Game #107 - Baltimore Orioles (65-41) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-48) - game recap

 

Whit Merrifield hit a solo HR in a losing effort as the Orioles doubled up on the Blue Jays 4-2

After dropping yesterday's series finale to the Angels, the Blue Jays were looking to start the week with a win against their division rivals, the Baltimore Orioles, who have won 5 of the 6 meetings in the season series this far, outscoring the Blue Jays 36-21. Jordan Hicks,  acquired in a trade with the Cardinals for a pair of minor league righties, reported to the team and was active.  Mitch White was. DFA'd to make room on the roster.  White finishes his brief Blue Jays career with an 0-6 record and a 7.60 ERA in 20 appearances (6 starts. Jay Jackson was placed on the family emergency list. Bowden Francis was recalled from AAA- ball Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the compete day off with Cavan Biggio in RF.  Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Whit Merrifield got the start at 2B. Brandon Belt served as DH. Could the Blue Jays start the week with a win? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game #107 Baltimore Orioles (64-41) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-47)

 

Game #106 - LA Angels (55-51) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-47) - game recap

Jose Berrios threw 6 solid innings in a losing effort as the Blue Jays fell to the Angels 3-2 in extra innings

 After a solid win over the Angls thanks to the offensive poweress of catcher Alejandro Kirk, the Blue Jays were looking for their 4th straight win and to complete their 7th sweep of the season. Jose Berrios got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Alejandro Kirk served as DH. Could the Blue Jays make it four straight wins and 7 series sweeps? Here is today's game recap

Game Highlights:

• The Angels opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd on a sac fly by Hunter Renfroe that scored Shohei Ohtani
• The Blue Jays tied the gamein the bottom of the 5th as Whit Merrifield singled scoring Daulton Varsho
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 6IP 1R (earned) 2BB 6K 98 pitches (65 for strikes)
• Tyler Anderson pitching line.  6.1IP 7H 1R (earned) 1BB 2K 101 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Angels took the lead in the bottom of the 10th as Renfroe hammered a 2- run bomb to left; also scoring Mike Moustakas
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Vladimir Guerrero Jr singled home Bo Bichette
• Final Score Angels 3 Blue Jays 2 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Jose Berrios was solid today, pitching 6 innings, allowing a run on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. Berrios got into some jams the first four innings,  but was able to escape them other than the sac fly run he gave up in the 3rd inning. He retired the final 7 batters he faced. I'm not sure if I would trust him pitching a playoff game as he can be inconsistent start to start. 
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2 over the last 4 innings. Genesis Cabrera continues to impress. He pitched another 1.1 perfect innings. Meanwhile,  Yimi Garcia may find himself off the team soon. He gave up a 2-run home run in the 10th inning and took the loss. With Hyun Jin Ryu and Chad Green both expected back soon (Ryu is starting Tuesday). Perhaps the Blue Jays find a trading partner that will take a chance on Garcia. 
• Offensively,  the Blue Jays had their chances,  but as has Ben the case for much of the season, the Blue Jays were unable to drive in base runners in scoring position. They were 2-16 with runners in scoring position and a combined 3-28 for the series. Output like that will not get them far in the playoffs
• Also,  they need to get the bat of George Springer going. The struggling slugger was 0-5 and struck out in the 10th with the chance to at least tie the game. 
• The trade deadline is in 2 days. At this point, the greatest need is another bullpen arm or two and another bat.
• Up next,  the Blue Jays begin a 4-game set against the Orioles who have won 5 of the 6 meetings in the season series this far, outscoring the Blue Jays 36-21. Chris Bassitt starts against Orioles righty Kyle Gibson

Game #106 Los Angeles Angels (54-51) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-46)

 

Game #105 LA Angels (54-51) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-46) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk scored three times and drove in three runs in a 6-1 win over the Angels

After a solid win on the backs of a solid effort from Kevin Gausman and Whit Merrifield leading the offense, the Blue Jays were looking to make it the straight wins and their 21st series win of the season. Jordan Romano was placed on the 15- day IL with lower back inflammation. Nate Pearson was recalled from AAA- ball.  Alek Manoah got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Like yesterday, the struggling George Springer was batting 5th with Whit Merrifield, who was in LF today,  batting leadoff. Santiago Espinal got the start at 2B and Danny Jansen served as DH. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to three games while notching their 21st series win and 12th season series win? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Angels opened the scoring in the top of the 5th on a bases loaded hit by pitch to Taylor Ward that forced in Luis Rengifo. Ward was forced to leave the game after getting hit in the face by that pitch
• Alek Manoah pitching line: 4.1IP 4H 1R (earned) 3BB 6K 82 pitches (53 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Santiago Espinal whacked a 2-run jack to left; also scoring Alejandro Kirk
• Reid Detmers pitching line: 4.2IP 3H 2R (both earned) 2BB 5K 91 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Kirk smacked a solo blast down the left field line
• Three batters later, Whit Merrifield doubled scoring Kevin Kiermaier
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 8th as Kirk hammered a 2- run bomb to the second deck in left; also scoring Danny Jansen
• Final score; Blue Jays 6 Angels 1

