Game #83 - New York Yankees (54-32) @ Toronto Blue Jays (38-45) - game recap

 

Justin Turner drove in the Blue Jays only run in an 8-1 loss to the Yankees

After responding to a blowout loss with a blowout win thanks to 6RBI from Vlad, the Blue Jays were trying to make it 2 straight wins and notch their 8th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after a half day off as DH yesterday (Justin Turner served as DH today) Bo Bichette got the complete day off with IKF at SS. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Ernie Clement got the start at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and 8 series wins? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlig

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Aaron Judge hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; alsio scoring Juan Soto 
• The Yankees added a run in the top of the 2nd as DJ LeMahieu singled scoring Ben Rice
• Three batters later, Austin Wells was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Soto 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 3rd as Justin Turner singled scoring Spencer Horwitz
• The Yankees added a ru in the top of the 5th as LeMahieu doubled scoring Gleyber Torres
• A batter later, Trent Grisham doubbled home Rice and LeMahieu 
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 4.1IP 7H 7R (all earned) 5BB 7K 107 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Yankees added a run in the top of the 6th as Rice doubled scoring Alex Verdugo
• Gerrit Cole pitching line: 5IP 3H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 90 pitches (61 for strikes)
• Final score: Yankees 8 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman was lit up for 7 runs on 7 hits while walking 5 and striking out 7 over 4.1 innings. He just didn't have it today. It's been an uneven season for Gausman, who missed the first start with an injury from spring training. You have to wonder if he's still fighting through the injury.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 5 hits while walking none and striking out 4 over the last 4.2 innings. They better pray that Romano's visit with the same doctor who recently did Alek Manoah's Tommy John surgery doesn't give the Blue Jays closer the same diagnosis or a simlar prognosis. Newcomer and sidewinder Jose Cuas was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced.
• Several streaks ended today: Vlad's three straight games with a home run and IKF's 13 game hitting streak
• The only offence today was Justin Turner's RBI single to drive in Spencer Horwitz
• Up next, the Blue Jays continue the homestand as they take on the Houston Astros tomorrow on Canada Day. The Astros won two of three in Houston waty back in the first full week of the seasion, who outscored the Blue Jays 19-2 in that series. Yariel Rodriguez starts against Astros righty Hunter Brown

Game #83 New York Yankees (53-32) @ Toronto Blue Jays (38-44)

 

Game #82 - New York Yankees (53-32) @ Toronto Blue Jays (38-44) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a home run for the 3rd straight game, collected his 800th career hit and drove in 6 runs in a 9-3 win over the Yankees

After a disastrous loss due to the bullpen imploding, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Tim Mayza was DFA'd prior to the game after failing to record an out in his last 2 appearances. He was having a career worst season with an 0-1 record with 8.03ERA in 35 starts. He finishes his Blue Jays career with a 20-8 record and a 3.87ERA in 352 appearances over 7 seasons. You have to wonder if he was playing through an injury (hopefully not his elbow again). Righty Jose Cuas was recalled from AAA-ball to take Mayza's roster spot. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Justin Turner at 1B. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and IKF was at 2B. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. Could the Blue Jays even the series? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Chris Bassitt was drilled in the forearm by a line drive off the bat of Aaron Judge in the 1st inning. He remained in the game
• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drilled a 2-run jack to the opposite field in right-center; also scoring Isiah Kiner-Falefa
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottiom of the 4th as Alejandro Kirk doubled scoring Justin Turner
• The Yankees got one back in the top of the 5th as Aaron Judge singled scoring Anthony Volpe
• Nestor Cortes pitching line: 4.1IP 7H 3R (all earned) 1BB 5K 87 pitches (53 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Kirk singled scoring George Springer
• Four batters later, Kiner-Falefa singled home Daulton Varsho
• A batter later, Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Kirk, Bo Bichette and Kiner-Falefa
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 6IP 6H 1R (unearned) 2BB 8K 94 pitches (66 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Kiner-Falefa
• The Yankees got a pair back in the top of the 9th as Austin Wells whacked a 2-run blast to right-center; also scoring Gleyber Torres
• Final score: Blue Jays 9 Yankees 3

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt survied being drilled in the pitching arm by an Aaron Judge line drive that left a clear welt on his forearm. He stayed in the game and threw 6 strong innings, giving up an unearned run on 6 hits while walking  2 and striking out 8. He retired 7 of the next 8 batters after getting hit by that line drive. Surely he'll be sore tomorrow, but hopefully he's good to go his next turn middle of next week
• There was no implosion from the bullpen this time, although newcomer Jose Cuas was taken deep for 2 runs. Zach Pop and Brendon Litlle both retired every batter they faced.
• It was the Vladdy show offensively. He homered for the 3rd straight game, got 6RBI and his 800th career hit. 
• IKF extended his hitting streak to 13 games and scored three times
• Every Blue Jays starter excepr Davis Schneider, Ernie Clement and Kevin Kiermaier had at least one hit
• The Blue Jays were 7-16 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to make it two straight wins and 8 series wins. Kevin Gausman starts against Yankees righty Gerrit Cole

Game #82 New York Yankees (53-31) @ Toronto Blue Jays (37-44)

 

Game #81 - New York Yankees (53-31) @ Toronto Blue Jays (37-44) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette scored twice in a losing effort as the Yankees came from behind to rout the Blue Jays 16-5

After a huge win over the Yankes thanks to a pair of 3-run HR off the bat of George Springer, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. IKF was at the hot corner and Spencer Horwirz got the start at 2B. Addison Barger was in LF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as George Springer singled scoring Bo Bichette
• The Yankees tied it in the top of the 4th on a ground out hit by JD Davis that scored Juan Soto
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th on a fielder's choice hit by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that scored Isiah Kiner-Falefa
• Two batters later, Bichette was forced in after Springer was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Springer was removed from the game prior to the top of the 8th as a precautionary measure. Xrays on his hand were negative
• Marcus Stroman pitching line: 4.1IP 5H 3R (all earned) 3BB 3K 88 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Yankees took the lead in the top of the 6th as Soto hammered a 3-run bomb off the basing of the 3rd deck in right; also scoring Jahmai Jones and Anthony Volpe
• Two batters later, Davis doubled scoring Aaron Judge
• A batter later, Gleyber Torres belted a 2-run jack to left-center; also scoring Davis
• Yusei Kikuchi piching line: 5IP 4H 4R (all earned) 1BB 7K 84 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Kiner-Falefa whacked a solo blast to left-center
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Guerrero Jr. smashed a so0lo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• The Yankees added a run in the top of the 8th as Alex Verdugo doubled scoring Judge. Torres was thrown out at home on the play
• A batter later, DJ LeMahieu doubled home Verdugo
• The Yankees added a pair of runs in the top of the 9th as Judge singled scoring Jones and Volpe
• A batter later, Oswaldo Cabrera singled scoring Soto
• A batter after that, Judge scored on a sac fly by Torres
• A batter later, Verdugo singled scoring Cabrera
• Two batters later, Jose Trevino doubled scoring Verdugo
• A batter later, Jones singled home Trevino
• Final score: Yankees 16 Blue Jays 5

