Alejandro Kirk drove in three runs in an 11-5 come-from behind loss to the Orioles |
After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays hit the road trip that began tonight in Baltimore, the Orioles swept the Blue Jays three weeks ago in Toronto, outscoring the Blue Jays 20-10. Danny Jansen was reinstated from the IL with Tyler Heineman optioned back to AAA-ball. Adam Cimber was placed on the paternity leave and Brandon Belt was placed on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain. Ernie Clement and Bowden Francis were both recalled from AAA-ball. Chris Bassitt got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing Sunday (Alejandro Kirk served as DH tonight). Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Whit Merrifield got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimmir Guerrerio Jr. singled scoring George Springer
- The Orioles took took the lead in the bottom of the 2nd as Adam Frazier smashed a 2-run blast to right-center; also scoring Austin Hays
- The Orioles added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Ryan O'Hearn hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Anthony Santander
- Six batters later, Gunnar Henderson clobbered a grand slam to dead center; also scoring Aaron Hicks, Ramon Urias and Jorge Mateo
- Chris Bassitt pitching line: 3IP 11H 8R (all earned) 1BB 5K 77 pitches (56 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 4th as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Daulton Varsho
- The Orioles added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Hicks belted a solo bomb off the foul pole in right
- The Oroles added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Ssntander singled scoring Urias
- The Orioles added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Frazier singled home Hays
- Dean Kremer pitching line: 6IP 8H 2R (both earned) 0BB 6K 95 pitches (63 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 8th as Cavan Biggio drilled a solo bomb to right
- Four batters later, Kirk singled scoring Santiago Espinal
- The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th on a fielder's choice hit by Espinal that scored Ernie Clement
- Three batters later, Kirk singled home Biggio
- Final score: Orioles 11 Blue Jays 6
My Take:
- Chris Bassitt was lit up for 8 runs on 11 hits while walking one and striking out 5 over 3 innings. Most of the damage came in the 3rd inning when the Orioles put 6 on the board, including a grand slam. The Orioles took Bassitt deep three times overall. Just one of those nights where the starting pitcher did not have it. Happens to everyone.
- The bullpen gave up 3 more runs on 6 hits and a walk over the last 5 innings to put this one out of reach. Thomas Hatch was the only Blue Jays pitcher to not allow a run. He did not get a perfect inning though due to a fiekding error and a walk
- One thing about this Blue Jays team is they don't quit. They scored four times in the final 2 innings and had a legit chance to tie the game with the bases loaded. Alas, Danny Jansen struck out looking to end the game. the offensive heroes today were Alejandro Kirk (3 RBI) and Cavan Biggio (2 runs scored and an RBI)
- The Blue Jays were 5-16 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and notch their first win of the season against the Orioles. Jose Berrios starts against Orioles righty Kyle Bradish