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| Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a 3-run HR. his first HR at the Roger's Centre, in a losing effort as the A's came from behind to defest the Blue Jays 5-4 |
After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays returned home to begin a 10-day, 9-game homestand that began tonight against the Oakland A's (soon to be playing out of :Las Vegas). Last season, the Blue Jays and A's split the season series, with the A's outscoring the Blue Jays 22-19. Chris Bassitt got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was in LF. Whit Merrifield got the start at 2B. Bo Bichette was back in the lineup and at SS after missing last game with a sore thumb. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to three games? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The A's opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as JJ Bleday annihilated a 2-run bomb to the second deck in right; also scoring Tony Kemp
- Four batters later, Shea Langeliers singled scoring Aledmys Diaz
- The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 3rd as Kevin Kiermaier doubled home Danny Jansen
- Four batters later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drilled a 3-run bomb to the second deck in left-center; also scoring Kiermaier and Bo Bichette
- The A's tied the game in the top of the 5th on a sac coy by Bleday that scored Conner Capel
- Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5IP 5H 4R (all earned) 2BB 4K 83 pitches (53 for strikes)
- James Kaprielian pitching line: 6IP 6H 4R (all earned) 1BB 8K 95 pitches (67 for strikes
- The A's took the lead in the top of the 9th as Langeliers bashed a solo blast to left
- Trevor May pitched a scoreless 9th for his 4th save of the season
- Final score A's 5 Blue Jays 4
My Take:
- Not the start to the game Chris Bassitt would have wanted. The Blue Jays righty gave up 3 runs on 4 hits and a walk in the first inning. He did retire 9 of the next ten batters after that right inning. Unfortunate he gave up the tying run in his 5th and final inning
- The bullpen gave up a run on two hits and a walk while striking out four over the last four innings. Jordan Romano gave up the run and was charged with the loss. Erik Swanson struck out the side in his inning of work
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. FINALLY hit his first home run at Roger's center. The likely starting first baseman at the upcoming all star game, was tied for the lowest home run total of his career (9, which he hit in the pandemic shortened 2020 season). He's certainly had his share of bad luck with fielders making great plays. All the same, the Blue Jays need his hat to be productive if they are going to hold off the Yankees, Astros, Angels, Red Sox and Mariners for a wild card spot.
- The Blue Jays were 2-8 with runners in scoring position, including three chances to tie the game after a leadoff double in the bottom of the 9th.
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the weekend series against the A's. Jose Berrios starts against A's lefty Hogan Harris