My Take:

• Woof, a great outing by Alek Manoah ruined by one pitch that got away from him.  The third-year righty, who is trying to rescue his 2023 season after a disastrous first half, was pitching arguably his best game of the season, allowing just four hits,  3 walks and striking out 6 up to the fateful moment where a sinker got away from him and Taylor Ward was hit in the face. The Angels left fielder left the playing field on a golf cart. It's pretty clear that Manoah is still working on his command given the three walks and 2 hit batters, including Shohei Ohtani. Manoah certainly didn't mean to hit Ward, but one hopes this incident doesn't shatter his confidence. 
• The bullpen was solid, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks (1 intentional) while striking out 9 batters over the last 4.2 innings. With Jordan Romano now out for at least 2 weeks,  it'll likely be bullpen by committee until his return. Erik Swanson and Yimi Garcia will likely be the pitchers to pitch the 9th in save situations. When Chad Green makes his debut, he could be asked to close as well.
• Alejandro Kirk had a huge day, driving in three runs and scoring three times. He also went deep in back to back innings. 
• Meanwhile, George Springer continues to struggle. The Blue Jays right fielder struck out three times times. He's now hitless in 5 games and has just 2 his in his last 10 games. Could it be that Springer is playing through an injury? 
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for their 4th straight win and 6th series sweep of the season. Jose Berrios starts against Angels lefty Tyler Anderson

Game #105 Los Angeles Angels (54-50) @ Toronto Blue Jays (58-46)

Game #104 Los Angeles Angels (54-49) @ Toronto Blue Jays (57-46) AppleTV Exclusive

 

Game #103 - Toronto Blue Jays (57-46) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (58-43) - game recap

 

Whit Merrifield scored twice and drove in 4 runs in an 8-1 rout over the Dodgers

After an ugly loss that saw the bullpen blow a 4- run 9th inning lead,  the Blue Jays were looking to end this west coast swing on a winning note while notching their 20th series win of the season and 11th season series win, the Blue Jays acquired infielder Mason Mccoy from the Mariners in exchange for reliever Trent Thornton.  McCoy is batting .234 with 11HR and 55RBI in 329AB over 87 games in AAA-ball. Thornton had a 1.69ERA in 4 appearances this season. Over 5 seasons as a Blue Jay,  Thornton was 7-14 with a 4.77 ERA in 108 appearances (35 starts). Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Danny Jansen back behind the plate after missing a couple of days after getting hit on his catching hand in Seattle. George Springer was back in the lineup and in RF after a complete day off yesterday. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Cavan Biggio was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays end the road trip with a win and get their 20th series win of the season and 11 season series win? Here is today's game recap. 

Game #103 Toronto Blue Jays (56-46) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (58-42)

 

Game #102 Toronto Blue Jays (56-45) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (57-42)

 

Game #101 Toronto Blue Jays (55-45) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (57-41)

 

Game #100 - Toronto Blue Jays (55-45) @ Seatlle Mariners (50-49) - game recap

 

Santiago Espinal drove in the winning run in a 4-3 come-from-behind win over the Mariners to snap a 6-game winless streak at T-Mobile Park 

After a heartbreaking loss due to a bad 7th inning by the bullpen and a 9th inning rally that fell just short, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 6-game losing streak at T-Mobile Park and 2-game skid overall and avoid being swept for the 5th time and their 4th season series los of the season. Genesis Cabrera was activated and Nate Pearson was optioned to AAA-ball. Alek Manoah got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Whit Merrifield was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays get their first win in Seattle since August 15, 2021, avoid being swept for the 5th time and avoid their 4th season series loss? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Mariners opened the scoring in1 the bottom of the 2nd as Mike Ford hammered a 2- run bomb to right; also scoring Cal Raleigh
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 4th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right; also scoring George Springer
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 6th as Brandon Belt belted a solo jack to right-center
• The Mariners tied the game in the bottom half of the inning as Dylan Moore singled scoring Raleigh
• Alek Manoah pitching line: 5.1IP 3H 3R (all earned) 4BB 6K 91 pitches (48 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 7th as Santiago Espinal singled scoring Whit Merrifield 
• Bryan Woo pitching line: 6IP 4H 4R (all earned) 1BB 7K 90 pitches (62 for strikes)
• Jordan Romano pitched a scoreless 9th for his 27th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Mariners 3

My Take:

