st series win of the season and clinch a spot in the post season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Rays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Isaac Paredes singled scoring Randy Arozarena
• Shawn Armstrong pitching line: 1IP 0H 0R 2BB 0K 23 pitches (12 for strikes)
• The Rays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Josh Lowe doubled scoring Harold Ramirez
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in right
• Hyun-Jin Ryu pitching line: 3IP 7H 2R (both earned) 0BB 1K 52 pitches (37 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 4th as Varsho singled scoring Alejandro Kirk and Kevin Kiermaier 
• A batter later, George Springer singled home Whit Merrifield
• The Rays tied the game in the top of the 5th as Ramirez smashed a 2-run jack to left-center; also scoring Arozarena
• The Rays took the lead in the top of the 10th as Taylor Walls singled scoring Oslevis Basabe and Lowe 
• A batter later, Junior Caminero legged out an infield singled that plated Raimel Tapia
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Bo Bichette doubled scoring Cavan Biggio
• Final score: Rays 7 Blue Jays 5

My Take:

• Hyun-Jin Ryu battled through 3 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 7 hits while walking none and striking out 1. In what was likely his last appearance in a Blue Jays uniform, Hyun-Jin Ryu  was knocked around by the Rays, who got three straight hits in the 1st inning for a 1-0 lead before Ryu retired the next two batters to escape the jam. If this was his last appearance for the Blue Jays, Ryu finishes with a 24-15 regular season record and a solid 3.95 ERA over 59 starts. His lone postseason start for the Blue Jays was a disaster, lasting just 1.2 innings against the Rays, allowing 7 runs (3 earned). He has shown enough in the last month of the season that some team will tajke a chance on him. 
• The bullpen gave up 5 runs (4 earned) on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4 over the last 7 innings. Interesting move swapping the two Jordans (typical closer Romano came in for the 8th inning and Jordan Hicks was tasked with trying to give the Blue Jays a chance to walk it off in the 9th and 10th innings). Romano did his job and Hicks did in the 9th too, but not the 10th inning. Also Hicks threw a lot of pitches and now may not be available in what could be a must win regular season finale..
• Offensively, the Blue Jays came back and took the lead thanks to Daulton Varsho, who drove in 3 runs and scored one on a solo bomb to the second deck in right. Unfortunately, the Blue Jays weren't able to tack on any insurance runs or take the lead in the bottom of the 9th. Bichette did knock one in with an RBI double in the 10th, but the Blue Jays could not come any closer.\
• The Blue Jays were 3-13 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the WC race, the Mariners lose tonight and the Blue Jays clinch a playoff spot. If the Mariners and Astros win, the Astros and Rangers would be tied for top spot in the AL West and the Mariners would be a half game behind for the last WC spot.
• Up next, the last game of the regular season. If the Mariners win, Kevin Gausman would start. The Rays have not named their starter either.

Game #161 Tampa Bay Rays (97-63) @ Toronto Blue Jays (89-71)

 

Game #160 - Tampa Bay Rays (97-63) @ Toronto Blue Jays (89-71) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk drove in 3 runs and scored once in an 11-4 rout over the Rays

After a shutout win over the Yankees, the Blue Jays were looking to make it two straight wins and inch ever closer to clinching a wild card spot. They were taking on the Rays with whom they split the first 10 games of the season series, outscoring the Rays  63-47. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as last night. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins.

Game #160 Tampa Bay Rays (97-62) @ Toronto Blue Jays (88-71)

 

Game #159 New York Yankees (81-77) @ Toronto Blue Jays (87-71)

 

Game #158 - New York Yankees (81-77) @ Toronto Blue Jays (87-71) - game recap

 

Brandon Belt had both Blue Jays hits in a 6-0 shutout loss to the Yankees

After dropping one late yesterday,  the Blue Jays were looking to even both the series and season series tonight. Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Whit Merrifield was in LF and the rest of the lineup was the same as last night. Could the Blue Jays even the series and set up a runner match for basing rights next season? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game #158 New York Yankees (80-77) @ Toronto Blue Jays (87-70)

Game #157 New York Yankees (79-77) @ Toronto Blue Jays (87-69)

 

Game #156 - Toronto Blue Jays (87-69) @ Tampa Bay Rays (95-62) - game recap

George Springer hit a 3-run inside-the-park home run in a 9-5 come-from-behind win over the Rays

 

After a heartbreaking walk off loss due to Jordan Romano just not having it, the Blue Jays were going for their 29th series win of the season and trying to end the road portion of the regular season schedule on a winning note. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Vlad got the half day as DH with Cavan Biggio. Whit Merrifield got the start at 2B.  Could the Blue Jays notch their 29th series win and end the road portion of the schedule with a win? 

Game #156 Toronto Blue Jays (86-69) @ Tampa Bay Rays (95-61)

 

Game #155 - Toronto Blue Jays (86-69) @ Tampa Bay Rays (95-61) - game recap

 

George Springer drove in a pair and scored once in a losing effort as the Rays came from behind to walk off the Blue Jays 7-6

After a comeback win over the Rays the Blue Jays were going for their 2nd straight win and 29th series win of the season. Hyun-Jin Ryu got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday.  George Springer got the half of the day of as DH with Cavan Biggio in RF.  Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and 29 series wins? Here is today's game recap. 

