Game #138 Toronto Blue Jays (66-71) vs Minnesota Twins (73-61)

 

Game #136 - Toronto Blue Jays (66-71) @ Minnesota Twins (73-61) - game recap

 

Spencer Horwitz had a pair of hits in a 2-0 shutout loss to the Twins

After a shutout win over the Red Sox thanks to yet another outstanding start from Bowden Francis, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games. Nathan Lukes was re called from AAA-ball and Steward Berroa was optioned to AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the complete day off with Addison Barger in RF. Nathan Lukes got start in LF. Ernie Clement was at the hot cornerm Leo Jimenez was at SS and Will Wagner got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make ir 2 straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights;

• The Twins opened the scoring in the bottom of the 5th as Carlos Santana singled scoring Jose Miranda
• Four batters later, Santana scored on a sac fly by Willi Castro
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5.2IP 4H 2R (both earned) 4BB 4K 103 pitches (58 for strikes)
• Pablo Lopez pitching line: 7.2IP 6H 0R 0BB 3K 106 pitches (75 for strikes)
• Jhoan Duran threw a scoreless 9th for his 19th save of the season
• Final score: Twins 2 Bklue Jays 0

My Take:

• And the Blue Jays pitchers continue to feed off of each other's strong performances. Tonight, Kevin Gausman fired 5.2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 4 and striking out 4. Gausman retired 9 of the first 10 batters he faced before the Twins batters adjusted and started barreling up his ptches. He's going to need to have more consistent starts next year
• The bullpen gave up a walk while striking out 2 over the last 2.1innings. Zack Pop retired every batter he faced.
• Offensovely, the bats wasted another strong effort from the pitchers. The Blue Jays best chance to score was in the 5th inning when they hit back-to-back singles to start the inning. That might have been a situation where bunting to advance the runners might have produced a run.
• The Blue Jays were 0-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Jose Berrios starts against Twins righty Zebby Matthews

Game #137 Toronto Blue Jays (66-70) vs Minnesota Twins (72-61)

 

Game #136 Toronto Blue Jays (65-70) vs Boston Red Sox (68-64)

Game #135 Toronto Blue Jays (65-69) vs Boston Red Sox (68-64)

 

Game #134 Toronto Blue Jays (65-68) vs Boston Red Sox (67-64)

Game #132 & #133 Toronto Blue Jays (63-68) vs Boston Red Sox (67-62)

 

Game #131 - LA Angels (54-77) @ Toronto Blue Jays (63-68) - game recap

 

Kevin Gausman threw 7 strong innings in an 8-2 win over the Angels 

After their 6th straight win over the Angels thanks to Bowden Francis taking a no-hitter into the 9th inning and a 2RBI, 2 runs scored effort from Vlad, the Blue Jays were looking to complete their third series sweep and 1st season series sweep of the season. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup and served as DH after the complete day off yesterday. Joey Loperfido was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. Will Wagner got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays match their season high win streak of 4 games and complete their 3rd series sweep and 1st season series sweep? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd on a bases loaded walk to Alejandro Kirk that forced in Davis Schneider
• The Angels tied it up in the top of the 4th as Zach Neto singled scoring Taylor Ward
• The Blue Jayas retook the lead in the bottom of the 4th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring George Springer
• Tyler Anderson pitching line: 5IP 4H 2R (both earned) 4BB 3K 97 pitches (64 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 6th as Addison Barger belted a 2-run jack to right and into the Angels bullpen; also scoring Will Wagner
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 7th as Alejandro Kirk hammered a 2-run bomb to left-centet; also scoring Guerrero Jr.
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 7IP 2H 1R (earned) 0BB 10K 94 pitches (69 for strikes)
• The Angels got one back in the top of the 8th as Brandon Drury whacked a solo blast to left
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning on a fielder's choice hit by Joey Loperfido that scored Leo Jimenez
• A batter later, Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Barger
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 Angels 2

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman had his best start of the season, firing 7 shutout innings, giving up a pair of hits, walking none and striking out 10. Gausman had out streaks of 9 batters and 12 batters. In fact, the 4th inning was the only inning where he dealt wih any base runners. It was a vintage perfornance by Gausman, who was regularly racking up strikeouts last season, but has been less efficient this season.
• The bullpen gave up a solo home run, walked none and struck out 3 over the last 2 innings. Zack Pop retired every batter he faced
• Offensively, Alejandro Kirk (2 run HR, 3RBI), Addison Barger (2 run HR), and Vlad (2RBI, a run scored) carried the day
• Every Blue Jays starter except Ernie Clement either scored a run or drove in a run and all but Clement and Joey Loperfido had at least one hit
• The Blue Jays were 2-11 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays head to Boston where they will start by completing the game that was suspended in the top of the 2nd back on June 26th. Jose Berrios will officially make a relief appearance as he starts the game. Danny Jansen will play for both teams in the same game (he started that game for the Blue Jays in June and will be behind the plate for the Red Sox tomorrow. 

Game #131 Los Angeles Angels (54-76) vs Toronto Blue Jays (62-68)

 

Game #130 - LA Angels (54-76) @ Toronto Blue Jays (62-68) - game recap

 

Bowden Francis threw 8 strong innings in a 3-1 win over the Angels

After a win yesterday thanks to a 5-run 2nd inning rally, the Blue Jays were going for their 3rd straight win overall and 6th straight win over the Angels. Bowden Francis got the start with Brian Serven behind the plate. Vlad was back in the lineup and at 1B after the complete day off yesterday. George Springer got the omplete day off day after serving as DH the last 2 games (Spencer Horwitz served as DH today). Ernie Clement was at the hot corner, Leo Jimenez was at SS and Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games overall and 6 games over the Angels? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Daulton Varsho
• Two batters later, Joey Loperfido doubled home Guerrero Jr.
• Carson Fulmer ptching line: 6IP 7H 2R (both earned) 2BB 8K 88 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays adde a run in the bottom of the 8th as Guerrero Jr. hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Angels got one back in the top of the 9th as Taylor Ward hammered a solo bomb to straightaway center
• Bowden Francis pitching line: 8IP 1H 1R (earned) 3B 12K 117 pitches (84 for strikes)
• Chad Green threw a perfect 9th for his 14th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 Angels 1

My Take:

• Francis Bowden keeps exceeding his performance from the last start. He was outstanding today, firing 8 strong innings, giving up one run on a solo home run (the only hit he allowed on the day), while walking 3 and striking out a career high 12 batters on a career high 112 pitches. Francis might even be a candidate to be the opening day starter the way he is pitching. At the very least, he'll slot in right behind Jose Berrios. 
• Chad Green threw a perfect 9th. He should be a key member of the back end of the bullpen in 2025. I'd make him the closer quite frankly, especially since Jordan Romano can make things interesting in the 9th and has injury questions.
• Offensively, Vlad did the damage, driving in a pair of runs, including a key clutch HR in the 8th for a very important insurance run, and scoring twice. Joey Loperfido and Daulton Varsho were the only other Blue Jays to reach base multiple times
• The Blue Jays were 2-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to match their longest winning streak at four games, and complete their 3rd series sweep. Kevin Gausman starts against Angels lefty Tyler Anderson.

