Game #58 Athletics (23-36) @ Toronto Blue Jays (30-28) - game recap

 

-

George Springer hit a pair of solo home runs in an 8-7 win over the A's

After hanging on for another win in which the Blue Jays scored double digit runs, the Blue Jays were trying to extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 7th series win of the season. Prior to the game, lefty Easton Lucas was recalled from AAA-all and righty Jose Urena was DFA'd. Braydon Fisher got the start with Ali Sanchez behind the plate. Jonatan Clase got the start in LF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 7th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The A's opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Tyler Soderstrom hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; alsl scoring Jacob Wilson and Brent Rooker 
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom half of the inning as Addison Barger annihilated a 2-run bomb to the second deck in right; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Four batters, Nathan Lukes singled scoring George Springer and Daulton Varsho
• The A's retook the lead in the bottom of the 2nd as Denzel Clarke drilled a 2-run blast to the second deck to left; also scoring Luis Arias 
• Braydon Fisher pitching line: 1.1IP 4H 5R (all earned) 1BB 1K 35 pitches (23 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Bo Bichette whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as George Springer hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• A batter later, Daulton Varsho left the game in the bottom of the 3rd when he pulled his hamstring trying to stretch a double into a triple
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as  Springer hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th on a wild pitch by Gunnar Hoglund that scored Ernie Clement
• Gunnar Hoglund pitching line: 6IP 10H 8R (all earned) 2BB 1K 93 pitches (59 for strikes) 
• The A's got a pair back in the top of the 9th as Rooker hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Lawrence Butler
• Jeff Hoffman got the last 3 outs for his  13th save of the season.
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 Jays 7

My Take:

•  Braydon Fisher was roughed up for 5 runs on 4 hits and a wal while striking out 1 over 1.1 innings. It was another bullpen day, an occurrence expected to continue another month at least with Max Scherzer progressing in his thumb rehab, but with more hurdles to clear. Spencer Turnbull is still building up, and he is a wild card at best. Nobody has been able to take the proverbial bull by the horns and give the Blue Jays any more than 4-5 innings tops.
• The bullpen threw 6.2 shutout innings (allowing 5 hits, walking 3 and striking out 5) until Jeff Hoffman gave up a bomb to cut the lead to one run and then gave up a double. The only reason he didn't blow the save was thanks to a spectacular diving catch by Ernie Clement to end the game. Yariel Rodriguez was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced.
• You have to feel for Daulton Varsho, who missed the first few weeks of the season as he completed rehab on off-season shoulder surgery. Now, he's pulled his left hamstring, an injury that could require several weeks to heal if it's as bad as it looked on TV
• The offense continues to show consistency. They immediately responded to being down three runs with four of their own in the 1st inning. Bo Bichette is showing some power, hitting his 3rd home run in 4 games, George Springer went deep twice and Addison Barger reached the second deck in right for the second straight day. The old adage is true: hitting is contagious.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 5 games and complete their 3rd sweep of the season and 3rd season series win. Kevin Gausman starts against A'S lefty JP Sears

Game #58 Oakland Athletics (23-35) v. Toronto Blue Jays (29-28)

 

Game #57 Athletics (23-35) @ Toronto Blue Jays (29-28) - game recap

 

Myles Straw drove in 2 runs and scored 3 times in an 11-7 win over the A's

After a massive 12-0 shutout over the A's, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and to get above the .500 mark. Anthony Santander was placed on the 10-day IL with right shoulder inflammation.  Alan Roden was recalled from AAA-ball. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Myles Straw was in LF, Daulton Varsho was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B

Game Highlights:

• The A's opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Tyler Soderstrom hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Myles Straw singled scoring Ernie Clement
• Three batters later, Addison Barger was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Vladimir Guerrero Jr 
• A batter later,  Straw scored on a sac fly by George Springer 
• The A's for one back in the top of the 3rd as Jacob Wilson singled home Lawrence Butler
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Clement whacked a solo blast to left-center 
• Two batters later, Straw doubled scoring Barger
• A batter later,  Nathan Lukes sticked home Straw 
• Jeffrey Springs pitching line: 2IP 6H 6R (all earned) 6BB 2K 72 pitches (41 for strikes)
• The A's got one back in the top of the 4th as Shea Langeliers drilled a solo bomb to left-center 
• The A's got a pair back in the top of the 5th as Brent Rooker doubled scoring Denzel Clark and Butler
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Springer singled scoring Straw
• A batter later, Kirk singled scoring Guerrero Jr and Springer
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5IP 7H 5R (all earned) 2BB 6K  82 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Barger hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in right
• Three batters later Bo Bichette singled home Lukes
• The A's got one back in the top of the 9th as Clark singled scoring Miguel Andujar
• A batter later, Butler doubled scoring Butler
• Final score: Blue Jays 11 A's 7