• Alek Manoah had an encouraging start, pitching into the 6th inning, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits while walking 4 and striking out 6.. what I liked most about this outing is Manoah remained calm and was able to pitch out of innings after allowing a base runner. Case in point, Manoah hit a batter with two outs in the 1st inning.  He promptly got Teo to fly out to Kevin Kiermaier to end the inning.  After giving up a no diet in the 2nd inning,  he retired the next two batters to end the inning.  Manoah had his slider going and he was using that pitch effectively.  Here's hoping this outing leads to more success
• The bullpen was solid tonight giving up two hits,  walking a batter and hitting a batter.  Jordan Romano got into a jam by walking and hitting the first two hitters in the 9th.  He was able to pitch out of it with Teo on deck and waiting to burn his former team for the third straight game
• Offensively, Vlad and Brandon Belt homered for the second straight game and Santiago Espinal hit a clutch RBI single 
• Ice bags were needed for George Springer and Danny Jansen, who were both hit by pitches. Jansen had to leave the game when his hand got too sore to continue 
• It was great to see the Blue Jays get the monkey off their back and win at T-Mobile Park, which has been a house of horrors in recent years.  The last time the Blue Jays won a series in Seattle was August 2-5, when they won 3 of 4. Yours truly was at the opening game of that series. 
• Up next,  the Blue Jays head south to California,  where they will take on the Dodgers starting tomorrow night. The Dodgers swept the season series in 2019, outscoring the Blue Jays 21-6. Jose Berrios starts against Dodgers righty Michael Grove. 

Game #100 Toronto Blue Jays (54-45) @ Seattle Mariners (50-48)

 

Game #99 - Toronto Blue Jays (54-45) @ Seatlle Mariners (50-48) - game recap

 

Brandon Belt scored twice and drove in a pair of runs in a losing effort as the Mariners came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 9-8

After a heartbreaking walk of loss off the bat off ex-Blue Jays outfielder Teoscar  Hernandez, the Blue Jays were looking to snap a five game skid at T-Mobile park. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate.  Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (Brandon Belt served as DH this afternoon). Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Could the Blue Jays win in Seattle for the first time since August 15, 2021? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Mariners opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Call Raleigh whacked a solo blast to right-center
• A batter later,  Dylan Moore hammered a solo bomb to the upper deck in left
• Three batters later, Julio Rodriguez clobbered a solo jack to left
• The Blue jays got one back in the top of the 4th as Matt Chapman singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th as Kevin Kiermaier smacked a solo blast to right
• Three batters later, Brandon Belt belted a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring George Springer
• A batter later, Guerrero Jr. smashed a solo blast to left-center
• The Mariners got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Raleigh hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Logan Gilbert pitching line: 5IP 8H 5R (all earned) 1BB 5K 94 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 7th as Daulton Varsho singled scoring Belt
• A batter later, Alejandro Kirk singled home Varsho. Teoscar Hernandez was charged with a fielding error on the play
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 5H 4R (all earned) 0BB 9K 87 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Mariners got one back in the bottom of the 7th as Kolten Wong singled scoring Ty France
• A batter later, J.P. Crawford doubled scoring Moore and Wong
• Three batters later, Hernandez doubled home Crawford and Rodriguez
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th as Cavan Biggio singled scoring Matt Chapman 
• Justin Topa got the last 3 outs for his 2nd save of the season
• Final score: Mariners 9 Blue Jays 8

My Take:

• The long ball hurt Kevin Gausman, who was pitching for the first time in two weeks after missing a turn with a sore side. Four of the five hits Gausman gave up went over the wall for home runs. He started the game well enough, retiring the first six batters he faced and striking out the side in the 1st inning. Gausman seemed to lose the strike zone a bit in the 3rd inning and left three pitches in the prime hitting zone. Despite giving up four runs, Gausman left the game with a chance to win
• Unfortunately,  the bullpen could not hold the lead.  Nate Pearson and Yimi Garcia combined to give up five runs on four hits and two hit batters in a forgettable 7th inning. The normally reliable Pearson had an off day today and was charged with four of the runs. Meanwhile, Garcia could be pitching his way out of a job with Hyun Jin Ryu and Chad Green both expected to return from Tommy John surgeries in the next week or so. At any rate, don't expect Garcia to be put in a high leverage situation if he gets another chance. 
• For the second straight game, Teo burned his former team with a huge late clutch hit. A day after hitting a walk off single,  Hernandez broke the tie with a two run double down the line, more than making up for a defensive gaffe in the top half of the inning to allow the Blue Jays 7th run to score
• The Blue jays came with their hitting shoes, matching the Mariners home run fest with two dingers of their own to take a 5th inning lead
• Brandon Belt, Vlad, Chapman,  and Daulton Varsho combined to go 6-19 with 6 runs scored and 5 RBI
• The Blue Jays were 4-13 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to avoid a series sweep at T-Mobile Park for the second straight season, avoid being swept for the 4th time this season and avoid their 4th season series loss of the season. Alek Manoah starts against Mariners righty Bryan Waoo 

Game #99 Toronto Blue Jays (54-44) @ Seattle Mariners (49-48)

 

Game #98 Toronto Blue Jays (54-43) @ Seattle Mariners (48-48)

 

Game #97 - San Diego Padres (46-51) @ Toronto Blue Jays (54-43) - game recap

 

Santiago Espinal scored twice in a 4-0 shutout win over the Padres

After a tough shutout loss,  ruining a solid start by Jose Berrios, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2-game skid, avoid being swept for the 4th time this season and end the homestand with a win. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday.  George Springer got the half day off as DH today with Jordan Luplow in RF. Whit Merrifield was in LF and Santiago Espinal was at 2B.  Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid, avoid being swept for the 4th time and end the homestand on a winning note? Here is today's game recap. 

