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| Ernie Clement scored twice, including a solo HR, in a losing effort as the Twins came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 4-3 |
After a blowout 14-0 shutout win over the Twins thanks to the offence going bonkers, the Blue Jays were going for their 2nd straight win and 13th series win of the season. Infielder Luis De Los Santos, who got the start at the hot corner, and lefty Brandon Eisert were recalled from AAA-ball. Yariel Rodriguez got the start with Brian Serven behinf the plate. Vlad, George Springer and Daulton Varsho got the complete day off with Spencer Horwitz at 1B, Addison Barger in LF and Joey Loperfido in CF. Ernie Clement was at SS and Leo Jimenez was at 2B. Davus Schneider served as DH. Righty Dillon Tate was claimed off waivers from the Orioles. Righty Paolo Espino was DFA'd. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and 13 series wins? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Ernie Clement whacked a solo blast to left-center
- Yariel Rodriguez pitching line: 3IP 3H 0R 2BB 3K 57 pitches (33 for strikes)
- Bailey Ober pitching line: 6IP 1H 1R (earned) 3BB 8K 94 pitches (62 for strikes)
- The Twins tied the game in the borrom of the 7th on a groundout hit by Carlos Santana that scored Royce Lewis
- The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 8th on a hit by pitch to Leo Jimenez that forced in Nathan Lukes
- A batter later, Clement scored on a groundout hit by Joey Loperfido
- The Twins took the lead in the bottom of the inning as Lewis whacked a 3-run blast just over the wall in left; also Ryan Jeffers and Austin Martin
- Jhoan Duran threw a scoreless 9th for his 20th save of the season
- Final score: Twins 4 Blue Jays 3
My Take:
- This game felt a bit like game 2 of last year's WC series against the Twins. This time, Yariel Rodriguez was yanked after 3 innings. Rodriguez got into a few jams whereas Jose Berrios was dealing when he was removed from the AL Wild card game. The other factor is the Blue Jays are going to be careful with Rodriguez's usage in the final month given they want to limit his innings.
- The bullpen gave up 4 runs on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 3 over the last 6 innings. Ryan Yarbrough and Tommy Nance both retired every batter they faced. Branden Little and Chad Green were both charged with blown saves.
- Offensively, Ernie Clement hit a solo home run and later scored on a bases loaded ground out. Leo Jimenez got a RBI the painful way, taking one for the team on a hit by pitch. Twins pitching was effectively wild with 5 walks and a hit batter.
- The Blue Jays were 0-7 with runners in scoring position
- The Blue Jays could play spoiler in the last month of the season with series against the Braves, Mets and Cardinals in the next couple of weeks, who are all in the hunt for the 3rd WC spot, with the Braves clinging to the 3rd WC spot. They also face the Red Sox in the final week of the season and the Red Sox are clinging to the final WC spot in the AL.
- Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays return home for a brief 2-game home stand against the Phillies. The two teams split the 2 games in Philly way back in May with the Phillies outscoring Blue Jays 13-6. Chris Bassitt starts against Phillies righty Tyler Phillips