Game #130 Los Angeles Angels (54-75) vs Toronto Blue Jays (61-68)

Game #129 - LA Angels (54-75) @ Toronto Blue Jays (61-68) - game recap

 

Addison Barger hit a walk-off HR in a 5-4 come-from-behind win over the Angels

After a fourth straight win over the Angels on the backs of a 5-run 2nd inning rally,  the Blue Jays were looking to make it two sstraight wins overall and fourth straight over the Angels. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the complete day off with Spencer Horwitz at first base.  George Springer got the half day off as DH with Steward berroa in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner and Ernie Clement got the start at SS. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games overall and 4 against the Angels? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Angels opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Anthony Rendon doubled scoring Kevin Pillar
• Four batters later, Jo Adell doubled scoring Rendon and Niko Kavadas
• A batter later, Taylor Ward singled home Adell
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 4th on a ground out by Alejandro Kirk that scored Daulton Varsho
• Two batters later, Ernie Clement singled scoring Spencer Horwitz
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 6th as Kirk singled scoring Varsho
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 6IP 4H 4R (all earned) 2BB 6K 98 pitches (59 for strikes)
• Jack Kochanowicz pitching line: 6IP 7H 3R (all earned) 0BB 1K 74 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied thCge game in the bottom of the 9th as Joey Loperfido hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• A batter later, Addison Barger hammered a solo bomb to right-center
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Angels 4

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 6 innings, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. The bulk of the damage was done in the 2nd inning when the Angels scored 4 times on 3 hits, a hit batter and a walk. Bassitt needed 39 pitches to get through that inning. He did retire the last 10 batters he faced, but he very nearly didn't escape the 2nd inning. 
• The bullpen threw 3 shutout innings, allowing just 2 hits while walking none and striking out 5. Erik Swanson, who has turned his season around since being recalled from AAA-ball, retired every batter he faced.
• Offensively, Daulton Varsho (2 runs scored) and Aleandro Kirk (2RBI) got the Blue Jays within striking distance. The future (Joey Loperfido and Addison Barger) finished off the comeback with back to back jacks
• Shohei Ohtani must be so glad he switched LA teams.
• The Blue Jays were 2-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games overall and 6 straight over the Angels. Bowden Francis starts against Angels righty Carson Fulmer

Game #129 Los Angeles Angels (54-74) vs Toronto Blue Jays (60-68)

 

Game #128 - LA Angels (54-74) @ Toronto Blue Jays (60-68) - game recap

 

Ermie Clement hit a 2-run HR in a 5-3 win over the Angels

After dropping the finale of the serues against the Reds, the Blue Jays were looking to start the weekend with a win over the Angels, who they swept in Anaheim a week ago, outscoring the Angels 19-5. It was a bullpen day with Ryan Burr serving as the opener with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after a couple of half days off as DH (Vlad served as DH tonight with Spencer Horwirz at 1B. Joey Loperfido was in LF, Ernie Clement was the hot corner, Leo Jimenez was at SS and Will Wagner got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend series with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Ryan Burr pitching line: 1IP 2H 0R 1BB 2K 29 pitches (18 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Alejandro Kirk doubled scoring Spencer Horwitz
• A batter later, Will Wagner singled scoring Kirk
• A batter after that, Ernie Clement whacked a 2-run blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Three batters later, Joey Loperfido scored on a ground out hit by George Springer
• Brock Burke pitching line: 1IP 3H 3R (all earned) 0BB 1K 28 pitches (22 for strikes)
• The Angels got 3 back in the top of the 9th as Nico Kavadas belted a 3-run jack to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Jo Adell and Matt Thaiss
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Angels 3

My Take:

• Ryan Burr threw an inning, giving up no runs, 2 hits and a walk. It was a curious decision to use Burr as an opener, eapecially with Bowden Francis. The only possible reasons for this decision were Francis was sore and unavailable, the Blue Jays wanted to skip him a turn, or the Blue Jays wanted to  evaluate Yarbrough in his traditional role as a long reliever. Starting a game and coming in as a reliever are very different in how a pitcher might prepare for a game. The Blue Jays need an extra starter or two.
• The bullpen mostly held the Angels off the scoreboard, although Tommy Nance gave up a 3-run HR to makr the final out more stressful
• Offensively, the Blue Jays did all their damage in the 2nd inning, starting with an RBI double from Alejandro Kirk, capped by a productive ground out by George Springer with a Will Wagner RBI single and a 2-run HR from Ernie Clement in between
• The Blue Jays were 2-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 5 games over the Angels and 2 games overall. Chris Bassitt starts against Angels righty Jack Kochanowicz.

Game #128 Los Angeles Angels (54-73) vs Toronto Blue Jays (59-68)

 

Game #127 - Cincinnati Reds (62-65) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-68) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement hit a 3-run HR in a losing effort as the Reds came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 11-7

After a huge win thanks to 7 strong innings from Jose Berrios and a 5-HR night from the offense, the Blue Jays were going for 2 straight wins, 12 series wins and 8 season series wins. Yariel Rodriguez got the start with Brian Serven behind the plate. George Springer served as DH for the second straight game. Davis Schneider was in LF, Ernie Clenent was at SS and Leo Jimenez got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins, 12 series wins and 8 season series wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as George Springer led off with a solo blast to left-center
• Three batters later, Spencer Horwitz hammered a 2-run bomb to the second deck in right-center; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Blue Jays added three more runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Ernie Clement whacked a 3-run blast to left-center and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Daulton Varsho and Horwitz
• The Reds got a pair back in the top of the 4th as Spencer Steer hammered a two-run bomb to the 3rd deck in left; also scoring Tyler Stephenson
• The Reds got one back in the top of the 5th as Jonathan India singled scoring Santiago Espinal
• A batter later, Elly De La Cruz singled scoring Noevli Martin and India
• A batter after that, De La Cruz scored on a fielder's choice hit by Stephenson
• Four batters later, Stephenson was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Espinal
• Yariel Rodriguez pitching line: 4.1IP 6H 5R (all earned) 2BB 6K 87 pitches (51 for strikes)
• Nick Martinez pitching line: 4.1IP 6H 6R (all earned) 3BB 3K 86 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Reds added a run in the top of the 7th as Martin whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center and into the Reds bullpen
• A batter later, India belted a solo blast to left
• Two batters later, Stephenson doubled scoring De La Cruz
• The Reds added a run in the top of the 9th as De La Cruz smacked a solo blast to the opposite field just inside the foul pole in left
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Leo Jimenez doubled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• Final score: Reds 11 Blue Jays 7