Game #97 San Diego Padres (46-50) @ Toronto Blue Jays (53-43)

Game #96 San Diego Padres (45-50) @ Toronto Blue Jays (53-42)

 

Game #95 - San Diego Padres (45-50) @ Toronto Blue Jays (53-42) - game recap

 

Matt Chapman drove in the only Blue Jays run in a 9-1 loss to the Padres

After an off-day yesterda, the Blue Jays continued their two-week stretch of games against west coast teams with a three game set against the Padres that began tonight in Toronto, In 2019, the Padres won the season series 2-1, outscoring the Blue Jays 26-17. Alek Manoah got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was in LF and Whit Merrifield was at 2B. Brandon Belt served as DH. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 5 games and start the week with a win? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game #95 San Diego Padres (44-50) @ Toronto Blue Jays (53-41)

Game #94 - Arizona Diamondbacks (52-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (53-41) - game recap

 

Danny Jansen had a clutch 3-run, bases clearing double and picked off a base runner in a 7-5
come-from-behind win over the Diamondbacks

After another win fuelled by some clutch hitting by George Springer and Whit Merrifield, the Blue Jays were going for their 4th straight win, 5th sweep, and 4th season series sweep of the season. Yusei Kikuchi got the start wirh Danny Jansen behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Santiago Espinal was at 2B. Alejandro Kirk served as DH  Could the Blue Jays make it four straight wins, 5 series sweeps and 4v season series sweeps? Here is today's game recap. 

Game #94 Arizona Diamondbacks (52-41) @ Toronto Blue Jays (52-41)

 

Game #93 - Arizona Diamondbacks (52-41) @ Toronto Blue Jays (52-41) - game recap

 

Whit Merrifield scored a pair and drove in a pair in a 5-2 victory over the Diamondbacks

After a solid win off a 5-run 7th inning rally, the Blue Jays were going for their 3rd straight win, 19th series win and 10th season series win of the season. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejanndro Kirk behind the plate.Vlad got the half day off as DH with Brandon Belt at 1B. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Whit Merrifielld was in LF. Cavan Biggio got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to three games and notch their 19th series win of the season and their 10th season series win? Here is today's game recap.

Game #93 Arizona Diamondbacks (52-40) @ Toronto Blue Jays (51-41)

Game #92 - Arizona Diamondback (52-40) @ Toronto Blue Jays (51-41) - game recap

 

Whit Merrifield drove in a pair and scored once in a 7-2 win over the Diamondbacks

After a four-day break for all-star week, the Blue Jays opened the unofficial second half of the season with a weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Daulton Varsho and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will be facing their former ball clubs after being traded for each other in the off-season. Gurriel Jr. hit .285 with 68HR and 254 RBI in 5 seasons, 468 regular season games, 1724AB. This season, he is batting ..269 with 15HR and 54 RBI in 77 games and 297AB. Varsho is batting .215 with 12HR and 30RBI. In 2019, The Diamondbacks swept the season series 3-0, outscoring the Blue Jays 22-4. George Springer and Jay Jackson were reinstated from the paternity list. Jose Berrios got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup and in RF after missing the last 2 games witnessing the birth of his child. Daulton Varsho was in LF and Whit Merrifield got the start at 2B. Brandon Belt served as DH. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and start the unofficial 2nd half with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr hammered a solo bomb to left-center
• Five batters later,  Matt Chapman scored on a sac fly double play hit by Kevin Kiermaier. Whit Merrifield was thrown out at 3rd to on the play to end the inning
• The Diamondbacks got one back in the top of the 4th on a wild pitch by Jose Berrios that scored Ketel Marte
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 5.iIP 7H 1R (earned) 1BB 4K 90 pitches (61 for strikes)
• Ryne Nelson pitching line: 5.2IP 9H 2R (1 earned) 0BB 3K 97 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Diamondbacks tied the game in the top of the 7th as Gabriel Moreno smacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning on a fielder's choice hit by Brandon Belt that scored Kiermaier
• Two batters later, Chapman doubled scoring Cavan Biggio
• A batter later, Merrifield singled scoring Chapman and Guerrero Jr
• Two batters later, Merrifield scored on a throwing error by Marte on a ball hit by Danny Jansen
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 Diamondbacks 2

My Take:

• Jose Berrios battled through 5.1 innings, giving up a run on 7 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. He got a bit fortunate in the 1st inning when the Diamondbacks ran into 2 outs with Geraldo Perdomo getting gunned down at 3rd base by Kevin Kiermaier and Whit Merrifield and Berrios picking off Corbin Caroll to end the inning. Berrios uncorked a wild pitch on the only run he allowed. He left with a chance to win
• Unfortunately, Trevor Richards gave up a solo blast to ex-Blue Jays prospect Gabriel Moreno. Nate Pearson and Jay Jackson both struck out a pair in their inning of work
• Offensively,  every Blue Jay had at least one hit
• Vlad,  Matt Chapman and Whit Merrifield combined to go 7-14 with 5 runs scored and 4RBI
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for three straight wins and 19 series wins and 10 season series wins. Kevin Gausman starts against Diamondbacks righty Zac Gallen