My Take:

• Yusei Kikuchi battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking 7. Kikuchi retired the first 10 batters he faced and had perfect innings in 4 of the 6 innings he pitched in. Even though he was tagged with the loss, he was far from the worst pitcher tonight.
• That honor could be worn by every reliever but Genesis Cabrera, who retired every batter he faced. Tim Mayza faced five batters and could not retire a single one and gave up a 3-run bomb. The bullpen gave up 12 runs on 11 hits and a walk over 4 innings. Mayza could well see his time in a Blue Jays uniform coming to an end.
• Offensively, the veterans, Vlad (solo HR and 2 RBI), Bo Bichette (2 runs scored), George Springer (2 RBI) and IKF (solo HR and 2RBI) did the damage tonight
• To me, this homestand is make it or break it on the decision to buy or sell at the deadline. The Blue Jays pretty much need to sweep the next 6 games and the upcoming west coast swing that will take them to the all-star break. There has been a lot of calls to fire Ross Atkins, but that move is likely coming at the end of the season. Hitting and pitching have been the two biggest issues this season and it's likely you'll see a coach fired since the whole team can't be fired
• The Blue Jays were 1-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to retake the series lead. Chris Bassitt starts against Yankees lefty Nestor Cortes

Game #81 New York Yankees (52-31) @ Toronto Blue Jays (37-43)

 

Game #80 - New York Yankees (52-31) @ Toronto Blue Jays (37-43) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a pair of 3-run HR in a 9-2 rout over the Yankees

After an unexpected (mostly) day off due to yesterday's rubber match being suspended in the 2nd inning due to inclement weather, the Blue Jays began an 8-game home stand starting with tonight's game against the Yankees. The two teams split the first 6 games of the season series with the Yankees outscoring the Blue Jays 28-26. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was back in the lineup and in CF after missing a few days with a back injury. Davis Schneider was in LF and Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. IKF got the start at 2nd base. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Bo Bichette
• A batter later, Justin Turner singled scoring Isiah Kiner-Falefa
• A batter after that, George Springer hammered a 3-run bomb to the second deck in left; also scoring Guerrero Jr. and Turner
• The Blue Jays added a trio of runs in the bottom of the 2nd as Springer annihilated a 3-run bomb to left-center; also scoring Kiner-Falefa and Turner
• The Yankees got a pair back in the top of the 5th as Trent Grisham whacked a 2-run blast to the oppoite field in left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Oswaldo Cabrera
• Carlos Rodon pitching line: 5IP 10H 8R (all earned) 1BB 8K 107 pitches (69 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Guerrero Jr belted a solo jack to left-center
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 7IP 2H 2R (both earned) 3BB 8K 93 pitches (60 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 9 Yankees 2

My Take

• Jose Berrios fired 7 strong innings, giving up a pair of runs on 2 hits while walking 3 and striking out 8. It must have felt great for him to pitch with a 5-run cushion before he ever through a pitch and an 8-run cushion after 2 innings. He retired 9 in a row at one point. 
• The bullpen gave up a walk and a hit while striking out 3 over the last 2 innings
• The offense has really come alive the last few games. Tonight, they jumped all over Yankees lefty and ace Carlos Rondo, scoring five runs before even recording an out. The veterans, George Springer (two 3-run HR), Vlad (2 runs score, 2RBI, including a solo HR to cap the scoring) led the charge. Springer hit a milestone with his 250th career HR. Maybe a trip to Fenway park is what the Blue Jays needed to cure their hitting woes
• The Blue Jays were 5-9 with runners in scoring position 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to make it 3 straight wins. Yusei Kikuchi starts against Yankees righty Marcus Stroman

Game #80 New York Yankees (52-30) @ Toronto Blue Jays (36-43)

 

Game #80 Toronto Blue Jays (36-43) @ Boston Red Sox (43-37)

 

Game #79 - Toronto Blue Jays (36-43) @ Boston Red Sox (43-37) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in 4 runs and scored once in a 9-4 comeback win over the Red Sox

After another loss thanks to a brutal implosion from the bullpen,  the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 7-game skid. Bo Bichette was reinstated from the 10-day IL and was at SS, also batting leadoff  Steward Berroa was optioned back to AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. IKF was at the hot corner and Addison Barger was in LF.  Could the Blue Jays snap the 7-game skid?  Here is tonight's game recap

Game Highlights:

• The Red Sox opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Rafael Devers hammered a solo bomb to right-center
• Two batters later, Masataka Yoshida doubled scoring Tyler O'Neil 
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the top of the 3rd as Kevin Kiermaier singled scoring Danny Jansen and Isiah Kiner-Falefa
• Three batters later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Kiermaier and Bo Bichette 
• A batter later, Spencer Horwitz scored on a ground out hit by Justin Turner 
• A batter after that, George Sptinger whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right-center 
• Brayan Bello pitching line: 2.1IP 5H 7R (all earned) 3BB 2K 52 pitches (29 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 4th as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Kiermaier and Horwitz
• The Red Sox got a pair back in the bottom of the 6th as O'Neil belted a 2-run jack over the green monster in left; also scoring Devers
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 5H 4R (3 earned) 1BB 5K 96 pitches (64 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 9 Red Sox 4

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman threw 6 solid innings, giving up 4 runs (3 earned) on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. He dealt with baserunners in every inning but the 1st. I'm sure he's happy to finally get some run support 
• Last night, the bullpen had a 4-run cushion with 6 outs to go and they blew the save. Tonight, they had a 5-run cushion with 9 outs to go. They threw 3 shutout innings and gave up two walks, both by lefty Brandon Little. Trevor Richards and Chad Green both retired every batter they faced
• The Blue Jays put together a 7-run 3rd inning after a 5-run 6th inning last night. Vladdy (4RBI 1 run scored), George Springer (2-run HR), Spencer Horwitz (2 runs scored) and Kevin Kiermaier (2 runs scored and a run batted in)
• Every Blue Jays starter except Addison Barger reached base at least once and all but Barger, Bo Bichette and Horwitz had at least one hit
• The Blue Jays were 5-8 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try and extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 10th series win of the season. Yariel Rodriguez starts against Red Sox righty Kutter Crawford