My Take:

• Yariel Rodrguez battled through 4.1 innings, giving up 5 runs on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. Rodrigiguez started the game retiring 9 of the 1st 11 batters he faced. Where he really ran into trouble was the 4th inning where he only managed 1 out and ended up with being charged with 5 runs total. He's a project for Pete Walker.
• The bullpn was awful, giving up 8 runs (2 charged to Rodriguez) on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 7. Chad Green was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced.
• Offensively, the Blue Jays were led by 3 home runs (a lead-off HR from George Springer, a 2-run HR off the bat of Spencer Horwitz and a 3-run HR from Ernie Clement).
• Every Blue Jays batter except Addison Barger had at least one hit
• The Blue Jays were 2-13 with runners in scoring position.
• Happy trails to Joey Votto, who opted to retire after an attempted comeback from an ankle injury caused by stepping on a bat after his one and only AB in a Blue Jays uniform. Too bad the Blue Jays didn't call him up for a final series against the Reds, the team he spent his entire career with 
• Up next, the Blue Jays open a 4-game weekend set against the Angels, who they swept in Anaheim, outscoring the Angels 19-5 a week ago. Neither team has set their rotation for the series.

Game #127 Cincinnati Reds (61-65) vs Toronto Blue Jays (59-67)

 

Game #126 - Cincinnati Reds (61-65) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-67) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a pair of HR in a 10-3 rout over the Reds

After a tough loss yesterday on another bullpen meltdown, the Blue Jays were trying to even the series and avoid their 20th series loss of the season and 8th season series loss. Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field and at the hot corner after the half day off as DH yesterday. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Addison Barger in RF. Leo Jimenez was back at SS after missing a couple of days with a sore knee. Could the Blue Jays avoid their 20th series loss and 8th season series loss of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Will Wagner singled scoring Daulton Varsho
• The Reds tied it up in the top of the 2nd as Noelvi Marte singled scoring Ty France
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Addison Barger doubled scoring Joey Loperfido
• A batter later, George Springer whacked a 2-run blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Barger
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Alejandro Kirk hammered a solo bomb to left
• A batter later, Spencer Horwitz belted a solo jack to right-enter 
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Varsho scored on a fielding error by Marte on a ball hit by Will Wagner
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottiom of the 5th as Leo Jimenez hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Loperfido
• Two batters later, Springer drilled a solo bomb to left
• Carson Spiers pitching line: 4.1IP 13H 10R (9 earned) 2BB 3K 85 pitches (53 for strikes)
• The Reds got one back in the top of the 7th as Elly De La Cruz scored on a ground out hit by Tyler Stephenson
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 7IP 6H 2R (both earned) 2BB 7K 96 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Reds got one back in the top of the 8th as Spencer Steer singled scoring Stuart Fairchild
• Final score: Blue Jays 10 Reds 3

My Take:

• Jose Berrios fired 7 strong innings, giving up a pair of runs on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 7. Berrios retired 9 in a row at one point. He'll be a part of the rotation for the next several years and could be the ace the Blue Jays build their rotation around. He'll have to work on his command in the offseason. He has hit an MLB-high 13 batters and has given up 64HR heading into tonight's start
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits in the final 2 innings. All three hits and the run were charged to Zach Pop, who probably shouldn't have a spot in the bullpen in 2025. Tommy Nance retired every batter he faced
• It was a team effort offensively tonight with every Blue Jays starter getting at least one hit, all but Will Wagner and Vlad scoring a run, and all but Daulton Varsho, Vlad and Joey Loperfido driving in a run.
• The Blue Jays should recall Joey Votto tomorrow to face his old team and get a proper send-off
• The Blue Jays were 3-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 12th series win and 8th season series win of the season. Yariel Rodriguez starts against Reds righty Nick Martinez

Game #126 Cincinnati Reds (61-64) vs Toronto Blue Jays (58-67)

 

Game #125 - Cincinnati Reds (61-64) @ Toronto Blue Jays (57-66) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a solo HR in a losing effort as the Reds came from behind to double the Blue Jays 6-3

After eking out a win a win yesterday on a solo HR from Joey Loperfido, his first in a Blue Jays uniform, and 7 shutout innings from Bowden Francis, the Blue Jays returned home to start a week-long home stand as the Reds came to town. The Blue Jays took 2 of 3 from the Reds in 2023, outscoring the Reds 14-7. Lefty Easton Lucas was claimed off waivers and optioned to AAA-ball. Alek Manoah was transferred to the 60-day IL. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Spencer Horwitz at 1B. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Joey Loperfido was in LF. Will Wagner got the start at 2B. 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. hammered a solo bomb to the 2nd deck in left-center
• The Reds tied it up in the top of the 3rd on a sac fly by Elly De La Cruz that scored Santiago Espinal
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho singled scoring George Springer
• The Reds tied it up in the top of the 4th as TJ Friedl hammered a solo bomb in right
• Julian Aguiar pitching line: 4IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 2K 57 pitches (38 for strikes)
• The Reds took the lead in the top of the 6th as Spencer Steer doubled scoring Tyler Stephenson
• Two batters later, Ty France doubled scoring Friedl and Steer
• A batter later, Jake Fraley doubled scoring France
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5IP 5H 4R (2 earned) 2BB 5K 100 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Ernie Clement whacked a solo blast to left-center
• Final score: Reds 6 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 5. Hee dealt with base runners in every inning abd wasn't overly efficient. needing 100 pitches to get 15 outs. He's had an inconsistent season and has regressed from the solid seasons he had in 2022 and 2023, particularly in strikeouts.
• The bullpen gave up 4 runs (2 charged to Gausman) on 4 hits and a walk while striking out 3 over the last 4 innings/ Erik Swanson and Tommy Nance retired every batter he faced
• Offensively, the Blue Jays hit a pair of solo home tuns (one each from Vlad and Ernie Clement). Daulton Varsho also had an RBI single
• The home run jacket needs to be repurposed as the player of the game jacket
• The Blue Jays should option Davis Schneider to AAA-ball and recall Joey Votto so he can face his old team
• The Blue Jays were 1-5 with runners in scoring posirion
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 20th series loss of the season. Jose Berrios starts for the Blue Jays. The Reds haven't named a starter for tomorrow's game.