Game #92 Arizona Diamondbacks (52-39) @ (Toronto Blue Jays (50-41)

 

Ten random thoughts all star edition

 

We have now reached the all star break and it is now time for a look back at the first half of baseball for the Blue Jays. There was a baby boom with Chris Bassitt,  Adam Cimber and George Springer all taking time off to welcome offspring into the world. Kevin Gausman (1500K) and Trevor Richards (500K) both reached milestone in strikeouts. There were highs (Yusei Kikuchi resurrection, Bichette having another solid season) and lows    (record VS AL East,  Alek Manoah imploding). All examine all that and more in this special all star edition of my ten random thoughts. I'll catch you all Friday when play resumes against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Game #91 - Toronto Blue Jays (50-41) @ Detroit Tigers (39-50) - game recap

 

Danny Jansen hit a game-tying 2-run HR in the 9th inning of a 4-3 come-from-behind win over the Tigers

And the Blue Jays have reached the end of the unofficial 1st half of the season and the start of all star week and a much needed four days off.  After a brutal 2-0 shutout loss to the Tigers yesterday in which the Blue Jays were no hit for the 7th time in franchise history (the first time it was a combined no bitter), the Blue Jays were looking to end the first half on a winning note and also get their 18th series win and 9th season series win.  Zach Pop was reinstated from the 10- day IL and was optioned to AAA-ball. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Whit Merrifield was in LF and Santiago Espinal was at 2B. Danny Jansen served as DH. Could the Blue Jays get a win on the last day of the 1st half and notch their 18th series win and 9th season series win? Here is today's game recap. 

Game #91 Toronto Blue Jays (49-41) @ Detroit Tigers (39-49)

 

Game #90 - Toronto Blue Jays (49-41) @ Detroit Tigers (39-49) - game recap

 

Kevin Gausman threw 6 solid innings in a 2-0 shutout loss to the Tigers. It was the 7th time in franchise history that the Blue Jays have been no-hit.

After a blowout win yesterday thanks to a solid six inning effort from Alek Manoah and a combined 7 RBI from may Chapman and George Springer, the Blue Jays were going for 5 straight wins and 18 series wins and 9 season series wins. George Springer was placed on the paternity list and Nathan Lukes was recalled. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate.  Cavan Biggio was in RF. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's win. Could the Blue Jays made it 5 straight wins and 18 series wins and 9 season series wins?  Here is today's game recap

Game Highlights:

• The Tigers opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Spencer Torkelson doubled scoring Riley Green
• A batter later, Kerry Carpenter tripled home Torkelson
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 5H 2R (both earned) 2BB 7K 96 pitches (62 for strikes)
• Matt Manning pitching line: 6.2IP 0H 0R 3BB 5K 91 pitches (57 for strikes)
• Alex Lange pitched a perfect 9th for his 13th save of the season
• Final score: Tigers 2 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 6 innings giving up a pair of runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 7. You have to wonder if the soggy grind might have been a factor early on. Both pitchers had tough 1st innings. While Matt Manning was able to escape his jam without giving up a run or hit after hitting a batter and walking a batter to start the game, the Tigers scored twice on three hits and a walk in their opening inning at the plate. The weather improved and Gausman allowed just one more hit and walk the rest of the way retiring 8 in a row at one point.  Gausman finished his 1st half with a 7-5 record and a 3.03ERA over 19 starts. He will represent the Blue Jays at next week's all star game, likely pitching an inning
• The bullpen game up a walk over the final 2 innings to keep the score close 
• Offensively,  the Blue Jays did nothing.  Right off the bat they had runners on 1st and 2nd after Tigers starter Matt Manning hit a batter and walked a batter as he struggled to navigate a wet mound. All day long,  Blue Jays hitters were chasing pitches.  Would having George Springer in the lineup have made a difference?  Maybe. 
• It is the 7th time in franchise history that an opposing pitcher or pitchers has/have thrown a no bitter against the Blue Jays
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to end the unofficial 1st half on a winning note and also notch their 18th series win and 9th season series win. Chris Bassitt starts against Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal

Game #90 Toronto Blue Jays (49-40) @ Detroit Tigers (38-49)

 

Game #89 Toronto Blue Jays (48-40) @ Detroit Tigers (38-48)

 

Games #87 and 88- Toronto Blue Jays (48-40) @ Chicago White Sox (37-52) - game recap (records reflect what they were after the 2nd game)

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in a run and scored a run in the first game of today's double header and drove in a pair of runs in the second game of the double header as the Blue Jays swept the double header and season series with a 6-2 win in game 1 in 11 innings and a 5-4 come-from-behind win in the second game of today's double header

After yesterday's game was drained it,  the White Sox and Blue Jays played a double header to wrap up the season series. Jay Jackson was the 27th man for the double header. Jose Berrios started the 1st game and Yusei Kikuchi starts the 2nd grant. Alejandro Kirk was behind the plate the 1st game and Danny Jansen caught game 2 of the double header. Bo Bichette was in the field the 1st game and served a DH in the 2nd game (Santiago Espinal took his spot at SS). Vlad was DH in the 1st game and in the field for the 2nd game (Brandon Belt was at 1B in game 1). Kevin Kiermaier was in CF game 1 and Daulton Varsho was in CF game 2. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to three games and compete their 5th series sweep of the season and 5th season series so of the season? Here is/are tonight's game recap(s).