Game #155 Toronto Blue Jays (86-68) @ Tampa Bay Rays (94-61)

 

Game #154 - Toronto Blue Jays (86-68) @ Tampa Bay Rays (94-61) - game recap

 

Chris Bassitt threw 6.2 solid innings in a 6-2 comeback win over the Rays

After dropping the last game of the series yesterday, the Blue Jays began the last road series of the regular season. The Rays have won 4 of the first 7 games of the season series, but the Blue Jays outscored the Rays 42-33. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the lineup as DH after missing a couple of days with a sore knee. Cavan Biggio started at 1B. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Whit Merrifield was in LF. Santiago Espinal go the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #154 Toronto Blue Jays (85-68) @ Tampa Bay Rays (94-60)

Game #153 Toronto Blue Jays (85-67) @ New York Yankees (76-76)

 

Game #152 - Toronto Blue Jays (85-67) @ New York Yankees (76-76) - game recap

 

Kevin Gausman threw seven shutout innings in a 6-1 win over the Yankees

After a convincing win over the Yankees last night, the Blue Jays were going for their 5th straight win and 28th series win of the season. Ernie Clement was optioned to AAA-ball and Mason Mccoy was DFA'd. Cam Eden was recalled from AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate.  Vlad was given the compete day off as he deals with a sore knee culminating from the stresses of the season.  Spencer Horwitz served as DH and Cavan Biggio started for thy second straight day at 1B. Whit Merrifield got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 5 games and notch their 28th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game #152 Toronto Blue Jays (84-67) @ New York Yankees (76-75)

 

Game #151 - Toronto Blue Jays (84-65) @ New York Yankees (76-75) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette scored twice and drove in a pair of runs, including a 2-run HR in a 7-1 victory over the Yankees

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays began their final road trip of the season at Yankee Stadium. The Blue Jays are a solid 42-33 on the road. The Yankees have won 4 of the first 7 games of the season series with the Blue Jays outscoring the Yankees 25-22. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after DH'ing Sunday. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio at 1B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as George Springer led off the game with a solo jack too the opposite field in right. 
• The Yankees tied it up in the bottom half of the inning as Gleyber Torres doubled scoring Aaron Judge
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 4th as Cavan Biggio singled scoring Bo Bichette 
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 5th as Bichette whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right-center; also scoring Springer 
• Clarke Schmidt pitching line: 5IP 4H 4R (all earned) 2BB 1K 91 pitches (52 for strikes)
• Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 5IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 7K 82 pitches (50 for strikes. Left injured)
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 9th as Alejandro Kirk mashed a 2-run jack to left-center; also scoring Matt Chapman
• Four batters later, Kevin Kiermaier scored on a fielding error by Yankees SS Anthony Volpe on a ball hit by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Final score: Blue Jaus 7 Yankees 1

My Take:

• What an unfortunate potential end to the season for Yusei Kikuchi, who had to leave the game after his left upper left trapezius muscle cramped up in the 6th inning. Could this be the result of manager John Schneider constantly pulling Kikuchi (and Hyun-Jin Ryu) after five innings/~80 pitches? When Kikuchi got hurt, he had just thrown his 82nd pitch of the game. It's a shame because Kikuchi was dealing tonight, allowing a run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 7. He is a completely differrent pitcher from 2022 with a revamped delivery that has added deception to his game. Don't be surprised if the Blue Jays opt to shut Kikuchi down for the remainder of the regular season in the hopes he is healthy for a potential WC start (he would only have 1 or 2 starts left anyway with just 11 games left in the regular season after tonight's win). Kikuchi now has a single season career high 10 wins.
• The bullpen threw 4 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits, walking none and striking out 5. It was nice to see Trevor Richard throw a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. He has been struggling since he came off the IL a couple of weeks - perhaps rushed back?
• Offensively, the three 2019 graduates from the minor leagues (Vlad, Cavan Biggio and Bo Bichette) did the damage, combining for 2 runs and 3 RBI. Vlad forced an error on a hard hit ball that led to the Blue Jays final run of the day. George Springer hit his 57th career leadoff HR, (he is 2nd in MLB history behind Rickey Henderson who had 81 leadoff HR)
• Every Blue Jays starter except Vlad reached base at least once and all but Vlad and Davis Schneider had at least 1 hit.
• The Blue Jays were 2-10 with runners in scoring position.
• In terms of the WC race, the race is now between the Mariners, Astros and Rangers fighting for the AL West division title and the two losers of that race battling the Blue Jays for the last 2 wild card spots. It is almost certain to come down to the last weekend of the season with the Mariners controlling their own destiny due to playing 7x against the Rangers and 3x vs. the Astros to end the season. The Blue Jays have the tiebreaker vs. the Astros thanks to winning the season series. However, the Rangers (won season series) and the Mariners (better intradivisional record) hold the tiebreaker over the Blue Jays. The Rangers won tonight and moved to within a half game of the Astros for the AL west division title, who lost to the Orioles and are slumping at the wrong time. The Mariners were up 2-0 on the A's in the top of the 6th. If the Mariners hang on, they will be tied with the Rangers for the last WC spot, a game back of the Blue Jays for the 2nd WC spot. The Rangers have won 5 of the 6 games in the season series vs. the Mariners and would only need to win 2 of the 7 remaining games vs. the Mariners to clinch the season series and tiebreaker over the Mariners.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 5 games and notch their 29th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Yankees righty Michael King