Game #79 Toronto Blue Jays (35-44) @ Boston Red Sox (44-36)

 

Game #78 - Toronto Blue Jays (35-43) @ Boston Red Sox (43-36) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a 3-run HR in a losing effort as the Red Sox came from behind to walk off the Blue Jays 7-6

After another loss due to a comeback falling short, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the six game losing streak and exact some revenge on a Red Sox team that swept them a week ago in Toronto, outscoring the Blue Jays 18-9. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Daulton Varsho remained out with a sore back. The Blue Jays went with the same lineup that lost yesterday save for the battery (maybe to see if lineup consistency makes a difference in their fortunes?) Could the Blue Jays snap the 6-game skid and 3-game skid against the Red Sox? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Justin Turner singled scoring Isiah Kiner-Falefa
• The Red Sox took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Rafael Devers belted a 2-run jack to right; also scoring Jarren Duran
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the top of the 7th as Kevin Kiermaier singled scoan ring Addison Barger 
• Two batters later, Spencer Horwitz singled scoring Kiermaier 
• A batter later, Guerrero Jr. hammered a 3-run bomb over the green monster in right; also scoring Kiner-Falefa and Horwitz
• Tanner Houck pitching line: 6.2IP 5H 3R (2 earned) 1BB 7K 101 pitches (68 for strikes)
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 7IP 5H 2R (both earned) 1BB 2K 102 pitches (71 for strikes)
• The Red Sox got a pair back in the bottom of the 8th as David Hamilton whacked a 2-run blast to right; also scoring Durran
• Five batters later, Romy Gonzalez singled scoring Devers and Tyler O'Neill
• The Red Sox walked it off in the bottom of the 9th on an RBI single by Duran that scored Ceddanne Rafaela
• Final score: Red Sox 7 Blue Jays 6

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt threw seven strong innings, giving up a pair of runs on five hits while walking one and striking out two. Bassitt really just made the one mistake that gave the Red Sox the lead. For a while it looked like he would take the L until the offence bailed him out in the 7th inning. He deserved to win today
• The bullpen was a disaster. In the 8th inning, Nate Pearson gave up a 2-run HR, Tim Mayza came in and faced the minimal 3-batters and did not retire one batter. Zach Pop came in and gave up two runs to tie the game on the first pitch he threw. He stayed in the game for the 9th, gave up a leadoff single and that baserunner advanced on a balk and scored 4 pitches later on a walk-off single. I mean, a four run lead in the 8th should have snapped the 6-game skid. Instead, the Blue Jays are in an even deeper hole and who know when they'll win a game next given they have two more against Boston and 4 each against the Yankees and Astros.
• It was encouraging to see the 5-run rally and dscouraging to see the missed opportunity with the bases loaded in the 6th (George Springer flied out to CF to end that rally) and the Blue Jays not tacking on more runs in the 8th or scoring to retake the lead in the 9th
• The home run jacket seriously needs to be retired for good. It is doing zero to help the team win
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 7-game skid. Kevin Gausman starts against Red Sox righty Brayan Bello

Game #78 Toronto Blue Jays (35-42) @ Boston Red Sox (42-36)

 

Game #76 - Toronto Blue Jays (35-42) @ Cleveland Guardians (49-26) - game recap

 

Spencer Horwitz hit a pair of solo home runs and scored three times in a losing effort as the Guardians came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 6-5

After another troubling loss thanks to ace Jose Berrios' inability to keep the ball in the ballpark, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 5-game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd consecutive series. Orlevius Martinez was placed on the restricted list after being suspended for 80 days for using performance-enhancing drugs. Outfielder Steward Berroa was recalled from AAA-ball. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field at 1B after the half day off as DH yesterday (Justin Turner served as DH today). Davis Schneider got the start in LF with Daulton Varsho out with a lower back injury. Addison Barger was at the hot corner and Spencer Horwitz got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 5-game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd straight series? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Guererro Jr. hammered a 2-run bomb to left-center; also scoring Spencer Horwitz
• The Guardians got one back in the bottom half of the inning as David Fry singled scoring Bo Naylor
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Horwitz belted a solo bomb off the right foul pole
• The Guardians got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Daniel Schneemann singled scoting Ramirez
• A batter later, Josh Naylor was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Johnathan Rodriguez
• A batter after that, Bo Naylor scored on a double play ball hit by Brayan Rocchio
• Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 2IP 8H 4R (all earned) 1BB 3K 63 pitches (40 for strikes)
• Triston McKenzie pitching line: 3IP 3H 3R (all earned) 4BB 6K 74 pitches (41 for strikes)
• The Guardians added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Steven Kwan whacked a solo blast to right-center 
• Three batters later, Josh Naylor belted a solo jack to right-center
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th as Horwitz hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• Four batters later, Addison Barger singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Emmanuel Clase threw a scoreless 9th for his 24th save of the season
• Final score: Guardians 6 Blue Jays 5

My Take:

• It was a short game for Yusei Kikuchi with a rain delay ending his day, which likely would have only gone an inning or 2 more with 63 pitches thrown and no outs in the 3rd inning. He gave up 4 runs on 8 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3. He just wasn't able to locate his pitches today and it cost him. His next 2 starts, against the Yankees and Astros won't be any easier either 
• The bullpen gave up a further 2 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 over the last 6 innings. Trevor Richards was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced
• The Blue Jays offence is starting to turn into an all-or-nothing entity. The power is starting to come back, but they cannot drive in a baserunner if their lives depended on it. Spencer Horwitz contributed a pair of dingers and Vladdy got things started with a bomb. When it mattered most, the Blue Jays failed and that's why they lost.
• The Blue Jays were 1-9 with runners in scoring position and 1-15 with runners in scoring position all weekend.
• Up next, the Blue Jays head to Boston looking to snap the 6-game skid and exact revenge on the Red Sox, who swept the Blue Jays in Toronto a week ago, outscoring the Blue Jays 18-9. Chris Bassitt gets the start against Red Sox righty Tanner Houck.