Game Highlights (1st game):

• Lance Lynn pitching line: 7IP 1H 0R 1BB 11K 102 pitches (67 for strikes)
• Jose Berrios pitching line 7IP 1H 0R 1BB 6K 89 pitches (64 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 11th as George Springer singled scoring Cavan Biggio 
• A batter later, Bo Bichette singled scoring Santiago Espinal
• A batter after that, Daulton Varsho singled home Springer
• A batter later,  Vladimir Guerrero Jr singled scoring Bichette
• Three batters later, Biggio doubled home Guerrero Jr and Matt Chapman 
• The White Sox got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Oscar Colas doubled scoring Jake Burger
• A batter later, Andrew Vaughn singled home Colas 
• Yimi Garcia got the last three outs for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 White Sox 2 (11 innings)

My Take (1st game):

• For the first seven innings, it was a pitcher's duel with both Jose Berrios and Lance Lynn both allowing a hit and a walk. Berrios threw a few less pitches since he struck out half as many batters as Lynn (6). It was easily Berrios' best start of the season and perhaps in a Blue Jays uniform. In fact, after the 3rd inning, the only other base runner Berrios had to contend with reached because of a fielding error by Cavan Biggio and Alejandro Kirk threw that baserunner out at 2nd base in short order. Berrios ends his 1st half of the season with an 8-6 record with a 3:74 ERA in 18 starts
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6 over the last 4 innings. Trevor Richards pitched two strong innings,  giving up a hit and striking out 4. Yimi Garcia recorded the last 2 outs for his 1st save of the season. He has been better of late after being one of the Blue Jays worst pitchers overall for much of the 1st half
• It was nice to see the offense rally for 6 runs in the 11th inning, Biggio was in on three of the runs, scoring the first run and driving in the last two with a double. George Springer, Bo Bichette,  Vlad and Daulton Varsho each drive in one run on RBI singles. 
• Up next, the second game of the double header. Yusei Kikuchi starts against White Sox righty Jesse Scholtens

Game Highlights (2nd game):

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Whit Merrifield whacked a solo blast to left-center
• The White Sox tied it up in the bottom of the 3rd as Tim Anderson singled scoring Andrew Benintendi
• Two batters later, Eloy Jiminez smacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right: also scoring Anderson
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 4th as Matt Chapman smacked a solo blast to left and into the White Sox bullpen
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the top of the 5th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring George Springer
• Jesse Scholtens pitching line: 4IP 11H 3R (all earned) 0BB 1K 73 pitches (48 for strikes)
• The White Sox retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning on a double play ball hit by Anderson that scored Sevy Zavala
• The Blue Jays tied it up again in the top of the 6th as Merrifield smacked a solo blast to left-center
• Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 5IP 8H 4R (all earned) 0BB 4K 78 pitches (53 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 7th as Guerrero Jr doubled scoring Bo Bichette
• Nate Pearson got the last 4 outs for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 White Sox 4

My Take (2nd game):

• It's certainly not the way Yusei Kikuchi wanted to end his 1st half. The Japanese lefty was touched up for 4 runs on 8 hits while walking none and striking out 4. There's no question that Kikuchi is having a vastly improved season after essentially pitching his way out of the rotation this time last year. In 2022, command was a big problem for Kikuchi and he struggled to pitch even 3 innings, forcing the bullpen to eat up a lot of innings. In 2022, Kikuchi threw 6 or more innings just twice in 20 starts. This year, Kikuchi has pitched into the 6th inning six times. He finishes his first half with 7-3 record and a  4.24 ERA in 18 starts. 
• The bullpen was solid, giving up just one hit over the last 4 innings. Tim Mayza, Jay Jackson and Nate Pearson each recorded 4 outs. Mayza struck out three of the batters he faced
• Offensively, the Blue Jays went yard for three of the runs and Vlad drove in a pair
• Up next, the Blue Jays head to Detroit to wrap up the unofficial first half of the season. The Blue Jays took two of three from the Tigers 3 months ago, outscoring the Tigers 14-9. Alek Manoah starts against Tigers righty Alex Faedo

Game #87 & #88 Toronto Blue Jays (46-40) @ Chicago White Sox (37-50)

 

Game #87 Toronto Blue Jays (46-40) @ Chicago White Sox (37-50)

 

Game #86- Toronto Blue Jays (46-40) @ Chicago White Sox (37-50) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit an 8th inning 2-run HR in a 4-3 come-from-behind win over the White Sox