Game #151 Toronto Blue Jays (83-67) @ New York Yankees (76-74)

 

Game #150 Boston Red Sox (74-75) @ Toronto Blue Jays (82-67)

 

Game #149 Boston Red Sox (74-74) @ Toronto Blue Jays (81-67) aka Saturday Night Spanish Guitar aka WTFJITH

 

Game #148 - Boston Red Sox (74-74) @ Toronto Blue Jays (81-67) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a 3-tun HR to lead the Blue Jays to a 3-0 shutout win over the Red Sox

After being swept and downright dominated by the Texas Rangers, the Blue Jays were looking to turn things around and snap the 4-game skid as they open a crucial weekend series against the Red Sox, who have won 7 of the 10 games in the season series thus far (all three series have resulted in series sweeps) outscoring the Blue Jays 57-54. Bowden Francis was optioned to AAA-ball and Nate Pearson was recalled from AAA-ball. Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (Davis Schneider served as DH tonight). Daulton Varsho was in LF. Cavan Biggio got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 4-game skid and start the weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game #148 Boston Red Sox (74-73) @ Toronto Blue Jays (80-67)

 

Game #147 - Texas Rangers (82-64) @ Toronto Blue Jays (80-67) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a 1st inning 2-run HR in a losing effort as the Rangers came from behind to rout the Blue Jays 9-2 

fter a terrible shutout loss to the Rangers yesterday,  the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 3- game skid and avoid being swept for the 4th time this season. Matt Chapman was reinstated from the 10- day IL and was at the hot corner. Nathan Lukes was optioned to AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio in RF. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and avoid being swept for the 4th time this season? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game #147 Texas Rangers (81-64) @ Toronto Blue Jays (80-66)

 

Game #146 - Texas Rangers (81-64) @ Toronto Blue Jays (80-66) - game recap

 

Santiago Espinal had a pait of hits in a 10-0 shutout loss to the Rangers

After a 2nd straight loss to the Rangers due to the Blue Jays bullpen giving up 3 runs and the Rangers bullpen limiting the Blue Jays offense to 3 runs, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2-game skid. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday.  Bo Bichette got the half day off as DH with Ernie Clement at SS. Santiago Espinal was at the hot corner. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Whit Merrifield was in LF. Could he Blue Jays avoid their 3rd straight loss? Here is tonight's game recap

Game Highlights:

• The Rangers opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Jonah Heim singled scoring Corey Seagar
• A batter later, Nathaniel Lowe hammered a 3- run bomb to dead center; also scoring Heim and Robbie Grossman
• The Rangers added a pair of runs in the top of the 5th as Grossman drilled a 2-run jack to left; also scoring Seagar
• Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 5IP 5H 6R (all earned) 2BB 3K 89 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Rangers added a run in the top of the 6th as Evan Carter singled scoring Lowe
• Jordan Montgomery pitching line: 7IP 4H 0R 1BB 3K 97 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Rangers added 3 runs in the top of the 9th as mitch Garver hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Carter and Grossman
• Final score: Rangers 10 Blue Jays 0

My Take: 

• Yusei Kikuchi had a rough outing giving up 6 runs on 5 his while walking 2 and striking out three. While Kikuchi threw the same number of strikes as Rangers starter Jordan Montgomery (55), that was the only common factor between the two starting pitchers tonight. The big problem for Kikuchi tonight was the inability to keep the ball in the ballpark. In fact five of the Rangers 6 runs scored of him were from two home runs (a 3- run shot in the 4th inning and a 2- run jack in the 6th inning). Kikuchi looked good in the first three innings, n retiring nine of the ten batters faced.The Rangers adjusted second time through the order, scoring 6 runs on five hits and a walk.You can bet John Schneider and Co are evaluating all the pitchers (starters and relievers) to determine who makes the playoff roster. 
• The bullpen gave up 4 runs on 6 his while walking 2 and striking out 4 over the last 4 innings. Bowden Francis gave up a run and later,  Chad Green was taken deep for 3 runs.  Genesis Cabrera had s nice bounceback effort after giving up a grand slam in the series opener. Cabrera pitched a perfect 8th inning, retiring every Baggett he faced (he was the only pitcher to do so tonight.

• Offensively,  not much to write home about tonight. Through the first seven innings,  they had five total baserunners. They managed just one more baserunner in the last 2 innings that was erased by an inning ending double play. 
• In terms of the wild card race,  the Blue Jays received no help on the scoreboard with the Mariners and Astros both winning. The Blue jays are now completely out of a playoff spot, a game behind the Mariners and 1.5 games behind the Rangers. The Astros remain a game ahead of the Rangers and 1.5 games up on HR Mariners for the AL west division title. Mother nature may have given the Blue Jays an assist with the Red Sox game getting rained out forcing their second double header this week and in a span of less than 72 hours. They will no doubt be tried by the time they get to Toronto. ,
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap a 3 game skid and avoid being swept for the 4th time this season. Kevin Gausman starts against Rangers righty Nathan Eovaldi 

Game #146 Texas Rangers (80-64) @ Toronto Blue Jays (80-65)

 

Game #145 - Texas Rangers (80-64) @ Toronto Blue Jays (80-65) - game recap

 