Game #77 Toronto Blue Jays (35-41) @ Cleveland Guardians (48-26)

 

Game #75 - Toronto Blue Jays (35-41) @ Cleveland Guardians (48-26) - game recap

 

Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit a pair of solo HR in a losing effort as the Guardians came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 6-3

After an ugly loss yesterday after a brutal 7-run inning from the Guardians, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 4 game skid and avoid their 12th series loss of the season. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Spencer Horwitz at 1B. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays snap the 4-game skid and avoid their 12th series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as avis Schneider whaked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center 
• The Guardians took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Bo Naylor hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Will Brennan
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 3rd as Isiah Kiner-Falefa drilled a solo jack to left-center
• The Guardians retook the lead in the bottomm half of the inning as Jose Ramirez belted a 2-run bomb to right; also scoring Andres Gimenez
• The Guardians added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Steven Kwan hammered a solo bomb to right
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 5IP 6H 5R (all earned) 1BB 3K 86 pitches (54 for strikes)
• Ben Lively pitching line: 5.2IP 3H 2R (both earned) 2BB 4K 82 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Guardians added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Daniel Schneemann drilled a solo bomb to right-center 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Kiner-Falefa whacked a solo blast to left
• Daulton Varsho was injured in the top of the 9th as he was trying to start running after hitting a ground ball. He was grabbing his lower back. Likely an IL-stint incoming
• Emmanuel Clase pitched a perfect 9th for his 23rd save of the season
• Final score: Guardians 6 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• It was a rough start for Jose Berrios, who gave up 5 runs on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3 over 5 innings. He was taken deep 3 times for 5 runs and twice he was scored on the same inning the Blue Jays scored. The way the offense is, the team needs the pitchers to be lights out most games and tonight Berrios wasn't up to the task.
• Genesis Cabrera gave up a run on 2 hits in the 6th. Brendon Little and Nate Pearson both retired every batter they faced. It will be closer by committee indefiniely with Jordan Romano experiencing more elbow pain in long toss. He'll inevitably be shut down from throwing and could be looking at another MRI. Here's hoping it's not the same end result as Alek Manoah
• All nine runs by both teams were scored on home runs. 
• It's pretty hard to win ball games when you produce four bases runners. solo home runs aren't going to cut it 
• It's time to hang up the home run jacket for good. Just makes the team look like a bunch of fools when they are flaunting with it in the dugout after a home run when they are losing
• Here's hoping the Daulton Varsho injury isn't serious. Can we get Cavan Biggio back to play RF?
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 5 game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd consecutive series. Yusei Kikuchi starts against Guardians righty Tristan McKenzie

Game #76 Toronto Blue Jays (35-40) @ Cleveland Guardians (47-26)

 

Game #74 - Toronto Blue Jays (35-40) @ Cleveland Guardians (47-26) - game recap

 

Tim Mayza threw 2 perfect innings in a 7-1 loss to the Guardians 

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays hit the road for a rematch against the Guardians, who they faced a week ago in Toronto. The Blue Jays took 2 of 3 last week, outscoring the Guardians 13-9. Yariel Rodriguez got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Orlevis Martinez made his big league debut at 2B. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and start the weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Guardians opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd on a bases loaded walk to Johnathan Rodriguez that forced in Josh Naylor
• Two batters later, Austin Hedges singled scoring Tyler Freeman and Will Brennan
• A batter later, Steven Kwan Rodriguez scored on a fielder's choice hit by Steve
• Two batters later, Jose Ramirez singled scoring Kwan
• A batter later, Naylor singled scoring Andres Gimenez and Ramirez
• Yariel Rodriguez pitching line: 1.1IP 2H 5R (4 earned) 3BB 1K 52 pitches (32 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 4th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hammered a solo bomb to left
• Carlos Carrasco pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 0BB 7K 74 pitches (43 for strikes)
• Final score: Guardians 7 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Yariel Rodriguez was lit up for 5 runs (4 earned) on 2 hits while walking 3 and striking out 1 over 1.1 innings. All the damage was done in the 2nd inning. Rodriguez is a big unknown being a free agent signing from Cuba with zero prior MLB experience. He's also already had an injury, so the Blue Jays are going to be even more cautious with any innings limit. The 5th starters spot may end up being a prototyical bullpen game for the remainder of the season.
• The bullpen gave up a further 2 runs on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6 over 6.2 innings. All but one hit was charged to Bowden Francis, who came into the game with two inherited runners, one scored and he gave up a further three runners. On the plus side, once that horrendous inning ended, the bullpen threw 6 shutout innings. Tim Mayza had 2 shutout innings and retired every batter he faced.
• The offence did nothing other than a meaningless solo shot in the 4th inning. Fitting the game ended on a double play ball off the bat of George Springer. Perhaps Ernie Clement should have pinch hit there?
• Good on Orlevius Martinez getting his first career hit out of the way
• The Blue Jays were 0-4 with runners in scoring position
• The home run jacket should become the player of the game jacket - would be more meaningful and give players a reason to win.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 4-game skid and even the series. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Guardians righty Ben Lively 

Game #75 Toronto Blue Jays (35-39) @ Cleveland Guardians (46-26)

 

Game #74 - Boston Red Sox (40-35) @ Toronto Blue Jays (35-39) - game recap

 

Kevin Kiermaier drove in a run in a 7-3 loss to the Red Sox

After a loss thanks to an untimely pair of runs given up by the bullpen, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2-game skid and avoid being swept for the first time this season. Kevin Gausman got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup and in RF after the complete day off yesterday. Kevin Kermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid and avoid being swept for the 1st time this season? Here is today's game recap.

Game #74 Boston Red Sox (39-35) @ Toronto Blue Jays (35-38)

 

Game #73 - Boston Red Sox (39-35) @ Toronto Blue Jays (35-38) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement drove in a pair of runs in a losing effort as the Red Sox came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 4-3

After another loss due to the inept offence and a poor showing by Yusei Kikuchi, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Bo Bichette was placed on the 10-day IL with a right calf strain (Orlevis Martinez was recalled in his place). Lefty Brandon Eisert was optioned back to AAA-ball. Righty Ryan Burr was recalled from AAA-ball. Chris Bassitt with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. George Springer got the complete day off with Addison Barger in RF. Spencer got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays even the series? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #73 Boston Red Sox (38-35) @ Toronto Blue Jays (35-37)

 

Game #72 - Boston Red Sox (38-35) @ Toronto Blue Jays (35-37) - game recap

 

Justin Turner was 2-3 with 2 runs scored, including a solo HR, in a 7-3 loss to the Red Sox

After hanging on to defeat the Guardians on the strength of a grand slam by Daulton Varsho, the Blue Jays continued the home stand and were trying to extend the winning streak to 3 games as they opened a three-game set against the Red Sox, who edged the Blue Jays in the season series last year 7-6 with the Blue Jays outscoring the Red Sox 64-62. Yimi Garcia was placed on the 15-day IL with right elbow ulnar neuritis. Lefty Brandon Eisert was recalled from AAA-ball. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Bo Bichette missed his 3rd day with a nagging calf injury. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. George Springer was back in the field after the half day off yesterday as DH (Justin Turner served as DH tonight). Could the Blue Jays make it 3 straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #72 Boston Red Sox (37-35) @ Toronto Blue Jays (35-36)

 