Game #125 Cincinnati Reds (60-64) vs Toronto Blue Jays (58-66)

 

Game #124 - Toronto Blue Jays (58-66) @ Chicago Cubs (61-64) - game recap

 

Bowden Francis threw 7 shutout innings in a 1-0 shutout win over the Cubs

After another loss in a rain-delayed matinee, the Blue Jays were trying to avoid being swept for the 3rd time and being swept in a season series for the first time this season. Bowden Francis got the start with Brian Serven behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after the half day off yesterday as DH (Alejandro Kirk served as DH today). Joey Loperfido was in CF, Addison Barger was at the hot corner, Ernie Clement was at SS and Spencer Horwitz got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays avoid being swept for the 3rd time and in a season series for the first time this season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Joey Loperfido whacked a solo blast to right
• Shota Imanaga pitching line: 5IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 97 pitches (69 for strikes)
• Bowden Francis pitching line: 7IP 3H 0R 0BB 7K 95 pitches (71for strikes)
• Chad Green pitched a scoreless 9th for his 13th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 1 Cubs 0

My Take:

• Bowden Francis fired 7 shutout innings, scattering 3 hits, walking none and striking out 7. Francis retired the first ten batters he faced and 12 of the last 13 batters. He is pitching himself into the conversation of being the ace of the pitching staff next year. Francis has been outstanding his last two starts and this one might have been the best of his brief career. 
• The bullpen threw 2 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out 1. Genesis Cabrera retired every batter he faced
• Joey Loperfido hir his first HR in a Blue Jays uniform and that was the only run the Blue Jays offence gave the pitching staff. It must be difficult having to pitch perfect every game.
• The Blue Jays were 0-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays return to Toronto to begin a week long homestand, beginning against the Reds tomorriow. The Blue Jays took 2 of 3 from the Reds in 2023, outscoring the Reds 14-7. Kevin Gausman starts for the Blue Jays. The Reds have not set their rotation for the series.

Game #124 Toronto Blue Jays (57-66) @ Chicago Cubs (61-63)

 

Game #123 - Toronto Blue Jays (57-66) @ Chicago Cubs (61-63) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho drove in a run in a 3-2 loss to the Cubs

After a heart-breaking extra innings loss, the Blue Jays were trying to even the series and avoid their 19th series loss and 11th season series loss of the season. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Addison Barger in RF. Davis Schneider got the start in LF. Could the Blue Jays avoid their 19th series loss and 11th season series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Cubs opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Ian Happ led off with a solo bomb to dead center
• Leo Jimenez left the game in the top of the 2nd after tweaking his knee backing up 3rd base in the 1st inning
• Justin Steele pitching line: 2IP 0H 0R 1BB 3K 36 pitches (23 for strikes)
• The Cubs added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 5th as Michael Bush tripled scoring Pete Crow-Armstrong and Miguel Amaya
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5IP 5H 3R (all earned) 2BB 5K 76 pitches (43 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 7th as Daulton Varsho singled scoring Steward Berroa
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th as Addison Barger belted a solo jack to dead center
• Jorge Lopez got the last three outs for his 3rd save of the season
• Final score: Cubs 3 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 5 innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 5. While he only threw 76 pitches, he had to endure a couple of lengthy rain delays. Typically pitchers are sitting down 5-10 minutes while the other team bats. With two rain delays, Bassitt was forced to go into the batting cage under the field and toss the ball to stay loose. The Cubs opted to end Justin Steele's day early after the second rain delay. At least in Toronto, Bassitt doesn't have to worry about a momentum-killing rain delay since the Blue Jays can just close the roof in inclement weather or just not open it at all.
• The bullpen threw 3 shutout innings, walking a batter and striking out 3. Zack Pop retired every batter he faced.
• Speaking of relievers, old friend Nate Pearson was credited with the win. The Blue Jays loaded the bases against him in the 4th inning, but he struck out Davis Schneider and got Steward Berroa to fly out to end the inning
• Offensively, the Blue Jays essentially had to contend with a bullpen daty after the Cubs opted to end starter Justin Steele's day after two innings following two lengthy rain delays. Their best chance at a big inning came in the 4th off ex-Jays reliever Nate Pearson when they loaded the bases on a double and 2 walks, but could not score a run. They scraped together a run on an RBI single in the 8th and Addison Barger made things interesting with a leadoff solo HR in the 9th, but George Springer was unable to play hero today after a game-tying triple in the 9th yesterday. Vlad struck out on a weak swing on what would have been a ball to end the game.
• Impressive work by the groundskeepers who showed a lot of hustle and finesse in taking the tarp on and off the field. It seems they've had a lot of practice at it given the climate of Chicago. The team earned their paycheck today!
• Fun stat of the day: both teams were 1-8 with runners in scoring position. The difference in the game was the one succcessful AB for the Cubs was a 2-run triple whereas Clement's single only produced runs. The two teams traded leadoff home runs too (Jays killer Ian Happ led off the game with a solo shot and Addison Barger led off the 9th with his own solo HR)
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to avoid being swept for the 2nd time this season and being swept in a season series for the 1st time this season. Bowden Francis starts against Cubs lefty Shota Imanata

Game #123 Toronto Blue Jays (57-65) @ Chicago Cubs (60-63)

 

Game #122 - Toronto Blue Jays (57-65) @ Chicago Cubs (60-63) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a 2-run triple in a 6-5 extra innings loss to the Cubs