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays hit the road for a week-long road trip that started tonight in Chicago. The Blue Jays swept the White Sox back in Toronto at the end of April, outscoring the White Sox 20-2. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was thesame as Sunday's game. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and start the week and road trip of with a win? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Whit Merrifield doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Brandon Belt
• The White Sox took the lead in the bottom of the 6th as Luis Roberts Jr bashed a 3-run blast to left-center; also scoring Tim Anderson and Andrew Benintendi
• Lucas Giolito pitching line: 6IP 4H 2R (both earned) 2BB 4K 96 pitches (58 for strikes)
• Chris Bassittc pitching line: 6IP 6H 3R (all earned) 1BB 5K 83 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 8th as Guerrero Jr.  smashed a 2- run blast to the opposite field in right; also scoring Cavan Biggio 
• Jordan Romano pitched a perfect 9th for his 25th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 White Sox 3

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt pitched 6 solid innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. Bassitt will want the pitch that Luis Roberts Jr Drilled over the wall in left-center to give the White Sox the lead, but he pitched well enough to win if the Blue Jays had given him a bit more run support.Bassitt could be a candidate to replace a pitcher on the all star roster if there's an injury. 
• The bullpen was solid today,  giving up just one hit while striking out 4 over the last 3 innings. Jordan Romano struck out the side to end the game with a bang 
• Speaking of bangs, Vlad hit a rocket to the opposite field in right to give the z Blue Jays a late lead. Whit Merrifield earlier hit a 2-run RBI double that Vlad scored on. 
• Lack of attention to detail nearly cost the Blue Jays in the 8th when George Springer allowed Tim Anderson to get a triple because Springer just kind of sat on the wall in foul territory after the ball glanced off his glove. Thankfully Erik Swanson was able to pitch out of that jam 
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for their second straight win and 17th series win of the season. Jose Berrios starts against White Sox righty Lance Lynn. 

Game #86 Toronto Blue Jays (45-40) @ Chicago White Sox (37-49)

 

Game #85- Boston Red Sox (43-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (45-40) - game recap

Brandon Belt hit a pair of solo HR in a losing effort as the Red Soz defeated the Blue Jays 5-4 to improve their record against the Blue Jays to a perfect 7-0 and also clinch the season series.

After a heartbreaking loss due to Bo Bichette blowing through a late stop sign from this base coach Luis Rivera, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2- game skid, win their first game against the Red Sox this season and end the homestand on a winning note.  Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Whit Merrifield got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays end the homestand with a win, finally win one against the Red Sox after dropping 7 straight to their AL East division rivals and snap the two- game skid? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Red Sox opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Rafael Devers singled scoring Jarren Duran
• The Blue Jays ties the game in thebottom half of the inning as Brandon Belt belted a solo jack to right
• Garrett Whitlock pitching line: 1IP 1H 1R (earned) 0BB 1K 18 pitches (11 for strikes)
• The Red Sox took the lead in the top of the 3rd as Devers singled home Duran
• The Blue Jays room the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Bo Bichette singled scoring Kevin Kiermaier and George Springer 
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5IP 5H 2R (both earned) 1BB 7K 98 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Belt belted a solo bomb to dead center
• The Red Sox got one back in the top of the 7th as Justin Turner singled scoring Duran
• A batter later, Turner scored on a ground out by Alex Verdugo. Vladimir Guerrero Jr was charged with a throwing error on the play
• The Red Sox took the lead in the top of the 9th as Verdugo hammered a solo bomb to right
• Joe Jacques pitched a perfect 9th for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Red Sox 5 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 5 innings,  hi p giving up a pair of runs on 5 hits while waking one and striking out 7. Credit the Red Sox hitters,  who did a good job of working the count, forcing Gausman to throw a ton of pitches and drive his pitch count up. Gausman let with the chance to win.  He just needed his team to help him out today.
• Sadly the bullpen blew the game for Gausman the very next inning in short order.  While Yimi Garcia was able to escape the jam Tim Mayza created by allowing a pair of base knocks in the 6th inning, Erik Swanson was not able to escape his jam. After allowing an RBI Justin Turner single, Swanson has to watch helplessly as Vlad made a bad throw across the diamond that allowed Turner to scramble home for the tying run. Closer Jordan Romano gave up the winning run on the first pitch to Alex Verdugo. 
• The offense was stymied by the Red Sox bullpen after starter Garrett Whitlock was forced to leave the game after the 1st inning.  Brandon Belt hit a pair of solo home runs,  one in the 1st inning and one in the 5th inning.  Bo Bichette drove in a pair in the 3rd inning,  then went and killed the rally by getting thrown out at 2B trying to stretch the double into a single (was there another missed stop sign?). Alejandro Kirk had a one out single in the 7th inning and that was the last base runner the Blue Jays would get with Red Sox pitchers retiring the next 8 batters in order.  Pinch runner Ernie Clement never even advanced past 1st base. 
• It's head scratching that the Blue Jays can't muster a win against the Boston Red Sox, who were a few games below .500 and dead last in the AL East and had lost five in a row coming into this series. The Blue Jays absolutely dominated the Red Sox last season,  winning 16 of the 19 games,  outscoring the Red Sox 125-55. so far this season, the Red Sox are a perfect 7-0 and have now outscored the Blue Jays 49-29. They have also clinched the season series with just two 3-game series left (August 4-6 @ Fenway Park and September 15-17 in Toronto). Really,  the Blue Jays should have won yesterday had Luis Rivera played it smart and stopped Bo Bichette. Matt Chapman, who was 2-3 on the day, was on deck and would have been facing a situation where there were runners on 2nd and 3rd with two outs, but facing a tiring Kenley Jansen, who had already thrown over twenty pitches. However,  Bichette tried to score and was out by a mile. 
• The Blue Jays preached paying attention to the little details in games and really that lack of attention to detail was why the Blue Jays lost today.  Bo Bichette hitting a single to give the Blue Jays the lead and then bring thrown out at 2nd base to kill the rally. Vlad making a bad throw to let Justin Turner score from 1st base on a groundout. Jordan Romano throwing the first pitch he threw right down the middle of the plate.
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays begin a week long road trip that begins Tuesday in Chicago. Chris Bassitt starts against White Sox righty Lucas Giolito.