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 5 innings, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. He gave up runs in every inning but the 1st inning. The A's took him deep twice. This start was not Bassitt at his best, but he does seem to struggle against the A's for one reason or another.
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 over the last 4 innings. Mason Fluharty was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced
• Offesively, it was another team effort with every starter getting at least one hit and all but Daulton Varsho either scoring a run or driving in a run. The Blue Jays have had much better at-bats and it's showing on the scoreboard against a weaker A's ball club
• The Blue Jays made the right move putting Anthony Santander on the IL, but that should have been done a couple of weeks back after he missed time in Seattle
• The Blue Jays were 5-14 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 4 games and 8th series win of the season.

Game #57 Oakland Athletics (23-34) v. Toronto Blue Jays (28-28)

 

Game #56 Athletics (23-34) @ Toronto Blue Jays (28-28) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement drove in 5 runs in a 12-0 shutout win over the A's

After eking out a shutout win thanks to a clutch 2- run HR off the bat of Bo Bichette,  the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and get back to .500 as they began a 4-game series against the A's. The two squads split the season series last year, with the Blue Jays outscoring the A's 21-16. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Anthony Santander in RF, Jonatan Clase in LF and Myles Straw in CF. Bo Bichette was back in the lineup at SS after the complete day off yesterday. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays make it two wins in a row and get back to .500? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights;

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Ernie Clement drilled a 3- run blast to left center; also scoring Alejandro Kirk and Anthony Santander
• Four batters later, Bo Bichette doubled scoring Jonatan Clase
• A batter later,  Vladimir Guerrero Jr hammered a 2-run bomb off the basing of the 3rd deck in left-center; also scoring Bichette
•  Four batters later, Clement doubled scoring George Springer and Kirk
• Jacob Lopez pitching line: 1.2IP 6H 7R (all earned) 1BB 0K 43 pitches (24 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Bichette belted a 2-run jack to left; also scoring Clase
• Two batters later,  Springer whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 6IP 2H 0R 2BB 9K 90 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th on a sac fly by Kirk that scored Addison Barger
• Final score Blue Jays 12 A's 0

My Take:

• Jose Berrios pitched 6 solid shutout innings, giving up 2 hits, walking 2 and striking out 9. He retried the first 9 batters he faced. Berrios must have been thankful that he had such a big lead to work with. 
• The bullpen threw 3 shutout innings, giving up 2 hits, walking none and striking out 4. The big lead allowed the Blue Jays to avoid using their high leverage pitchers. 
• The offence did most of the damage in the 2nd and 3rd innings where they scored a combined 11 runs on 10 hits, and 3 walks. Ernie Clement drove in 5 runs in the 3rd inning
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Anthony Santander had a hit and all but Michael Stefanic and Myles Straw either scored a run or drove in a run.
• The Blue Jays were 6-11 with runners in scoring position 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try for 3 straight wins and to get above .500. Chris Bassitt starts against A's lefty Jeffrey Springs

Game #56 Oakland Athletics (23-33) v. Toronto Blue Jays (27-28)

 

Game #55 Toronto Blue Jays (27-28) @ Texas Rangers (27--30) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette hit a 2-run HR in the 9th to lift the Blue Jays to a 2-0 shutout win over the Rangers

After a tough shutout loss due to the inept offense, the Blue Jays were looking to end the road trip with a win and notch their 7th series win of the season. Paxton Schultz got the start with Ali Sanchez behind the plate. Anthony Santander got the half day off as DH with George Springer in RF and Nathan Lukes in LF. Bo Bichette was completely off after DH'ing yesterday (Ernie Clement was at SS). Could the Blue Jays end the road trip with a win and notch their 7th series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Paxton Schultz pitching line: 2.2IP 1H 0R 0BB 4K 45 pitches (28 for strikes)
• Tyler Mahle pitching line: 6IP 4H 0R 3BB 5K 92 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 9th as Bo Bichette belted a 2-run jack to left; also scoring Ernie Clement
• Jeff Hoffman pitched a perfect 9th for his 12th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Rangers 0

My Take:

• Paxton Schultz got the first 8 outs on the regularly scheduled bullpen day on what should be Max Scherzer's spot in the rotation, but the aging righty lasted just 3 innings in his first start and still has major hurdles to pass as he tries to get over the 50 pitch mark, the point where his thumb has started barking. Scherzer was a risky signing to begin with given his age and injury history. Since then the Blue Jays have pretty much been trying to cobble it together every 5 days. It hasn't helped that Bowden Francis, whose turn is the day before this start, hasn't been pitching more than 5 innings and if Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios or Chris Bassitt has a bad start, as happened to Bassitt over the weekend, it puts a lot of pressure on the bullpen every 5th day. Schultz isnt trusted to go more than once through the rotation. Other options like Eric Lauer and Easton Lucas have had varying degrees of success. The Blue Jays seem to like having the opener go through the lineup once and then turn it over to the next man up for the next few innings. This works ok if the opener is effective. The trouble occurs if the game goes to extra innings or a lot of pitchers are needed that day due to injury or ineffectiveness. It impacts the next few games. Here's hoping either Scherzer comes back soon, or Spencer Turnbull, currently building up in the minors, can end the vicious cycle of bullpen days every 5th day
• The bullpen was excellent again tonight, firing 6.1 shutout and hitless innings, walking three batters and striking out 9. The bullpen, when rested is capable of stealing games. However, they have had to be near perfect lately with how bad the offence has been
• Bo Bichette got a clutch 2-run HR in the 9th, That was about it offensively today
• Hitting witth runners in scoring position has absolutely been an achilles heel latey. The Blue Jays were 1-9 with runners in scoring position
• You have to think John Schneider is going to be the scapegoat soon on this disappointing season that is trending much like last year. Ross Atkins shouldn't be allowed to fire another manager, but this team needs a wakeup call and a new manager could do that. The Blue Jays have way too much invested in this season with the competitive window closing. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays return home where they will begin a series against the Athletics. The Blue Jays and A's split the season series last year, with the Blue Jays outscoring the A's 21-16. Ace Jose Berrios starts against A's lefty Jacob Lopez

Game #55 Toronto Blue Jays (26-28) @ Texas Rangers (27-29)

 

Game #54 Toronto Blue Jays (26-28) @ Texas Rangers (27-29) - game recap

 

Bowden Francis threw 5 shutout innings in a 2-0 shutout loss to the Rangers

After eking out a win over the Rangers thanks to some excellent piching from Kevin Gausman and closer Jeff Hoffman, the Blue Jays were looking to make it 2 wins in a row, to get back to a .500 record and 7 series wins on the season. Bowden Francis got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup and in LF after the complete day off yesterday. Vlad was back in the field after a half day off yesterday as DH (Bo Bichette got the half day off as DH today with Ernie Clement getting the start at SS). Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games, get back to .500 and notch their 7th series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Nathan Eovaldi pitching line: 2IP 2H 0R 1BB 2K 39 pitches (22 for strikes)
• Bowden Francis pitching line: 5IP 3H 0R 1BB 6K 75 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Rangers took the lead in the bottom of the 8th as Josh Jung singled scoring Sam Haggerty
• A batter later, Wyatt Langford scored on a throwing error by Alejandro Kirk on a failed pickoff attempt at 3rd base
• Robert Garcia pitched a perfect 9th for his 3rd save of the season
• Final score: Rangers 2 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Bowden Francis threw 5 shutout innings, scattering 3 hits, walking 1 and striking out 6. Francis retired 11 in a row at one point. Once again, John Schneider didn't trust his starter to get through an inning. He had several easy innings and could have managed getting through 6 innings
• The bullpen gave up 2 runs (1 unearned) on 3 hits while walking none and striking out 2 over the last 3 innings. Neither Yariel Rodriguez nor Chad Green retired every batter they faced
• The offense could not take advantage of any of their opportunities to score. Case in point, Bo Bichette led off the game with a double and was stranded at 2B.
• The Blue Jays were 0-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to end the disappointing road trip with a win and notch their 7th series win of the season. It will be another bullpen game with Eric Lauer either starting or getting the bulk innings. The Rangers will counter with righty Tyler Mahle

Game #54 Toronto Blue Jays (26-27) @ Texas Rangers (26-29)

 

Game #53 Toronto Blue Jays (26-27) @ Texas Rangers (26-29) - game recap

 