Game #71 - Cleveland Guardians (44-25) @ Toronto Blue Jays (35-36) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho hit a grand slam as the Blue Jays hung on to edge the Guardians 7-6

After a solid shutout win yesterday after a stellar effort by the bullpen and a pair of runs and an RBI from George Springer, the Blue Jays were looking for their 2nd straight win and 9th series win of the season. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette remained out of the lineup as he continues to nurse a cranky calf muscle. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Addison Barger in RF. Ernie Clement got the start at the hot corner. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and 9 series wins? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Ernie Clement bashed a 2-run blast to left-center; also scoring Addison Barger, who stole his first career base and scored his first career run
• The Guardians got one back in the top of the 5th as Steven Kwan singled scoring Daniel Schneeman
• A batter later, Brayan Rocchio scored on a double play ball hit by Tyler Freeman
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho belted a grand slam to right-center; also scoring Spencer Horwitz, Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Three batters later, Barger singled home George Springer
• Ben Lively pitching line: 4IP 6H 4R (all earned) 3BB 4K 88 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Guardians got a pair back in the top of the 6th as Schneeman whacked a 2-run jack to the opposite field in left and into the Guardians bullpen; slso scoring Will Brennan
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 6IP 8H 4R (all earned) 0BB 1K 97 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Guardians got a pair back in the top of the 9th as Rocchio belted a 2-run bomb to right-center; also scoring Schneeman
• Yimi Garcia left with an injury with one out to get
• Nate Pearson got the final out for his 2nd save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 Guardians 6

My Take:

• Jose Berrios battled through 6 innings, giving up 4 runs on 8 hits while walking none and striking out 1. The first two batters he faced reached base, but Berrios pitched out of it and retired 11 in a row before allowing a 2-out single in the 4th. Berrios was efficient through the 1st 4 innings, needing just 40 pitches. He needed 25 pitches to get out of the 5th inning and gave up 2 runs on 3 hits and a hit batter. He gave up two more runs in the 6th to take away the quality start. Overall decent start for the Blue Jays ace.
• The bullpen nearly blew the save, with defacto closer Yimi Garcia giving up a pair of runs in the 9th followed by singles to put runners on the corners with 2 outs before throwing the ball. The bigger concern was he got hurt on the next pitch. The Blue Jays are already shorthanded with Jordan Romano on the 15-day IL with his own elbow injury. Even more concerning, the Blue Jays are playing a ton of baseball with 26 straight games over the next 28, including 17 straight after Thursday's off-day/travel day. Brandon Little has leapfrogged Tim Mayza as the top lefty in the bullpen. After a rocky start, Litlle has settled in nicely and been effective against both righties and lefties. He and Pearson were the only relievers to retire every batter they faced.
• The offence came through in a big way in the 5th inning with a 5-run output, highlighted by a Daulton Varsho grand slam. Addison Barger also contributed with his 2nd career RBI, first career stolen base and first career run scored.
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once. 
• Perplexing stat of the day: the Blue Jays did not score in the 1st inning (despite loading the bases with none out) and scored twice in the 2nd inning. I wonder if it would change the 1st inning fortunes if the Blue Jays swapped the 1-3 hitters and the 4-6 hitters. Maybe then you'd see some runs in the 1st inning.
• The Blue Jays were 5-16 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the winning streak to 3 games as they begin their first series against the Red Sox, who edged the Blue Jays in the season series last year 7-6 with the Blue Jays outscoring the Red Sox 64-62. Yusei Kikuchi starts against Red Sox righty Nick Pivetta.

Game #71 Cleveland Guardians (44-24) @ Toronto Blue Jays (34-36)

 

Game #70 - Cleveland Guardians (44-24) @ Toronto Blue Jays (34-36) - game recap

 

George Springer scored twice and drove in a run in a 5-0 shutout win over the Guardians

After another loss where the pitching was solid, but not perfect and the inept offence could only manage 3 hits by 2 players, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and avoid their 11th series loss of the season. It was a bullpen day with Trevor Richards getting the start and Danny Jansen behind the plate. Bo Bichette, who was nursing a cranky calf muscle, got the complete day off with IKF at SS. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner. Spencer Horwitz got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 11th series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as George Springer sinled scoring Justin Turner
• A batter later, Addison Barger singled scoring Daulton Varsho
• Three batters later, Spencer Horwitz singled home Springer
• Trevor Richards pitching line: 2.1IP 1H 0R 0BB 1K 31 pitches (20 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled scoring Springer
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th on a double play ball hit by Varsho that plated Danny Jansen
• Carlos Carrasco pitching line: 5IP 6H 5R (all earned) 2BB 2K 81 pitches (52 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Guardians 0

My Take:

• Trevor Richards did his part in the bullpen day, getting seven outs,, allowing a hit, walking none and striking out 1, on an efficient 31 pitches. Hopefully this is the last time the Blue Jays need a  bullpen day with Yuriel Rodriguez potentially set to return next week after a final rehab start tomorrow, which would line him up to start Friday in Cleveland.
• The rest of the bullpen threw 6.2 shutout innings, scattering 7 hits, walking 1 and striking out 3. Zack Pop was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced.
• The offence came through, though not in the 1st inning, with a 3-run rally in the 2nd inning that included Addison Barger with his first career RBI. George Springer also knocked in a run and scored twice
• The Blue Jays were 4-8 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try for 2 stright wins and try for their 9th series win. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Guardians righty Ben Lively

Game #70 Cleveland Guardians (44-23) @ Toronto Blue Jays (33-36)

 

Game #69 - Cleveland Guardians (44-23) @ Toronto Blue Jays (33-36) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement had a pair of hits and scored the Blue Jays only run in a 3-1 loss to the Guardians