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays continued the road trip at Wrigley Field against the north-siders, aka the Cubs. The Cubs took the season series 2-1 last year, but the Blue Jays outscored the Cubs 17-15. Yariel Rodriguez got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Joey Loperfido was in LF, Ernie Clement was at the hot corner, Leo Jimenez was at SS and Will Wagner got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Cubs opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Cody Bellinger hammered a 2-run bomb to right-center; also scoring Ian Happ
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 4th as Ernie Clement singled scoring Spencer Horwitz
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 5th as Leo Jimenez drilled a solo jack to dead center
• The Cubs retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Pete Crow-Armstrong hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• A batter later, Miguel Amaya hammered a solo bomb to straightaway center 
• Kyle Hendricks pitching line: 5IP 2H 2R (1 earned) 0BB 2K 82 pitches (55 for strikes)
• Yariel Rodiguez pitching line: 5IP 4H 4R (all earned) 2BB 5K 88 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Cubs added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Happ hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th on a balk by Hector Neris that forced in Will Wagner
• A batter later, George Springer tripled scoring Clement and Joey Loperfido
• The Cubs walked it off in the bottom of the 10th as Seiya Suzuki singled home Happ
• Final score: Cubs 6 Blue Jays 5 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Yariel Rodriguez battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits (3 HR) while walking 2 and striking out 5. As has been an issure for most of the pitching staff, Yariel Rodriguez could not keep the ball in the ball park. I still think Pete Walker needs to be part of the coaching staff overhaul. He's been there for a decade now and every coach has an expiry date where their messaging becomes stale or other teams figure out the tricks.
• The bullpen gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and a walk over the last 4 innings. Chad Green failed to record an out in the 10th inning. Genesis Cabrera and Erik Swanson both retired every batter they faced.
• Kudos to the offense for the comeback. The Cubs handed them a run in the fourth inning with three unbelieveable errors by the infield - two tailor-made double plays were flubbed by Dansby Swanson (although one error was charged to Kyle Hendricks on a bad throw) and then Swanson made a horrible throw on a grounder where he had tons of time to throw across the diamond for the 3rd out. In the 9th, Springer took advantage of a balk that forcecd in a run and tripled to tie the game. The Blue Jays had no business tying the game, but the Cubs gifted them the chance with horrendous defense
• The Blue Jays were 3-12 with runners in scoring position
• Every Blue Jays starter except Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had at least one hit
• Not-so-fun fact: The Blue Jays have now lost 75 straight games where they were trailing by multiple runs in the 8th inning or later 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to avoid their 19th series loss of the season.Chris Bassitt starts against Cubs lefty Justin Steele

Game #122 Toronto Blue Jays (57-64) @ Chicago Cubs (59-63) AppleTV+ Exclusive

 

Game #121 Toronto Blue Jays (56-64) @ Los Angeles Angels (52-68)

 

Game #120 Toronto Blue Jays (55-64) @ Los Angeles Angels (52-67)

 

Game #119 - Toronto Blue Jays (55-64) @ LA Angels (52-67) - game recap

 

Leo Jimenez hit his first career HR in a 4-2 win over the Angels

After another brutal loss thanks to an ugly start from Chris Bassitt, the Blue Jays were looking to start the week and last west coast swing with a win. Luis De Los Santos was optioned to AAA-ball and Will Wagner was recalled from AAA-bal and got the start at 2B. Bowden Francis got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Joey Loperfido was in LF. George Springer got the complete day off with Steward Berroa in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Leo Jimenez was at SS. Could the Blue Jays start the week with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd on a ground-rule double by Spencer Horwirz that scored Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Two batters later, Will Wagner singled scoring Horwirz
• A batter later, Leo Jimenez hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Wagner. It was the first career HR for Jimenez
• The Angels got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Mickey Moniak drilled a solo blast to right
• Davis Daniel pitching line: 5IP 8H 4R (all earned) 2BB 5K 92 pitches (60 for strikes)
• Bowden Francis pitching line: 7IP 1H 1R (earned) 0BB 8K 81 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Angels got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Jo Adell smacked a solo blast to right-center
• Chad Green got the last 3 outs for his 12th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Angels 2

My Take:

• Bowden Francis had his best start of his career, pitching deeper into the game than he ever has (7 innings) and allowing a single hit that went over the wall in the bottom of the 4th. At this point, he has a very strong chance at securing a starter's role in 2025. 
• The bullpen gave up one solo HR (by closer Chad Green) and a walk over the last 2 innings. Genesis Cabrera retired the only batter he faced.
• The kids got it done offensively today. Leo Jimenez went deep for his 1st career HR. Making his big league debut, Will Wagner, son of legendary closer Billy Wagner was 3-4 on the day, collected his first career RBI and first career run. Spencer Horwitz got the inning start with an RBI ground-rule double
• The Blue Jays were 2-12 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try for 2 straight wins and 12th series win. Kevin Gausman starts against Angels righty Carson Fulmer

Game #119 Toronto Blue Jays (54-64) @ Los Angeles Angels (52-66)

 

Game #118 - Oakland A's (50-69) @ Toronto Blue Jays (54-64) - game recap

 

Luis De Los Santos drove in his first career run in an 8-4 loss to the A's

After a tough 1-0 loss yesterday, the Blue Jays were going for their 11th series win and 7th season series win. Genesis Cabrera was reinstated from the paternity list. Yerry Rodriguez was optioned to AAA-ball. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in RF after the half day off as DH yesterday (Vlad got the half day off as DH with Spencer Horwitz at 1B). Davis Schneider was in LF and Luis De Los Santos was at the hot corner. Ernie Clement was at SS and Leo Jimenez got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays notch their 11th series win and 7th season series of the season? Here is tonight's game tecap.

Game Highlights:

• The A's opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Brent Rooker singled scoring Lawrence Butler. Spencer Horwitz was charged with a throwing error on the play. 
• A batter later, JJ Bleday whacked a 2-run blast to right-center and into the A's bullpen
• Three batters later, Zack Gelof hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Seth Brown
• Four batters later, Butler singled scoring Daz Cameron
• The A's added a run in the top of the 4th as Bleday singled home Butler
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho hammered a solo bomb off the baseing of the 2nd deck
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 4IP 8H 7R (all earned) 2BB 5K 86 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The A's added a run in the top of the 6th as Rooker doubled scoring Max Schuemann
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Luis De Los Santos doubled scoring Spencer Horwitz. It was De Los Santos' first career RBI.
• A batter later, George Springer singled scoring Davis Schneider and De Los Santos
• JP Sears pitching line: 7IP 3H 3R (all earned) 3BB 4K 97 pitches (62for strikes)
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s hitting streak ended at 22 games. He was 0-4 today.
• Final score: A's 8 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt was lit up for 7 runs on 8 hits while walking 2 and striking out 5. It looked like he wouldn't even get out of the 1st inning. The A's had scored 3 runs before he got his 1st out. By the time the inning mercifully ended, the A's had scored 6 runs on 6 hits, a walk and a hit batter. He did manage to retire 7 in a row before the A's scored once more on him. 
• The bullpen gave up a run on 4 hits while walking two and striking out 4 over the last 5 innings. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced.
• Well, it was fun while it lasted. Vlad's hitting streak came to an end. His impatience at the plate did him in today. Vlad swung at the 1st pitch in 2 of his at-bats today. Had he demonstrated a bit more patience, he might be looking at a 23 game hit strreak. Guerrero Jr. can be a very streaky hiter, capable of getting red hot and then frustrating days like today where he kills the baseball but a grounder right at an infielder.
• Good for Luis De Los Santos and collecting his 1st career RBI. George Springer showed he can still hit with a 2-run RBI single.
• The Blue Jays were 2-4 with runners in scoring position
• This was the final game against the Oakland A's. Next year the team will temporarily move to Sacramento and play as The Athletics until theyO move to their permanent home in Las Vegas in 2027. Blue Jays fans should not take the team for granted. I've seen several calls on social media for fans to simply not show up and for the owners to sell the team. In all likelihood, if Rogers ever did sell the team it would be to an American owner, who would have an easier time convincing MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred to move the Blue Jays down south and become the second of the 4 big leagues to have strictly american teams. As it is, the Blue Jays are and will have a difficult time attracting marquee free agents to sign in Toronto, Instead, the fans should voice their displeasure at home games by booing the team off the field after lacklustre efforts like the last 2 games and not buy from the team store. Maybe delay buying season tickets until fans know what the team will look like in 2025. The last thing they should do is not show up at all. That's what the A's fans did and now they will not have a team in 6 weeks.
• For the last fun fact from the A's and Blue Jays, here are some comparatives of the success of both franches
• World series: A's (last 1989) 9 Blue Jays 2 (last 1993)
• AL MVPS: A's: 12 (7 as the Oakland A's - last one was Miguel Tejada in 2002); Blue Jays 2 (last: Josh Donaldson in 2015)
• AL Cy Young: A's: 5 - last Barry Zito in 2002; Blue Jays 5 - last Robbie Ray in 2021
• AL Rookie of the year: A's 7 - last Andrew Bailey in 2009; Blue Jays 2 - last Eric Hinske in 2002
• no-hitters: A's 10 (last Sean Manaea April 21, 2018) Blue Jays 1 (Dave Stieb September 2, 1990
• longest winning streak: A's:20 games (August 13-September 1, 2002); Blue Jays: 11 games (6 times; last August 2-13, 2015)
• Up next, the Blue Jays hit the road for another west coast swing as they take on the LA Angels for the first time this season. The Blue Jays took 4 of 6 in the season series last year and outscored the Angels 33-28. Bowden Francis starts against Angels righty Davis Daniel

Game #118 Oakland Athletics (49-69) @ Toronto Blue Jays (54-63)

Game #117 - Oakland A's (49-69) @ Toronto Blue Jays (54-63) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended his hitting streak to 22 games with a single in the 1st inning in a 1-0 shutout loss to the A's

After a solid win thanks to 7 strong innings from Jose Berrios and solo home runs from George Springer and Spencer Horwitz, the Blue Jays were looking for their 3rd straight win, 11th series win and 7th season series win. Yariel Rodriguez got the start with Brian Serven behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Addison Barger in RF. Spencer Horwitz got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 11h series win and 7th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended his hitting streak to 22 games, tying his career high with a single in the bottom of the 1st.
• The A's opened the scoring in the top of the 6th as Brent Rooker whacked a solo blast just over the wall in left-center. The original call was overturned after a replay review.
• Yariel Rodriguez pitching line: 5.2IP 5H 1R (earned) 1BB 5K 85 pitches (51 for strikes)
• Osvaldo Bido pitching line: 6IP 2H 0R 1BB 5K 89 pitches (54 for strikes)
• Mason Miller threw a perfect 9th for his 17th save of the season
• Final score: A's 1 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Yariel Rodriguez threw 5.2 solid innings, giving up a run on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. Rodriguez really just made the one mistake, a slider that Brent Rooker launched just over the wall in left-center, that required a video review to overturn the initial call. Rodriguez dealt with base runners in most innings, but was able to make the pitches to escape the jams unscathed. He's looking like a contender for one of the vacant starter spots.
• The bullpen held the A's to 3 hits over the last 3.1 innings. Ryan Burr and Zack Pop both retired every batter they faced
• Vlad provided pretty much the only offensive highlight of the game, extending his hitting streak to 22 games with a single in the 1st inning. Here's hoping the hitting coaches stay far away from him during this streak.
• Oakland A's-Bluejays fun fact: For today's fun fact, let's look at what both teams will not experience this season: their head-to-head playoff record. The Blue Jays and A's have faced each other twice in the ALCS. In 1989, the A's defeated the Blue Jays 4 games to 1. Dave Stewart, who 3 years later helped the Blue Jays eliminate the A's in the 1992 ALCS, won the 1st and 5th games in the series (Stewart won game 5 of the 1992 ALCS and got a no-decision in game 1 of that series). In 1989, Rickey Henderson, who helped the Blue Jays win their 2nd world series in 1993, captured the ALCS MVP with an impressive .400 batting average, 2HR, 5RBI and 8 stolen bases. Chime in below with your favorite playoff memory from the  two head to head playoff matches between the A's and Blue Jays 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to wrap up the home stand with a win and to notch their 11th series win and 7th season series win. Chris Bassitt starts against A's lefty JP Sears

Game #117 Oakland Athletics (48-69) @ Toronto Blue Jays (54-62)

 

Game #116 - Oakland A's (48-69) @ Toronto Blue Jays (54-62) - game recap

 

Jose Berrios threw 7 strong innings in a 3-1 win over the A's

After eking out a win yesterday on the strength of a 4RBI effort from Vlad and 8 strong innings from Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were looking for their 2nd straight win as they began a final series against the Oakland A's, who will be known as the Athletics as they play out of Sacramento until their new home in Vegas is ready for the 2027 season. Since this will be the last series between the A's and Blue Jays, I will do a fun fact each day in the my take section. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (Spencer Horwitz served as DH tonight). The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as George Springer led off with a solo bomb to the second deck in left-center
• Two battrers later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled to extend his hitting streak to 21 games
• The A's tied it in the top of the 3rd as Darell Herrnaiz whacked a solo blast to left-center
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 5th on a fielder's choice hit by Alejandro Kirk that scored Guerrero Jr.
• Mitch Spence pitching line: 6.2IP 8H 2R (both earned) 0BB 2K 81 pitches (54 for strikes)
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 7IP 6H 1R (earned) 1BB 8K 103 pitches (68 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Spencer Horwitz belted a solo jack to the 4th deck inright
• Chad Green threw a perfect 9th for his 11th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 A's 1

My Take:

• Jose Berrios fired 7 strong innnigs, giving up a run on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 8. He made one mistake in the 3rd inning that went over the wall and he had to escape jams in the 6th and 7th inning as it was clear he was tiring. He'll be a staple of the rotation the next several seasons
• The bullpen allowed just a walk over 2 innings. Erik Swanson is starting to show his form from 2023 and if that can continue and he has a solid off-season, he could be an option to close and set up for the Blue Jays next year. Chad Green is looking pretty good to and all the way back from Tommy John surgery
• The Vlad train continues to roll. He got two more hits, extending his hit streak to 21 games, and made a fine catch on a foul pop fly
• Two solo home runs (one each off the bats of George Springer and Spencer Horwitz) plus a fielder's choice off the bat of Alejandro Kirk carried the day
• The Blue Jays were 1-7 with runners in scoring position
• A's/Blue Jays fun fact: these five players played for both the Blue Jays and A's (feel free to chime in with more in the comments section): Rickey Henderson, Dave Stewart, Josh Donaldson, Jose Canseco and Marcus Semien
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 12th series win and 6th season series win of the season. Yariel Rodriguez starts against A's righty Osvaldo Bido

Game #116 Oakland Athletics (48-68) @ Toronto Blue Jays (53-62)

 

-Game #115 - Baltimore Orioles (68-48) @ Toronto Blue Jays (53-62) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was 3-4 with 4RBI and 2 runs scored and finished a sungle shy of the cycle in a 7-6 win over the Orioles

After a tough loss due to the bullpen coughing up another lead, the Blue Jays were looking to avoid their 20th series loss of the season. Genesis Cabrera was placed on the paternity leave. Tommy Nance, acquired from the Padres for cash considerations took his roster spot. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Addison Barger. Joey Loperfido was in LF. Vlad was back at 1B, Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Spencer Horwitz was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays avoid their 20th series loss? 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 George Springer. The hit extended Guerrero Jr's hitting streak to 20 games
• Two batters later, Daulton Varsho scored on a balk charged to Dean Kremer
• Same batter, Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• The Orioles got a pair back in the bottom of the 3rd as Colton Cowley whacked a 2-run blast to  the opposite field in left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Ramon Urias 
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 5th as Guerrero Jr. Smacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right-center and into the Orioles bullpen; also scoring Varsho
• Dean Kremer pitching line: 4.1IP 4H 5R (all earned) 5BB 6K 96 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Varsho  singled scoring Leo Jimenez
• A batter later, Guerrero Jr. tripled home Jimenez
• Kevin Gausman pitching line; 8IP 3H 2R (both earned) 3BB 2K 100 pitches (69 for strikes)
• The Orioles got one back in the top of the 9th as Ryan O'Hearn scored on a fielder's choice on a ball hit by Jackson Holliday 
• A batter later, Cedric Mullins doubled scoring Ryan Mountcastle
• Two batters later, Cowley singled scoring Mullins and Holliday
• Chad Green got the last 3 outs for his 10th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 Orioles 6

My Take:

•  Kevin Gausman pitched 8 strong innings, giving up a pair of runs on 3 hits while walking 3 and striking out 2. He retired the first 8 batters he faced and after walking a batter with one out in the 4th, Gausman retired 14 of the last 15 he faced. Gausman should be a candidate for the opening day start next year and if the 2025 season goes sideways, he should fetch a big return in a trade.
• The bullpen very nearly blew the lead. Zack Pop, who did not record an out, loaded the bases on 3 singles. Chad Green gave up a further 2 hits. The bullpen needs a major revamping in the off-season. At this point, Green, Branden Little and maybe Erik Swanson have strong holds on roles next year. Genesis Cabrera has also earned a chance. 
• It was the Vladdty show again. The red-hot Blue Jays star not only extended his hit streak to 20 games in his first AB, driving in the opening run in the process, Vlad finished a single short of the cycle. Forget about plugging the holes in the lineup, the top priority has to be signing Vlad to a big 10 year deal. He's the one this team needs to be built around. 
• Oh yeah and Daulton Varsho (2 RBI, 3 runs scored) and Alejandro Kirk (2RBI) had good days at the plate too
• The Blue Jays were 3-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays open their final series against the Oakland A's, who will be moving to Sacramento until the stadium is ready in their new home in Vegas in a couple of years. The Blue Jays took 2 of 3 from Oakland in their final visit there 2 months ago, outscoring the A's 14-6. Jose Berrios starts against A's righty Mitch Spence

Game #115 Baltimore Orioles (68-47) @ Toronto Blue Jays (52-62)

 

Game #114 - Baltimore Orioles (68-47) @ Toronto Blue Jays (52-62) - game recap

 

Bowden Francis threw 5 solid innings in a losing effort as the Orioles came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 7-3

After playing spoiler and pulling off a win over the Orioles on the back of a 5-run rally in the 6th inning, the Blue Jays were going for their 2nd straight win and 12th series win. Bowden Francis got the start with Brian Serven behind the plate. Davis Schneider got the start in LF, Vlad was at the hot corner and Spencer Horwirz was at 1B. Leo Jimenez was at SS and Ernie Clement was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and 12 series wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Orioles opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Anthony Santander whacked a 2-run blast to right-center; also scorring Colton Cowser
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended his hitting streak to 19 games with a single in the 1st inning
• Two batters later, Ernie Clement scored on a sac fly by Spencer Horwitz
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom of the 2nd as Brian Serven singled scoring Leo Jimenez
• Two batters later, Serven scored on a throwing error by Orioles 3B Coby Mayo that scored Serven
• Bowden Francis pitching line: 5IP 3H 2R (both earned) 1BB 7K 81 pitches (59 for strikes)
• Trevor Rogers pitching line: 5IP7H 3R (2 earned) 2BB 2K 94 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Orioles took the lead in the top of the 7th as Jackson Holliday belted a 2-run jack to right; also scoring Eloy Jimenez
• The Orioles added a run in the top of the 8th as Santander hammered a solo bomb to left-center
• Six batters later, Jimenez doubled scoring Austin Slater and Adley Rutschman
• Final score: Orioles 7 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Bowden Francis may have had his best start in a Blue Jays uniform, firing 5 innings, allowing a pair of runs on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 7. After giving up a leadoff double in the 2nd, Francis retired 8 of the next 10 batters he faced. He needs to pitch well to show he can be an option in the rotation next year since there will be 2 open spots with Yusei Kikuchi gone and Alek Manoah not coming back before June and could be after the all-star break.
• The bullpen gave up 5 runs on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 over the last 4 innings. Ryan Burr was tagged with both a blown save and the loss after giving up a 2-run HR in the 7th inning. Newbie Ryan Yarbrough was responsible for the other three runs the bullpen gave up. Yerry Rodriguez was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced.The bullpen has to be the priority in the off-season
• Offensively, Ernie Clement (RBI and forced a throwing error for another run) and Brian Serven (run scored, RBI) did the damage.
• As has been a problem the last couple of season, the Blue Jays had their opportunities to score, but largely failed to get the clutch hits. Tonight, the team was 2-10 with runners in scoring position.
• Up nextt, the Blue Jays try to avoid their 20th series loss of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Oroles righty Dean Kremer