Kevin Gausman pitched 8 strong innings in a 2-1 win over the Rangers

After an ugly shutout loss yesterday due to dreadful pitching and offense, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 3-game skid and start the week with a win. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Anthony Santander was back in the field in RF after missing several days and several days as DH as he nursed hip and shoulder ailments. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Ernie Clement at 1B. Michael Stefanic got the start at 2B. Nathan Lukes was in LF and Daulton Varsho was in CF. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and start the week with a win? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 1st as Daulton Varsked a solo blast to right
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th on a sac fly by Alejandro Kirk that scored Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Rangers got one back in the bottom of the inning as Wyatt Langford whacked a solo blast to left
• Jacob deGrom pitching line: 5.2IP 5H 2R (both earned) 2BB 0K 81 pitches (50 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 8IP 5H 1R (earned) 0BB 6K 96 pitches (72 for strikes)
• Jeff Hoffman pitched a perfect 9th for his 11th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Rangers 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman threw 8 excellent innings, giving up a run on 5 hits, walking none and striking out 6. Gausman retired 9 of the first ten batters he faced and his only mistake was to Wyatt Langford, who took him deep in the 4th inning. The 5th inning was the only time the Rangers got a runner into scoring position
• Jeff Hoffman threw a perfect inning to notch his 11th save of the season. This appearance was encouraging to see since he had been struggling of late and blown three saves. Like Yimi Garcia, Brandon Little and some other relievers, he has been used heavily early in the season with the starting pitchers having a shorter leash.
• The offense did enough to win today with Daulton Varsho going deep and Alejamdro Kirk driving in an insurance run on a sac fly. The lineup is still not set well since the top three in the order are hitting and the Blue Jays are getting little to no production from hitters 5-9 in the batting order. In fact, Anthony Santander, Ernie Clement, Michael Stefanic, and Nathan Lukes were a combined 0-12 with Lukes and Stefanic each managing to draw a walk. 
• The Blue Jays were 1-12 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for 2 straight wins and 7 series wins on the season. Bowden Francis starts against Rangers righty Nathan Eovaldi.

Game #53 Toronto Blue Jays (25-27) @ Texas Rangers (26-28)

 

Game #52 Toronto Blue Jays (25-27) @ Tampa Bay Rays (26-26) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got a hit and drew a walk in a 13-0 shutout loss to the Rays

After a second straight 3-1 loss due to the inept offense, the Blue Jays were trying to snap the 2-game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd time this season. Tyler Heineman was placed on the 7-day concussion list after several blows off his mask his last start behind the plate against the Padres. Ali Sanchez was recalled from AAA-ball and got the start behind the plate with Chris Bassitt pitching. Lefty Josh Walker was DFA'd. George Springer was back in RF after a half day off as DH yesterday (Anthony Santander served as DH today). Jonatan Clase was in LF and Myles Straw was in CF. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd time this season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights: 

• The Rays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Brandon Lowe whacked a 2-run blast to right-center; also scoring Josh Lowe 
• The Rays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Junior Caminera doubled scoring Josh Lowe 
• A batter later, Brandon Lowe scored on a fielder's choice hit by Jordan Aranda
• A batter after that, Chandler Simpson singled scoring Caminera
• Two batters later, Aranda was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Kameron Misner
• A batter later, Ben Rortvedt singled scoring Simpson and Taylor Wall
• A batter later, Misner scored on a ground-rule double hit by Yandy Diaz
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 4IP 9H 5R (all earned) 2BB 2K 82 pitches (5-1 for strikes)
• The Rays added a run in the bottom of the 7th on a ground out hit by Rortvedt that scored Walls
• A batter later, Misner scored on a ground out hit by Diaz
• Two batters later, Curtis Mead smacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right; also scoring Christopher Morel
• Ryan Pepiot pitching line: 7IP 3H 0R 1BB 5K 91 pitches (60 for strikes)
• Final score: Rays 13 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 4 innings, giving up 5 runs on 9 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2. Before he fateful 5th inning, he had barely sat down in the dugout and was forced to go right back out since the Blue Jays batters were swing happy and went down in order on jusr 4 pitches. It was clear early that the heat was effecting Bassitt's effectiveness. This blowout is not on him
• The bullpen was even worse. Mason Fluharty allowed 4 runs on 3 hits and a walk and didn't record an out. Paxson Schutltz also gave up 4 runs, but all 4 were unearned. The best pitcher on the day was a poaition player, infielder Michael Stefanic. He retired every batter he faced on just 7 pitches
• The offence mustered just 4 hits and drew a walk. The most egregious inning was the top of the 4th where they basically swung at the first pitch and barely let Chris Bassitt sit down after a grueling 25 pitch inning for him. Vlad was the only Blue Jay to reach base multiple times. It is high time to give Anthony Santander at least a 10-day  IL stint to reset himself and heal the nagging hip and shoulder injuries. Santander struck out 3 times.
• It was so bad today offensively, that the Blue Jays didn't even get a runner into scoring position.
• Fun fact, Stefanic was the 1st Blue Jays pitcher to get a hit since Trent Thornton got a pair of hits May 14, 2019 against the Giants 
• Up next, the Blue Jays head to Texas to take on the Rangers. The Blue Jays won the season series 4-2 last year, outscoring the Rangers 32-26. Kevin Gausman starts tomorrow's game against Rangers righty Jacob deGrom.