Cavan Biggio drove in a run and scored a run in a 6-3 loss to the Rangers 

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After a loss to the Rangers thanks to rough outings from Chris Bassitt and Genesis Cabrera,  the Blue Jays were looking to even this crucial series. Brandon Belt was placed on the 10 day IL with Kumar spine muscle spasms. Nathan Lukes was recalled from AAA- ball. Hyun-Jin Ryu got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Spencer Horwitz at 1B. Could the Blue Jays even the series against the Rangers? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game #145 Texas Rangers (79-64) @ Toronto Blue Jays (80-64)

Game #144 - Texas Rangers (79-64) @ Toronto Blue Jays (80-64) - game recap

 

Cavan Biggio drove in a pair and scored twice in a losing effort as the Rangers came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 10-4

After a huge series sweep over tbe Royals thanks some clutch hits and a dominant Royals starter suddenly going wild, the Blue Jays started a crucial week in their schedule with the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox both on the schedule. The week began with a 4-game series vs. the Rangers, who won two of three in Texas back in mid-June, outscoring the Blue Jays 16-11. Erik Swanson was reinstated from the 10 day IL. Jay Jackson was optioned back to AAA- ball.  Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Daulton Varsho was back in LF after the compete day off yesterday. Cavan Biggio was at the hot corner.  Could the Blue Jays make it four straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game #144 Texas Rangers (78-64) @ Toronto Blue Jays (80-63)

 

Game #143 - Kansas City Royals (44-100) @ Toronto Blue Jays (80-63) - game recap

 

Kevin Kiermaier hit a go-ahrad solo HR in a 5-2 comeback win over the Royals  

After a solid win yesterday thanks to the 4RBI effort from George Springer and 8 excellent innings from Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were looking for their third straight win and 15th series sweep of the season. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette was back in the lineup and served as DH. Whit Merrifield was in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it three straight wins and 15 series sweeps? Here is today's game recap.

Game #143 Kansas City Royals (44-99) @ Toronto Blue Jays (79-63)

 

Game #142 - Kansas City Royals (44-99) @ Toronto Blue Jays (79-63) - game recap

 

George Springer drove in 4 runs and homered twice in a 5-1 victory over the Royals.

After barely hanging on for the win last night, the Blue Jays were looking for their 26th series win of the season and second straight win. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider was at 2B and Ernie Clement was at SS. Spencer Horwitz served as DH. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and 26 series wins? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• James MacArthur pitching line: 2IP 0H 0R 0BB 1K 23 pitches (15 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 4th as George Springer smacked a solo blast to left- center
• The Royals tied it up in the top of the 5th as Edward Olivares belted a solo jack to left-center
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Springer singled scoring Alejandro Kirk and Daulton Varsho
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Cavan Biggio doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Springer smacked a solo jack to the opposite field in right-center and into the Royals bullpen
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 8IP 2H 1R (earned) 1BB 10K 105 pitches (76 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Royals 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman pitched 8 excellent innings, allowing a run on 2 hits while walking 1 and striking out 10. After allowing a 2nd inning leadoff walk, Gausman retired 11 in a row, before Edward Olivares took him deep for the only run against for the Royals. He finished his start off with a flourish, retiring the last 7 batters he faced, including striking out the side in the 8th inning. If only John Schneider would show the lefty starters (Yusei Kikuchi and Hyun-Jin Ryu) the same level of trust he does with Gausman, Jose Berrios and Chris Bassitt, the bullpen may be fresher and the Blue Jays may have a few more wins because the bullpen might not have blown some games due to fatigue from being overworked.
• Jordan Hicks threw a perfect 9th, throwing an efficient 7 pitches.
• George Springer did the damage offensively today, driving in 4 runs, including himself twice on a pair of solo jacks. Cavan Biggio drove in the other run on an RBI double.
• The rookie phenoms had an off-day, going a combined 1-11 with Spencer Horwitz getting the only hit on the day.
• The Blue Jays were 1-6 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays gained a half game on the Mariners, Astros, Red Sox, and Rangers with today's win. The Mariners, the only game playing at the time of the release of this recap, were down 5-4 against the Rays in the top of the 8th. A win by the Mariners woould move them back a game up on the Blue Jays for the 2nd WC spot. A Mariners loss would mean the two teams would be tied with the Mariners holding the tiebreaker on a better intradivisional record. The Red Sox game had just started, delayed 90 minutes by a rain delay, and a loss by the Red Sox would put them a near insurmountable 7 games back of the Blue Jays for the 3rd WC spot, even with the Red Sox playing in Toronto next weekend for the final three games of the season series. The Rangers and Astros were set to start their games in an hour. A Rangers win would move them 1.5 games back of the Blue Jays for the 3rd WC spot, a loss would drop the Rangers 2.5 games back of the Blue Jays with the two squads opening a 4-game series in Toronto in just over 48 hours. The Astros were hoping to solidify their lead on the AL West division title with a win. If the Mariners and Astros both win or both lose , the Astros remain a half game up on the  Mariners in the AL West. An Astros win and Mariners loss extends the lead over the Mariners to 1.5 games. A Mariners win and Astros loss means the Mariners take over top spot in the AL West by a half game. By the way, the Mariners hold the tiebreaker over the Astros having already won the season series with three games left in the season series in Seattle to open the final week of the season. In short, lots could happen in the wild card standings by the end of the night.
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for their 3rd straight win and 8th series sweep of the season. Jose Berrios starts against Royals lefty Cole Ragans.