Game #85 Boston Red Sox (42-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (45-39)

 

Game #84- Boston Red Sox (42-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (45-39) - game recap

 

Matt Chapman hit a 2-run HR in the 8th inning in a losing effort as the Red Sox came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 7-6

First of all, happy Canada day to everyone. After a shutout loss to the Red Sox yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and get their first win of the season against the Red Sox. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate.  Brandon Belt served as DH. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Cavan Biggio got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays send the fans home with a win on Canada Day? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as George Springer led of with a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Red Sox took the lead in the top of the 3rd as Rafael Devers hammered a 2-run bomb to left-center; also scoring Justin Turner 
• The Blue Jays did the game in the bottom half of the inning as Bo Bichette smashed a solo blast to left-center
• The Red Sox took the lead in the top of the 5th as Turner doubled scoring Rob Refsnyder
• A batter later, Devers singled home Turner
• Two batters later, a avatars Yoshida singled scoring Devers
• Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 4.1 IP 7H 5R (all earned) 2BB 7K 86 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Red Sox added a run in the top of the 6th on a sac fly by Alex Verdugo that scored Christian Arroyo
• Kutter Crawford pitching line: 5.2IP 3H 2R (both earned) 2BB 5K 74 pitches (46 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 7th on a throwing error on a pick off attempt by Red Sox pitcher Josh Winckowski that scored Matt Chapman 
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom of the 8th as Chapman smashed a 2- run blast to the opposite field in right; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 
• The Red Sox added a run in the top of the 9th as Turner smacked a solo jack to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Guerrero Jr singled scoring scoring. Bichette was thrown out trying to score the tying run on the play to end the game
• Kenley Jansen got the last 4 outs for his 17th save of the season
• Final score Red Sox 7 Blue Jays 6

My Take:

• Yusei Kikuchi battled through 4.1 innings, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits while walking two and striking out 7. There were signs he was a bit of right from the get-go. Kikuchi walked the first batter of the game on four pitches.  He was just missing on other pitches as well.  He pitched in an out of jams all day.  Hopefully his next start goes better so he can end the unofficial first half on a positive note. 
• With the Blue Jays offense chipping away at the lead to turn a 4-ru deficit into a one-run deficit, the Blue Jays needed Erik Swanson to hold the Red Sox. Alas, he gave up a solo blast to Justin Turner and that turned out to be the difference in the game. Trevor Richards also gave up a run scoring single. Yimi Garcia appears to have figured things out. He had a dominant 1-2-3 inning in the 8th inning
• Offensively, George Springer started the Canada Day festivities with a banf and may have inadvertently caused the loss by waving Bo Bichette home. Matt Chapman had a huge 2-run HR in the 8th to get the Blue Jays within a run. Cavan Biggio JUST missed giving the Blue Jays the lead with a line drive that just went foul. Unfortunately he struck out to end the inning.
• Not paying attention to the little details cost the Blue Jays big time today. Luis Rivera should have stopped Bo Bichette WAY sooner as Vlad hit the ball sharply and right at Alex Verdugo, who gunned a strike to Connor Wong, who fielded it perfectly and had plenty of time to slide over and tag Bichette out. Matt Chapman was on deck and very likely would have tied the game. Danny Jansen also dropped a pop fly, but made up for the brain cramp with a later catch near the screen behind home plate 
• The Blue Jays are now 16-28 in Canada Day games. There was no Canada day in 1981 (lockout), 1993 (off-day) and 2020 (pandemic - season did not start unril July 24
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to avoid being swept by the Red Sox forbthe second time this season and swept for the 4th time this season. Kevin Gausman starts against Red Sox righty Garrett Whitlock.

Game #84 Boston Red Sox (41-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (45-38)