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays returned home for a week as they begin a 2-week stretch with the rematch with the opponent a week apart. Last season, the Guardians won the season series 4-3 with both teams scoring 24 runs each. Daniel Vogelbach was DFA'd. Vogelbach batted .186 with 1HR and 8 RBI over 31 games and 70AB this season. Addison Barger was recalled from AAA-ball in his place. Kevin Gausman got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Vlad was back in the lineup and at 1B after a complete day off Wednesday. Justin Turner served as DH. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Guardians opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Daniel Schneemann doubled scoring Will Brennan
• The Guardians added a run in the top of the 4th as Brennan smacked a solo blast to the opposite field in left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Guardians added a run in the top of the 5th as Andres Gimenez singled scoring Brayan Rocchio
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 6th as Davis Schneider singled home Ernie Clement
• JT Allen pitching line: 5IP 3H 1R (earned) 3BB 3K 84 pitches (47 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5.1IP 8H 3R (all earned) 0BB 6K 99 pitches (65 fo-r strikes)
• Emmanuel Clase pitched a perfect 9th for his 21st save of the season
• Final score: Guardians 3 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 5.1 innings, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits while walking none and striking out 6. It was not his most efficient outing, needing 99 pitches for 16 outs. Gausman has not looked like he did his first 2 seasons in Toronto. Whether that is just him regressing to the mean or whether he is battling through an injury. Gausman did miss part of spring training and the first week of the regular season after he did not bounce back after a side session early in spring training. Here's hoping the issue is minor, if physical, or just mechanical.
• The bullpen threw 3.2 shutout innings, allowing just one hit, walking none and striking out 1. Lefty Brendon Little has settled in nicely into a middle relief role and has worked multiple innings for the Blue Jays, a huge plus with the team basically facing a bullpen day every 5th day until Yuriel Rodriguez is ready to slide into the 5th starter's role
• And then there's the offence, which continues to struggle to manufacture anything. Tonight, Davis Schneider drove in Ernie Clement in the 5th inning with an RBI single. Now that veterans Cavan Biggio and Daniel Vogelbach are gone, the Blue Jays will be relying on the next generation of prospects (Schneider, Barger, Clement and Spencer Horwitz to carry the team offensively. Look for them to be playing most days and to be in key parts of the lineup, or the top half of the order. If the team is out of it, you could well see some of the soon to be expiring contracts, such as Danny Jansen, Yusei Kikuchi, and others moved at the deadline. Heck, if they get the right trade offer, Bo Bichette and Vlad could be on the move too. If the team keeps puttering along offensively and losing more than they win, the lineup you saw tonight will look bery different than the one say 2 months from now
• Speaking of the next gen. of players, Shneider and Clement were a combined 0-22. Vlad, IKF, George Springer and Bo Bichette each drew a walk. It's puzzling and disturbing how far this offence has regressed in the last couple of seasons, especially Bo and Vlad. In 2021, Vlad hit .311 with 48HR, 111RBI and finished 2nd in MVP voting. This season, he has managed just 7HR and 30RBI. Bichette led the AL in hits in both 2021 and 2022 and was the Blue Jays most consistent hitter up until this season, where his average is down to .240 with 4HR and 28 RBI. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 11th series loss of the season. It will be a bullpen day tomorrow with one of Bowden Francis or Trevor Richards likely serving as the opener. The Guardians will counter with righty Carlos Carrasco

Game #69 Cleveland Guardians (43-23) @ Toronto Blue Jays (33-35)

 

Game #68 - Toronto Blue Jays (33-35) @ Milwaukee Brewers (40-28) - game recap

 

Davis Schneider scored twice, including a 1st inning solo HR, in a losing effort as the Brewers came from behind and hung on to edge the Blue Jays 5-4

After a huge shutout win thanks to a strong start from Yusei Kikuchi and timely clutch hitting in thy 2nd, 4th and 9th innings,  the Blue Jays were looking for their 2nd straight win and 9th series win of the season. The Blue Jays traded cavan Biggio to the dodgers for righty Brayden Fisher. Biggio was the second, between Bo Bichette and Vlad, to be promoted from triple-a ball in 2019 and played a utility role, playing every infield position but shortstop and also seeing time in RF. He is the son of hall of famer and lifelong Astro Craig Biggio. Braydon Fisher is 2-1 with a 5.86ERA in 15 appearances split between AA- and AAA-ball. Chris Bassit got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the day completely off after a half day off yesterday (Spencer Horwitz was at 1B and Daniel Vogelbach served as DH today). Daulton Varsho was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and IKF got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins, 9 series wins and get back to .500 for the first time since April 29? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Davis Schneider whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5IP 5H 0R 4BB 5K 100 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The brewers tied the game in the bottom of the 6th on a throwing error by Alejandro Kirk that scored Blake Perkins
• Same batter, William Contreras singled scoring Brice Turang
• A batter later, Christian Yelich singled home Turang
• A batter after that, Willy Adames hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Yelich
• Tobias Myers pitching line: 6IP 3H 1R (earned) 1BB 4K 66 pitches (49 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th as Spencer Horwitz singled scoring Ernie Clement
• Two batters later, Bo Bichette singled scoring Horwitz
• Three batters later. Schneider scored on a sac fly by Alejandro Kirk 
• Trevor Megill got the last three outs for his 11th save of the season
• Final score: Brewers 5 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 5 shutout innings, allowing 5 hits, walking 4 and striking out 5. Certainly not the most efficient outing for Bassitt, who through a ton of pitches and had to navigate out of jams in 4 of the 5 innings. 
• The bullpen gave up  5 runs (all in the 6th inning and charged to Zach Pop and Tim Mayza) on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3 over the last 3 innings. Trrevor Richards, who struck out the side in the 8th, was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced. The fateful 6th inning onslaught was started with a horrible throw from Kirk on a double steal and it snowballed from there
• The offence was literally a bookend with Schneider going deep for a solo shot in the 1st inning and a 3-run rally that fell a run short in the 9th. The other 7 innings, the Blue Jays managed 2 hits and a walk, one that was erased on a pickoff (Clement in the 6th inning). They were retired in order in 4 of the innings and Brewrs pitchers faced the minimum 3 batters in all but the 3rd inning.
• The Blue Jays were 2-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays start a 2-week stretch with home-and-home series against the Guardians and Red Sox starting with the Guardians on Friday. Last season, the Guardians won the season series 4-3 with both teams scoring 24 runs each.Kevin Gausman starts against Guardians lefty Logan Allen on Friday.

Game #68 Toronto Blue Jays (33-34) @ Milwaukee Brewers (39-28)

 

Game #67 Toronto Blue Jays (32-34) @ Milwaukee Brewers (39-27)

 

Game #66 - Toronto Blue Jays (32-34) @ Milwaukee Brewers (39-27) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk hit a solo HR in a losing effort as the Brewers came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 3-1

After a huge extra innings comeback win over the A's, thanks to IKF driving in 5 runs, to take the final series in Oakland, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and get back to .500. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Daniel Vogelbach served as DH. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Davis Scheider in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it three straight wins and get back to .500 for the first time since April 29? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Alejandro Kirk hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in left
• The Brewers tied the game in the bottom half of the inning as Jackson Chourio belted a solo jack to left-center
• The Brewers tied the game in the bottom of the 4th as Willy Adames drilled a solo blast to left-center
• The Brewers added a run in the bottom of the 6th on a sac fly by Adames that scored Brice Turang
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 5.2IP 5H 3R (all earned) 1BB 4K 105 pitches (64 for strikes)
• Colin Rea pitching line: 7IP 3H 1R (earned) 0BB 4K 85 pitches (61 for strikes)
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My Take:

• Jose Berrios battled through 5.2 innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. Berrios got a huge pitckoff at 1st base in the bottom of the 3rd with Jackson Chourio taking him yard on the same batter. Willy Adames took him deep the next inning and added a sac fly the inning after that. It was one of those games for Berrios did not have his best start and had to figure it out as the game went along.
• The bullpen threw 2.1 shutout innings, allowing a hit and a walk. Brandon  Little has looked much better in recent relief appearances after a couple of ugly appearances that have inflated his ERA
• The only offence was a solo blast in the 3rd inning from Alejandro to give the Blue Jays a brief lead. 
• Spencer Horwitz made a bad baserunning error in the 1st inning that killed a chance to score in the 1st inning. If a ball is hit to the left side, generally a runner on 2nd base should remain there unless there is a runner on 1st base.
• Spencer Horwitz had a pair of hits and Davis Schneider was 0-4. Maybe the two should swap spots in the batting order.
• The Blue Jays were 0-1 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Yusei Kikuchi starts for the Blue Jays. The Brewers haven't announced a starter for tomorrow's game

Game #66 Toronto Blue Jays (32-33) @ Milwaukee Brewers (38-27)

 

Game #65 - Toronto Blue Jays (32-33) @ Oakland A's (26-41) - game recap

 

Isiah Kiner-Falefa drove in 5 runs in a 6-4 comeback win over the A's in 10 innings. This was a bit of a bookend moment with the Blue Jays winning both their first and last series in Oakland.

After a huge shutout win over the A's on the strength of a complete game effort from Kevin Gausman, a pair of RBI from Danny Jansen, including a sac fly in the 1st inning to snap a 29-game streak of not scoring in the 1st inning, and Bo Bichette scoring twice and driving in a run, the Blue Jays were looking for their 2nd straight win and 8th series win of the season. Bowden Francis got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup and in RF after the complete day off yesterday. Daulton Varsho was in LF and Justin Turner served as DH. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and 8 series wins? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled scoring Justin Turner and George Springer
• Bowden Francis pitching line: 4IP 3H 0R 1BB 3K 49 pitches (31 for strikes) 
• The A's got one back in the bottom of the 6th as Brent Rooker hammered a solo bomb to left-center
• The A's took the lead in the bottom of the 7th as Abraham Toro singled scoring Tyler Soderstrom and Aledmys Diaz
• Mitch Spence pitching line: 7IP 5H 2R (both earned) 0BB 3K 89 pitches (64 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the top of the 8th on a sac fly by Davis Schneider that scored Daulton Varsho
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 10th as Isiah Kiner-Falefa doubled scoring Ernie Clement, Bichette and Varsho
• The A's got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a ground out hit by JJ Bleday that scored Max Scheumann
• Genesis Cabrera got the last 3 outs for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 A's 4

My Take:

• Bowden Francis threw 4 shutout innings, scattering 3 hits, walking 1 and striking out 3. He'll be the 5th starter for the next few turns, likely platooning with Yariel Rodriguez, who is going to be on an innings restriction, especially coming off an injury. Francis struggled at the beginning of the season when he was handed the role, almost be default with Manoah injured and Rodriguez building up after a late arrival in spring training. Francis dealt with baserunners in every inning, but was able to make his pitches when he needed to and kept the A's off the scoreboard
• The bullpen gave up 4 runs on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 7 over the last 6 innings. Zack Pop, Chad Green and Yimi Garcia all retired every batter they faced. Technically Garcia did too, but the ghost runner scored on him.
• The offence got 'er done in the end, barely. After yet another scoreless 1st inning, IKF came through and knocked in a pair. He would drive in three more with a bases-clearing double in the 10th as well. Davis Schneider drove in the other run with a sac fly in the 8th.
• A couple of oddities occurred in the 10th inning. First, the Blue Jays second out came as a result of interference when A's 1st baseman Tyler Soderstrom collided with Yusei Kikuchi as the latter scrambled out of the way of a pop up. Why Kikuchi didn't run the other way towards the dugout is a question that may never be answered. The second odditity was Genesis Cabrera appearing on the lineup card as a batter when Ernie Clement, who pinch ran for Turner, who was the DH, came in as the third baseman in the bottom half of the inning. Should the A's have come back to tie the game, Alejandro Kirk may have had to pinch hit in the 11th inning for the pitcher.
• The Blue Jays were 3-8 with runners in scoring position
• For the final fun facts of Oakland coliseum, here are some firsts and lasts Blue Jays style:
• First home run: John Scott (off Vida Blue in the 1st inning June 5, 1977)
• Last home run: Kevin Kiermaier (off Luis Medina in the 5th inning June 8, 2024)
• First Win: June 4, 1977 (score: 4-2; winning pitcher: Dave Lemanczyk; save: Mike Wills)
• Last win: June 9, 2024 (score: 6-4; winning pitcher: Yimi Garcia; save: Genesis Cabrera)
• Up next, the Blue Jay continue the road trip as they head to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers. The Blue Jay won the season series last year, outscoring the Brewers 12-7. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Brewers righty Colin Rea

Game #65 Toronto Blue Jays (31-33) @ Oakland Athletics (26-40)

 

Game #64 - Toronto Blue Jays (31-33) @ Oakland A's (26-40) - game recap-

Danny Jansen drove in a pair of runs and scored a run in a 7-0 shutout win over the A's

After a heartbreaking walkoff loss yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Kevin Gausman got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate.George Springer got the complete day off with Daulton Varsho in LF. IKF was at the hot corner and Spencer Horwitz got the start at 2B.Daniel Vogelbach served as DH. Could the Blue Jays even the series? Here is today's game recap

Game Hightlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st on a sac fly by Danny Jansen that scored Spencer Horwitz
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Kevin Kiermaier bashed a solo jack to right-center 
• Four batters later, Bo Bichette double scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• A batter later, Jansen doubled scoring Bichette
• Three batters later, Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled home Jansen
• A batter later, Daniel Vogelbach scored on a wild pitch by Jack O'Loughlin
• Luis Medina pitching line: 4.2IP 5H 6R (all earned) 5BB 1K 84 pitches (45 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th as Justin Turner singled scoring Bichette
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: CG 9IP 5H 0R 1BB 10K 109 pitches (76 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 A's 0