Game #142 Kansas City Royals (44-98) @ Toronto Blue Jays (78-63)

 

Game #141 - Kansas City Royals (44-98) @ Toronto Blue Jays (78-63) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette drove in a pair and scored once in a 5-4 win over the Royals 

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays begin a crucial homestand that will feature 7 games (4 against the Texas Rangers and 3 vs. the Red Sox) that will go a long way to determining the fate of the Blue Jays season. But first, they start with the Kansas City Royals, who were the Blue Jays first series win of the season. The Blue Jays won 3 of 4 against the Royals, outscoring the Royals 18-13. Bo Bichette was reinstate from the 10 day IL and got the start at SS. Mason Mccoy was optioned back to AAA- ball. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Alejandro kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after DH'ing the last 2 games (Davis Schneider served as DH tonight). Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Cavan Biggio was at the hot corner. Whit Merrifield got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend with a win and notch their 15th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap, 

Game Highlights:

• Colin Snider pitching line: 2IP 1H 0R 1BB 1K 20 pitches (13 for strikes)
• The Royals opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Dairon Blanco whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 5IP 3H 1R (earned) 1BB 8K 88 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the bottom of the 6th as Bo Bichette doubled scoring Kevin Kiermaier 
• The Royals retook the lead in the top of the 7th as Nick Loftin tripled scoring Freddy Fermin
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom half of the inning as Bichette singled scoring Tyler Heineman
• A batter later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled home Bichette and George Springer 
• Two batters later, Ernie Clement singled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• The Royals got one back in the top of the 8th on a fielder's choice hit by Edward Olivares that scored Bobby Witt Jr.
• The Royals got one back in the top of the 9th as Salvador Perez singled scoring Kyle Isbel
• Jordan Romano got the last 4 outs for his 33rd save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Royals 4

My Take:

• Yusei Kikuchi fired 5 innings, giving up a run on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 8. John Schneider continues to just not trust Yusei Kikuchi, and quite frankly, Kikuchi has more than earned the trust to go an extra inning. Other than a mistake that went over the wall in left, Kikuchi was near flawless and did not have any particularly taxing injuries. I have no issues with having a pitcher warming up if Kikuchi is pushing 90 pitches as he was after 5 innings, but let the man start the 6th inning.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on 3 hits while walking 4 and striking out 5 over the last 4 innings. The Royals chipped away at the lead and narrowly missed tying the game or taking the lead, but Kevin Kiermaier came up with a solid running catch.. By the way, Jordan Romano was coming awful close to a balk that would have put runners on 2nd and 3rd.
• Offensively, Bo Bichette instantly impacted the game on his return from the IL, driving in 2 and scoring once. He tied the game twice with clutch hits. Vlad, struggling virtually the whole season, came up huge in the 8th with a 2-run RBI double. He also scored the 5th and final run that turned out to be the game-winning run on a clutch hit by Ernie Clement.
• Clement and Schneider are forcing management's off-season decision. Their play may mean the Blue Jays are content to let Whit Merrifield leave in free agency this winter and perhaps Matt Chapman.
• The Blue Jays were 4-13 with runners in scoring position
• Here's hoping the injury to Royals pitcher Austin Cox, who was hit by a comebacker and collapsed to the ground while running to try and cover 1st base. At first glance, the injury appears to be a potential ACL tear or an achilles tendon rupture. Hopefully it's neither and merely a bone bruise from the comebacker. Scary to watch nonetheless.
• In terms of the wild card race, the Rangers, Red Sox, Astros and Mariners all lost, meaning the Blue Jays gained a crucial game on all three. The best case scenario would see the Blue Jays sweep the Royals and the Rangers be swept by the A's. This would mean the Blue Jays would be up 3.5 games on the Rangers for the final wild card spot and would be facing a slumping Rangers team that would have lost 6 straight. The race is really between the Blue Jays, Rangers and Astros/Mariners vying for the last 2 WC spots. One of the Astros, Rangers and Mariners will be crowned AL West Champ. The Astros are up a game on the Mariners for the AL west title.
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for their 27th series win of the season and 2nd straight win. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Royals righty James MacArthur

Game #141 Kansas City Royals (44-97) @ Toronto Blue Jays (77-63)

 

Game #140 - Toronto Blue Jays (77-62) @ Oakland A's (42-97) - game recap

 

Davis Schneider hit a solo HR in a losing effort as the A's came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 5-2

