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| Ernie Clement drove in a pair of runs, including the game-winning run in a 6-5 come-from-behind walkoff win over the Rangers |
After an ugly 13-0 loss to the Rays last night where the Blue Jays were a disaster in every facet of the game, the Blue Jays were looking to rebound as they opened a weekend series against the Texas Rangers, who won 6 of 7 in the season series last season, outscoring the Blue Jays 51-20. Yimi Garcia was traded to the Mariners for outfielder Jonatan Clase, who was oprioned to AAA-ball. Garcia was 3-0 with 5 saves and a 2.70ERA in 29 appearances this season. Over parts of 3 seasons, Garcia was 10-9 with 9 saves and a 3.44ERA in 163 appearances. Ryan Burr was optioned to AAA-ball. Yerry Rodriguez and Zach Pop were recalled from AAA-ball. Yusei Kikuchi made what is expected to be his final start in a Blue Jays uniform as he is expected to be moved ahead of next Tuesday's trade deadline. Danny Jansen, who could also be on the move, was behind the plate. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Rangers opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Adolis Garcia single scoring Marcus Semien
- The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Spencer Horwitz doubled scoring George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- A batter later, Ernie Clement doubled home Horwitz
- The Rangers tied it up in the top of the 3rd as Jonah Heim singled scoring Corey Seager and Robbie Grossman
- The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom of the 4th as Leo Jimenez singled scoring Davis Schneider
- The Rangers retook the lead in the top of the 5th as Garcia whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right, just inside the right foul pole
- Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 4.2IP 8H 5R (all earned) 2BB 5K 96 pitches (62 for strikes)
- Andrew Heaney pitching line: 5IP 7H 4R (all earned) 1BB 4K 83 pitches (56 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 7th on a sac fly by Danny Jansen that scored Springer
- The Blue Jays walked it off in the bottom of the 9th as Clement singled scoring Steward Berroa
- Final score: Blue Jays 6 Rangers 5
- Yusei Kikuchi battled through 4.2 innings in what is likely his last start in a Blue Jays uniform. He got into quite a jam in the opening inning giving up a run on 3 hits and a walk. He was fortunate to limit the damage to one run. It was the odd-numbered innings where he ran into trouble. He sent the Rangers back to the dugout 1-2-3 in the 2nd and 4th innings. I can see him being used in a bullpen role for a contending team, especially with the last couple of starts where he struggled.
- The good bullpen showed up today, limiting the Rangers to a pair of hits and a walk while striking out 4 over 4.1 innings. Chad Green, who could be moving back to the Bronx, pitched 1.1 perfect innings and struck out 2 and was credited with the win/ Zach Pop also retired every batter he faced.
- Ernie Clement (2RBI, including on game winning run), Spencer Horwitz (2RBI, run scored) and Danny Jansen (game-tying sac fly) drove the offence tonight
- Every Blue Jays starter except Kevin Kiermaier had a hit tonight
- The Blue Jays were 4-9 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to make it 2 straight wins and 9th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Rangers righty Michael Lorenzen