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman was fantastic and threw the first complete game of the season, earning the shutout, scattering 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 10. He retired the last 4 batters of the game and never got into any real jams. This effort was huge given that that every 5th day is expeced to be a bullpen day for the next while with Alek Manoah about to undergo season-ending tommy john surgery and potential 5th starter options Bowden Francis and Yariel Rodriguez both on the injured list.
• And the first inning curse is lifted. The Blue Jays avoided a record they wouldn't have wanted by FINALLY scoring a run in the 1st inning in the first time in a month. Callup Spencer Horwitz had an immediate impact, scoring on a Danny Jansen sac fly in the 1st inning
• Jansen (2RBI, a run scored), Bo Bichette (RBI, 2 runs scored) and Kevin Kiermaier (solo HR to start the 5-run 5th inning rally) drove the offense today 
• Oakland coliseum fun fact: The Oakland Raiders and Oakland A's shared Oakland coliseum 1995-2019. The capacity for baseball games (34000 de to the tarp in RF) was just over half the capacity for NFL games (63000). By the way, it cost $250,000 to convert the field. Ouch!
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for 2 straight wins and their 8th series win. It will be a bullpen day for the Blue Jays with Trevor Richards likely serving as the opener. The A's will counter with righty Mitch Spence

Game #64 Toronto Blue Jays (30-33) @ Oakland Athletics (26-39)

 

Game #63 - Toronto Blue Jays (30-33) @ Oakland A's (26-39) - game recap

 

Chris Bassit threw 8 strong innings in a losing effort as the A's walked off the Blue Jays by a score of 2-1

After a huge walk-off win over the Orioles, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games as they began their second venture to the west coast of the season and the final trip to the Oakland Coliseum with the A's making Sacramento their home until the stadium is ready in Las Vegas. The Blue Jays won the season series against the A's 4-2, outscoring the A's 38-20. The big news of the day is Cavan Biggio was DFA'd to make way for Spencer Horwitz, who has been ripping it up in AAA-ball. Son of Hall of famer Craig Biggio, Cavan Biggio was drafted in the 5th round of the 2016 MLB draft and was the 2nd of the big 3 Blue Jays prospects to graduate to the bigs in 2019, being recalled May 24th of that year and making his MLB debut that night (Vlad was recalled April 24 and Bo Bichette got the callup July 29). Biggio was batting .200 with 2HR and 9RBI over 110AB over 44 games this season. He finishes his time with the Blue Jays batting .227 with 48 HR and 176RBI over 6 seasons. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Kevin Kiermaier got the start in CF. IKF and Ernie Clement swapped spots in the infield from yesterday's lineup with Clement at the hot corner and IKF getting the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The A's opened the scoring in the bottom of the 6th on a wild pitch by Chris Bassitt that scored Max Schuemann
• Hogan Harris pitching line: 6IP 3H 0R 2BB 3K 91 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the top of the 7th as Bo Bichette singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 8IP 4H 1R (earned) 2BB 7K 102 pitches (71 for strikes)
• The A's walked it off in the bottom of the 9th as JJ Bleday belted a solo jack to right
• Final score: A's 2 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt was excellent tonight, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 7 over 8 innings. He got out of a jam in the 2nd inning by inducing an MK special double-play. He then proceeded to retire 8 in a row, 10 straight outs if you include the double play. He made one mistake on a wild pitch on the only run he would allow. With the news that Alek Manoah's season is done with season-ending UCL surgery on the horizon, the Blue Jays are going to need the starters to eat some innings to save the bullpen
• Speaking of  the bullpen, that has to be a record for shortest use of a bullpen - one pitch. Chad Green was taken yard on the first pitch he threw tonight to end the game. Here's hoping closer Jordan Romano makes a speedy recovery
• The offence was an RBI single by Bo Bichette in the 7th. Kevin Kiermaier made a horrible base running decision trying to stretch a single into a double and killed a potential rally. The top three hitters in the lineup were a combined 1-11 with one run scored (Vlad).
• The Blue Jays are 2 games with a scoreless 1st inning from tying the dubious record ford consecutive games of not scoring in the 1st inning. Tonight was the 29th consecutive game where they did not plate a run in the 1st inning
• Oakland Coliseum fun fact: Dave Winfield hit the last playoff HR for the Blue Jays in the 1992 ALCS. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Kevin Gausman starts against A's righty Luis Medina

Game #63 Toronto Blue Jays (30-32) @ Oakland Athletics (25-39)

 

Game #62 - Baltimore Orioles (39-22) @ Toronto Blue Jays (30-32) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a 3-run HR as the Blue Jays hung on to edge the Orioles 6-5

After a huge walk-off win thanks to a clutch hit from IKF, the Blue Jays were looking to make it two straight wins and earn the series split against the Orioles. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins over the Orioles and escape the series with a series split? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Vladimir Guerrero jr. whacked a 3-run blast to the opposite field in right; also scoring Danny Jansen and Ernie Clement
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Isiah Kiner Falefa singled scoring Daulton Varsho
• The Orioles got one back in the top of the 6th as Adley Rutschmann belted a solo jack to left-center
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning as Clement singled scoring Justin Turner and Varsho
• Cade Povich pitching line: 6.1IP 5H 6R (all earned) 4BB 2K 100 pitches (58 for strikes)
• Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 89 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Orioles got a pair back in the top of the 8th a Rutschman whacked a 2- run blast to the opposite field in right- center: also scoring Jordan Westburg
• The Orioles got a pair back in the top of the 9th as Ryan O'Hearn hammered a 2- run bomb to right-center; also scoring Austin Hays
• Yimi Garcia got the last 3 outs for his 4th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Orioles 5

My Take:

• Yusei Kikuchi fired 6 strong innings,  giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 6. He was able to make pitches to escape jams and generally stayed away from any serious threats, other than the 1st inning where he dealt with runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs. He's still a contender to be an all star this season. 
• It feels like no lead is safe this season with the bullpen, which is missing closer Jordan Romano. Today, the bullpen nearly blew a 4-run lead. Zach Pop and Yimi Garcia both coughed up 2-run HR. Nate Pearson was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced. Ross Atkins was banking on the pitching being as strong as it was last season. It hasn't turned out that way so far and the Blue Jays can't really afford to fall much further back in the standings. 
• Offensively, Vlad led the way with a 3- run HR. Ernie Clement drove in a pair and scored on vlad's HR
• Who should be the leadoff hitter? Davis Schneider was 0-4 today. George Springer, who has led off pretty much his entire time in Toronto until recently, was also 0-4
• The Blue Jays were 3-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays head west to take on the Oakland A's in what will be their final visit to the Oakland Coliseum with the A's temporarily playing out of Sacramento until their new home in Las Vegas is ready. Since this will be a historic series, I will post a fun fact about the coliseum and Blue Jays each day, starting with this recap. The Blue jays all-time record at the coliseum is 109-120. The Blue Jays won the season series against the A's 4-2, outscoring the A's 38-20. Chris Bassitt starts against A's righty Hogan Harris