After eking out a win on a late inning rally last last, the Blue Jays were going for their 4th straight win and 7th series sweep of the season. Hyun-Jin Ryu got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games and complete their 7th series sweep? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2ns as Ernie Clement singled scoring Cavan Biggio
• The A's took the lead in the bottom of the 4th as Carlos Perez whacked a 2-run jack to left; also scoring Ryan Noda
• JP Sears pitching: 5IP 4H 1R (earned) 4BB 3K 75 pitches (42 for strikes)
• Hyun-Jin Ryu pitching line: 5IP 5H 2R (boh earned) 1BB 5K 77 pitches (50 for strikes)
• The A's added 3 runs in the bottom of the 6th as Kevin Smith hammered a 3-run bomb to left-center; also scoring Jordan Diaz and Perez
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 8th as Davis Schneider bashed a solo blast to left
• Trevor May pitched a scoreless 9th for his 18 save of the season
• final score: A's 5 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Hyun-Jin Ryu pitched 5 solid innings giving up a pair of runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. Ryu retired the first seven batters he faced. He should have some interested teams contact him in the off-season as he has proven to be solid in his first few starts since returning from Tommy John surgery.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on three hits (all three runs were charged to Trevor Richards, who gave up a 3-run HR). Chad Green and Jay Jackson both threw perfect innings and cobined to strike out 3
• Offensively, the rookies did the damage with Ernie Clement driving in a run in the 2nd inning and Davs Schneider whacking a solo jack in the 8th.
• Cavan Biggio (2 hits) and Schneider (a HR and 2 walks) were the only Blue Jays batters to reach base multple times
• In terms of the WC race, the Red Sox and Rangers lost and the Mariners and Astros won. The Astros are trending up and the Rangers and Red Sox are trending down. The Blue Jays have a massive home stand looming with 4 against the Rangers, who won 2/3 against the Blue Jays earlier this season, and 3 against the Red Sox, who have won 7 of 10 with every series ending in a sweep thus far.
• Up next, the Blue Jays head home to begin a crucial 10 games in 10 day stretch. The homestand begins Friday against the Royals. The Blue Jays won three of four against the Royals waaayyy back in the opening week of the season, outscoring the Royals 18-13. Yusei Kikuchi starts for the Blue Jays. The Royals haven't set their rotation for the series.

Game #140 Toronto Blue Jays (77-62) @ Oakland Athletics (42-97)

 

Game #139 - Toronto Blue Jays (77-62) @ Oakland A's (42-97) - game recap

 

George Springer drove in 3 runs and scored once in a 7-1 win over the A's. Coupled with the Rangers' loss, the Blue Jays are now back in a WC spot, a half game ahead of the Rangers and a half game back of the Mariners for the 2nd WC spot

After hanging on to edge the A's last night, the Blue Jays were looking to stretch the win streak to 3 games, notch their 26th series win of the season and their 15th season series win of the season. Chros Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing the last couple of games. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio in RF. Whit Merrifield was in LF and Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Santiago Espinal was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays make it 3 straight wins, 26 series wins and 15 season series wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Ken Waldichuk pitching line: 6IP 3H 0R 0BB 6K 90 pitches (59 for strikes)4
• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 7th as Kevin Kiermaier singled scoring Alejjandro Kirk 
• A batter later, George Springer singled scoring Cavan Biggio and Santiago Espinal
• A batter after that, Davis Schneider dpubled home Kiemaier
• Two batters later, Springer scored on a sac fly by Whit Merrifield 
• Two batters later, Schneider was forced in by a bases loaded walk to Biggio
• The A's got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Jordan Diaz singled scoting Seth Brown
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Springer singled scoring Kiermaier 
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 8IP 7H 1R (earned) 0BB 7K 97 pitches (66 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 A's 1

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt threw 8 excellent innings, allowing a run on 7 hits while walking none and striking out 7. He retired 11 in a row at one point. Bassitt is arguably been the best Blue Jays pitcher this season and should be considered for the job of opening day starter next season and a start in the playoffs 
• Bowden Francis pitched a perfect 9th
• Offensively, the Blue Jays were stymied by A's starter Ken Waldichuk for the 1st inning, but rallied for 6 runs on 3 hits, 4 walks and a sac fly. The boys even added an insurance run in the 8th inning. George Springer (3RBI, 1 run scored), Kevin Kiermaier (2 runs scored 1RBI) and Davis Schneider and Cavan Biggio (a run scored and 1RBI each) 
• The Blue Jays were 5-13 with runners in scoring position\
• In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays are in a wild card race, surpassing the Rangers, who were clobbered by the Astros tonight (they are a half game ahead of the Rangers and boy is that 4-game series against the Rangers in Toronto next week ever getting bigger by the day). The Mariners and Red Sox both suffered walk off losses.
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for 4 straight wins and their 8th series sweep of the season. Hyun-Jin Ryu starts against A's lefty JP Sears

Game #139 Toronto Blue Jays (76-62) @ Oakland Athletics (42-96)

 

Game #138 - Toronto Blue Jays (76-62) @ Oakland A's (42-96) - game recap

 

Cavan Biggio drove in a pair and scored the winning run in a 6-5 extra innings win over the A's

After eking out a win yesterday, the Blue Jays continued the road trip in Oakland as they made their second to lasr vist to Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum as the A's prepare to relocate to Las Vegas after the 2024 season. Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Kevin Kiermaier was in CFand Daulton Varsho was in LF. Whit Merrifield got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to two games? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring on a double play ball hit by Kevin Kiermaier that scored Alejandro Kirk
• A batter later, George Springer doubled scoring Daulton Varsho
• A batter after that, Cavan Biggio singled home Springer
• Luis Medina pitching line: 4.2IP 3H 3R (all earned) 3K 70 pitches (41 for strikes)
• The A's got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Lawrence Butler hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The A's got one back in the bottom of the 6th as Ryan Noda drilled a solo bomb to right-center\
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 6IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 7K 84 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The A's tied it up in the bottom of the 7th as Jordan Diaz hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 10th as Santiago Espinal doubled scoring Mason McCoy
• Two batters later, Biggio singled scoring Espinal
• Two batters later, Biggio scored on a ground-rule double hit by Spencer Horwitz
• The A's got a pair back in the bottom half of the inning as Butler whacked a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Shea Langeliers
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 A's 5 (10 innings)

