| Justin Turner was 3-4, including a solo HR in a 4-2 loss to the Rays |
After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays continued the home stand as they opened a series against the Rays, who have won 4 of the first 7 games in the season series, but the Blue Jays have outscored the Rays 32-28. Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing Sunday (Justin Turner served as DH tonight). Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Rays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Josh Lowe singled scoring Randy Arozarena
- Shawn Alexander pitching line: 2IP 1H 0R 1BB 4K 34 pitches (22 for strikes)
- The Rays added pair of runs in the top of the 5th as Lowe belted a 2-run jack to right; also scoring Richie Palacios
- Jose Berrios pitching line: 4.2IP 3H 3R (all earned) 6BB 5K 97 pitches (51 for strikes)
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hammered a solo bomb to dead center
- A batter later, Justin Turner whacked a solo blast to left-center and into the Blue Jays bullpen
- The Rays added a run in the top of the 7th as Taylor Walls scored on a double play hit by Isaac Paredes
- Pete Fairbanks threw a perfect 9th for his 19th save of the season
- Final score: Rays 4 Blue Jays 2
My Take:
- Jose Berrios battled through 4.2 innings, giving up 3 hits on 3 runs while walking 6 and striking out 5. Berrrios really struggled with his command and was not efficient, needing 97 pitches to get through 4.2 innings. It was a rare start where Berrios wasn't able to pitch a quality start
- The bullpen gave up a costly insurance run in the 7th to put the game away. Brendon Little continues to be one of the few bright spots on the Blue Jays and should be a lock for the team next year. Nice to see Eric Swanson being effective since he was recalled. He walked a batter today, but got out of the inning unscathed. Is Nate Pearson going to fetch any takers at the trade deadline?
- Vlad and Justin Turner provided the Blue Jays offense with back to back HR in the 6th and they were the last Blue Jays to get a hit today with the next 12 Blue Jays batters going down in order.
- The Blue Jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Yariel Rodriguez starts against Rays righty Zach Eflin