Game #114 Baltimore Orioles (67-47) @ Toronto Blue Jays (52-61)

 

Game #113 - Baltimore Orioles (67-47) @ Toronto Blue Jays (52-61) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk hit a 3-run HR in a 5-3 win over the Orioles

After an off-day yesterday, the blue Jays opened the first homestand since the trade deadline against the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles have won 6 of the 10 meetings in the season series thus far, outscoring the Blue Jays 60-36. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after serving as DH Sunday (Spencer Horwitz served as DH tonight). George Springer was back in the lineup and in RF after missing a game Sunday with a shin contusion. Addison Barger was at the hot corner and Leo Jimenez was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the week and homestand with a win? Here is tonught's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Albert Suarez pitching line: 5IP 2H 0R 2BB 6K 73 pitches (46 for strikes)
• The Orioles took the lead in the top of the 6th as Jackson Holliday hammered a solo bomb to right-center
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended his hit streak to 18 games with a single in the bottom half of the inning
• Two batters later. the Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Alejandro Kirk belted a 3-run jack to left-center; also scoring Vladimir Guerreo Jr. and Spencer Horwitz
• Three batters later, Addison Barger doubled scoring Daulton Varsho and Ernie Clement
• The Orioles got one back in the top of the 8th as Adley Rutschman was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Austin Slater 
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 7IP 3H 2R (both earned) 2BB 9K 100 pitches (65 for strikes)
• Chad Green pitched a perfect 9th for his 9th save of the season. He has earned a role in the bullpen next year.
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Orioles 2

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt may have had his best start of the season, pitching into the 8th inning, giving up a pair of runs on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 9. Two of the hits and one of the walks came in the 8th inning where he clearly ran out of gas. After walking the leadoff hitter in the 2nd, Bassitt retired 14 of the next 16 batters he faced. Kudos to Bassitt for offering an x (formerly twitter) Blue Jays fan who lost his mom tickets to Blue Jays games.
• The bullpen gave up a walk while striking out 3 over the last 2 innings. Genesis Cabrera did well to escape a bases loaded jam he inherited with just one run allowed. Chad Green retired every batter he faced.
• The offense did all the damage in the 6th inning led by Alejandro Kirk (3-run HR) and Addison Barger (2-run double)
• And Vlad remains red hot. He extended his hitting streak to 18 games with a single in the 6th inning. Will be fun to see how long he can keep it up. Signing him to a long-term contract should be the second priority this off-season (the first has to be letting Ross Atkins go and a new GM make the roster moves). Here's a crazy idea, bat Vladdy leadoff until he doesn't get a hit. the top 2 players in the lneup were a combined 0-8.
• Bo Bichette and Jordan Romano should both focus their rehab on returning in 2025. The team will need both at full strength next season and it's not worth a setback trying to rush back.
• Here's hoping hometown hero Joey Votto joins the team in the next week or so. The fans need something to cheer about
• The Blue Jays were 2-5 with runners in scoring position.
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for 2 straight wins and 12 series wins. Bowden Francis starts against Orioles lefty Trevor Rogers

Game #113 Baltimore Orioles (67-46) @ Toronto Blue Jays (51-61)

Game #112 - Toronto Blue Jays (51-61) @ New York Yankees (67-46) - game recap

 

Alejamdro Kirk scored a run and drove in a run in a losing effort as the Yankees came from behind to walk off the Blue Jays 4-3 in 10 innings

After a tough loss due to the offense, other than Vlad not showing up and Jose Berrios giving up three 2-run HR, the Blue Jas were looking to end the road trip with a win and their 12th series win. Yariel Rodriguez got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the complete day off after DH'ing yesterday (Vlad got the half day off as DH with Spencer Horwitz at 1B today). Addison Barger got the start in RF. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Joey Lioperfido was in LF. Luis De Los Santos made his big league debut at the hot corner. Ernie Clement was at SS and Davis Schneider was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays end the road trip with a win and notch their 12th series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays openeed the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Addison Barger doubled scoring Alejandro Kirk 
• Three batters later, Ernic Clement singled home Barger
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended his hitting streak to 17 games in the top of the 3rd with a double
• Yariel Rodriguez pitching line: 4.2IP 4H 0R 1BB 4K 76 pitches (51 for strikes)
• Gerritt Cole pitching line: 5.2IP 6H 2R (both earned) 0BB 4K 91 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Yankees got one back in the bottom of the 6th on a ground out hit by Trent Grisham that scored Jazz Chisholm Jr. 
• A batter later, Anthony Volpe scored on a sac fly by DJ LeMahieu
• The Yankees took the lead in the bottom of the 7th as Juan Soto whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in left-center and into the Yankees bullpen
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the top of the 8th on a sac fly by Kirk that scored Joey Loperfido
• The Yankees walked it off in the bottom of the 10th as LeMahieu singled home Volpe
• Final score: Yankees 4 Blue Jays 3 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Yariel Rodriguez threw 4.2 shutout innings, scattering 4 hits, walking 1 and striking out 4. He got into a jam, facing a bases loaded situation in the 1st inning with one out, but he escaped the jam by getting Giancarlo Stanton to pop out and Jazz Chisholm to line out. He retired the last 7 batters he faced.
• The bullpen gave up three runs on 6 hits while walking 6 and striking out 2 over the last 4.2 innings. Ryan Yarbrough retired every batter he faced. By contrast, fellow lefty Branden Little walked all three batters he faced. Whoever is general manager in the off-season is going to have to make upgrading the bullpen a priority 
• Alejandro Kirk (run scored, RBI), Addison Barger (RBI double) and Ernie Clement (led the charge offensively
• Good to see Vlad take a run at the unbreakable hitting streak record. He extended the streak to 18 games with a double leading off the 3rd inning
• In his big league debut, Luis De Los Santos drew a pair of walks, made a great play at the hot corner and wound up playing three positions in the same game (started at 3B, moved to 1B and finished in LF)
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays open a home stand against the Orioles as they look to play spoiler in the AL East. The Orioles have won 6 of the 10 meetings in the season series thus far, outscoring the Blue Jays 60-36. Grayson Rodriguez will start Tuesday for the Orioles. The Blue Jays have not set their rotation for the series yet.

Game #112 Toronto Blue Jays (51-60) @ New York Yankees (66-46)