My Take:-

• Jose Berrios threw 6 strong innings, allowing a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 7. After giving up a single and walking a batter to start the game, Berrios retired 14 straight. He was removed after throwing just 84 pitches as John Schneider has zero trust with his starters
• Predictably, the first reliever gave up the tying run. Today's usage of the bullpen indicated several relievers were unavailable. Jordan Romano gave up a 2-run jack as well to make things a little close for comfort 
• Offensively, the Blue Jays had unexpected heroes: Santiago Espinal drove in the go ahead run in the 10th and scored the first insurance run. Cavan Biggio drove in a pair and scored once
• Every Blue Jays starter except Kevin Kiermaier reached base at least once
• The Blue Jays were 6-13 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the WC race, the Astros beat the Rangers, the Red Sox beat the Rays and the Mariners lost. The Blue Jays are now within a half game of the final WC spot with a 4-game set against the Rangers in a week's time looming large
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to three games and notch their 26th series win and 15th season series win of the season. Chris Bassitt starts against A's lefty Ken Waldichuk

Game #138 Toronto Blue Jays (75-62) @ Oakland Athletics (42-95)

 

Game #137 - Toronto Blue Jays (75-62) @ Colorado Rockies (50-86) - game recap

  

Whit Merrifield drove in the winning run in a 7-5 come-from-behind win over the Rockies

After a heartbreaking loss yesterday due to a late game rally falling short,  the Blue Jays were going for their 25th series win and 14th season series win of the season. Ace Kevin Gausman got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate.  Vlad got the half day off as DH with Spencer Horwitz at 1B (Brandon Belt was originally in the lineup at 1B but was removed last minute due to lower back tightness). Daulton Varsho was in CF and Whit Merrifield was in LF.  Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Cavan Biggio was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays notch their 25th series win and 14th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. bashed a solo jack to left
• The Rockies tied the game in the bottom half of the inning as Ryan McMahon doubled scoring Ezequiel Tovar
• A batter later, Nolan Jones singled home McMahon
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 4th as Spencer Horwitz whacked a solo bomb to right-center for his first career home run
• The Rockies retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Hunter Goodman doubled scoring Montero
• Chase Anderson pitching line: 4IP 4H 2R (both earned) 2BB 3K 66 pitches (39 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 5th as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Cavan Biggio. Guerrero Jr. advanced to 2nd base on a throwing error by Jones
• A batter later, Davis Schneider doubled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• A batter after that, Horwitz singled home Schneider
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 4IP 6H 3R (all earned) 3BB 5K 67 pitches (40 for strikes)
• The Rockies ties the game in the bottom half of the inning as Goodman doubled scoring Brendan Rodgers and Montero
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 9th as Whit Merrifield singled scoring Mason McCoy
• A batter later, Ernie Clement singled home Horwitz
• Jordan Romano pitched a perfect 9th for his 32nd save of the season.
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 Rockies 5

My Take:

• It was a rain-shortened start for Kevin Gausman, who threw 4 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 5. After the hour long rain delay, both teams elected to turn to their bullpens. Gausman retired the side in order in the 1st inning, walked a couple of batters in the 2nd inning, allowed a pair of runs on 4 hits in the 3rd innning and gave up a 3rd run in the 4th inning on a pair of hits and a walk. In short, he was pitching in and out of jams most of the day. At least he should be pretty fresh for his next start at home against KC.
• The bullpen gave up 2 runs on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6 over the last 5 innings. Chad Green, who looked much better after a shaky first outing in a Blue Jays uniform Friday night, was credited with the win. A rested Jordan Romano finished the game off with an efficient 12 pitches. Jordan Hicks and Tim Mayza also retired every batter they faced.
• Offensively, the kids did much of the damage today once again with Davis Schneider, Spencer Horwitz and Ernie Clement combining to go 7-13 with 3 runs scored and 4 RBI. Schneider and Horwitz each drew a walk. For Clement, the defense is still a work in progress.
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is an enigma this season. He showed flashes of his all-star self with a mammoth bomb in the 3rd inning, then nearly ran into an out in the next inning after he got caught admiring what he thought was a home run and then tried to make up for the gaffe by hustling to 2nd base after a throwing error. He was nearly tagged out. Guerrero Jr. needs to start taking the game seriously and playing hard on every play, Otherwise, he could cost the Blue Jays a crucial win down the stretch. After this coming week, the remaining schedule is primarily against AL East teams and the Texas Rangers. Every team but the Yankees are vying for a wild card spot and still very much in the race.
• Speaking of the Wild card race, the Rangers and Red Sox both won and the Mariners lost. The Astros had an early lead in the late game vs. the Yankees (even the Yankees kind of have something to play for - avoiding a .500 or worse record). The Blue Jays remain 1.5 games back of the Rangers for the final WC spot. If Houston wins, they will be 2.5 games up on the Blue Jays. The Red Sox remain 4 games back of the Blue Jays
• Up next, the Blue Jays head west to take on the worst team in baseball - the Oakland A's. The Blue Jays took 2 of 3 from the A's back in June, outscoring the A's 23-9. Jose Berrios starts against A's lefty Ken Waldichuk.

Game #137 Toronto Blue Jays (74-62) @ Colorado Rockies (50-85)

 

Game #136 - Toronto Blue Jays (74-62) @ Coloraddo Rockies (50-85) - game recap

 

George Springer scored twice in a losing effort as the Rockies came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 8-7

After a huge win where the Blue Jays finally gained a game in the wild card standings with every team around them losing yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games, notch their 25th series win and 14th season series win of the season. Danny Jansen was placed on the 10 day IL with a right middle finger fracture and Tyler Heineman was recalled from AAA-ball. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Santiago Espinal was at the hot corner and Davis Schneider served as DH. Could the Blue Jays make it three straight wins and notch their 25th series win and 14th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Whit Merrifield singled scoring George Springer
• Three batters later, Daulton Varsho singled home Merrifield 
• A batter later, Santiago Espinal singled scoring Alejandro Kirk and Ernie Clement
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 2nd as Kevin Kiermaier hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• The Rockies got a pair back in the bottom of the 2nd as Charlie Blackmon singled scoring Nolan Jones and Sean Bouchard
• The Rockies got a pair back in the bottom of the 4th as Ezequiel Tovar doubled scoring Bouchard and Elehuris Montero
• The Rockies took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Brenton Doyle tripled scoring Brendan Rodgers, Bouchard and Montero
• A batter later, Blackmon singled home Doyle
• Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 4.2IP 6H 6R (2 earned) 4BB 6K 100 pitches (54 for strikes)
• Ty Blach pitching line: 6IP 9H 5R (all earned) 3BB 2K 93 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th as Davis Schneider tripled scoring Springer
• Three batters later, Schneider scored on a wild pitch by Justin Lawrence
• Tyler Kinley got the final out for his 1st save of the season.
• Final score: Rockies 8 Blue Jays 7

My Take:

• Yusei Kikuchi had a rough night, giving up 6 runs (just 2 earned thanks to errors in the 2nd and 4th inning) on 6 hits while walking 4 and striking out 6. To be fair, Kikuchi did not get much help from the defense behind him (hence the 4 unearned runs). At the same time, he was not sharp. One wonders if part of the issue was that his regular catcher Danny Jansen was unavailable and very likely won't be back until 2024 after fracturing his middle finger last night. Tonight's start felt a bit like a typical start last season - lots of pitches thrown and lack of command. At least he kept the ball in the ballpark.
• The bullpen gave up essentially 4 runs (2 of which were charged to Kikuchi) on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4 over the last 3.2 innings. Yimi Garcia came in with runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs. After Garcia walked the first batter he faced, he gave up a bases clearing double, and an RBI doubl to give the Rockies a lead they barely hung on to in the end due to some wildness from their closer. None of the relievers were able to retire every batter they faced, but they did hold the deficit to 3 runs.
• Offensively, the Blue Jays jumped out to a 4-0 lead after one inning. Amazingly all the damage was done with 2 outs after Vlad grounded into a double play (Guerrero Jr. later grounded into an inning ending DP with the bases loaded. After the double play, the Blue Jays strung together 5 straight hits and four runs. The Blue Jays were unable to score after the 2nd inning until the 9th inning when they were fortunate to face a very wild pitcher who was struggling to throw strikes and missing badly. Callup Spencer Horwitz struck out swinging to end the game.
• The rookies are definitely turning heads and definitely giving management a good first impression. Dave Schneider started the 9th inning rally with an RBI triple (his first career triple) Ernie Clement was 1-3 with a run scored (although his 2 fielding errors extended innings that should have been over and led to 4 unearned runs). The future looks bright.
• The Blue Jays were 4-10 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the WC race, the Blue Jays received help with the Rangers (that 4-game series in Toronto in a couple of weeks is looking larger by the day), Astros and Rays all losing, so the Blue Jays remain 1.5 games back of the final WC spot. However, the Red Sox won their game and move to 4 games back of the Blue Jays (the Red Sox and Blue Jays also play three in Toronto in 2 weeks time). The Mariners, like the Blue Jays, survived a late game scare to go a game up on the Astros for top spot in the AL West.
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for their 25th series win and 14th season series win. Ace Kevin Gausman starts for the Blue Jays. The Rockies have not named a starter for the rubber match,

Game #136 Toronto Blue Jays (74-61) @ Colorado Rockies (49-85)

 

Game #135 Toronto Blue Jays (73-61) @ Colorado Rockies (49-84)

 

Game #134 - Washington Nationals (62-72) @ Toronto Blue Jays (73-61) - game recap

 

Chris Bassitt threw 8 shutout innings in a 7-0 shutout win over the Nationals

After a heartbreaking loss when a 9th inning rally fell short, the Blue Jays were looking to end the homestand on a winning note and notch their 24th series win and 14th season series win of the season.  Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off with Cavan Biggio in RF. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Whit Merrifield was in LF. Could the Blue Jays end the homestand with a win and notch their 24th series wina nd 14th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game #134 Washington Nationals (62-71) @ Toronto Blue Jays (72-61)