Game #52 Toronto Blue Jays (25-26) @ Tampa Bay Rays (25-26)

 

Game #51 Toronto Blue Jays (25-25) @ Tampa Bay Rays (24-26)

 

Game #50 Toronto Blue Jays (25-24) @ Tampa Bay Rays (23-26)

 

Game #49 San Diego Padres (27-21) @ Toronto Blue Jays (25-24) - game recap

Nathan Lukes drove in the winning run in a 7-6 extra innings comeback win over the Padres

After a massive 14 run shutout win,  the Blue Jays were going for their 3rd straight win,  2nd series sweep and to get over .500 for the first time since April 21. Bowden Francis got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate.  Anthony Santander got the complete day off after leaving last night's game with right hip inflammation. Daulton Varsho got the half day off as DH with Myles Straw in CF. Jonatan Clase was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games,  complete their 2nd series sweep and get above .500 for the first time since April 21? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Padres opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Gavin Sheets whacked a 2-run blast to right and into the Padres bullpen; also scoring Jackson Merrill
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 3rd on a fielder's choice hit by Daulton Varsho that scored Tyler Heineman. Sheets was charged with a fielding error on the play.
• A batter later,  Addison Bargerc singled scoring Bo Bichette 
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 4th as Bichette singled scoring Jonatan Clase 
• Two batters later,  Heineman scored on a sac fly by Varsho 
• Bowden Francis pitching line: 4IP 3H 2R (both earned) 3BB 4K 77 pitches (47 for strikes)
• Stephen Kolek pitching line: 6IP 7H 4R (3 earned) 3BB 6K 92 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Padres tied it up in the top of the 9th as Sheets hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Merrill
• The Padres took the lead in the top of the 10th as Luis Arraez singled scoring Jose Iglesias 
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom half of the inning as Clase singled scoring Nathan Lukes
• The Padres took the lead in the top of the 11th as Sheets singled scoring Manny Machado
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom half of the inning as Varsho tripled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Three batters later, Lukes singled home Varsho
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 Padres 6 (11 innings)

My Take:

• Bowden Francis gave the Blue Jays 4 innings today, giving up a pair of runs on 3 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4. The Blue Jays are already trying to figure out how to get through a game every 5th game. Having a starter only make it through 4 or 5 innings not only effects the bullpen on that day,  but it also puts more pressure on kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt and Jose Berrios to have a good start on their next turn and pitch deep into the game. Max Scherzer, assuming no setbacks, is several weeks from being ready to pitch. Spencer Turnbull is currently building up in the minor league system.  Neither Alek Manoah nor Rickey Tiederman will be ready to return from Tommy John surgery until after the all star break.  It's imperative that Francis figure things out because there are not any viable options to start at the moment. 
• The bullpen gave up 4 runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 7 over the last 6 innings. Jeff Hoffman blew his 3rd ssve of the season when Gavin Sheets took him deep in the 9th inning. You have to wonder if Hoffman is playing hurt. Braydon Fisher was credited with the win for getting the last out of the 11th inning
• The offense refused to let the Blue Jays lose, coming back three times (twice in extra innings). It was another team effort with every starter except Ernie Clement and Myles Straw either scoring a run or driving in a run. All but Vlad, Clement and Straw had a hit
• The team seems to have a better approach, at least lately, with getting timely hits. The Blue Jays were 6-21 with runners in scoring position. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays head south for a 3-game weekend series in Tampa Bay. The Rays are playing at the Yankees spring training facility since Tropicana Field's roof was badly damaged by a hurricane. The Rays won the series in Toronto a week ago, outscoring the Blue Jays 20-15. Eric Lauer starts against Rays righty Drew Rasmussen.

Game #49 San Diego Padres (27-20) v. Toronto Blue Jays (24-24)

 

-Game #48 San Diego Padres (27-20) @ Toronto Blue Jays (24-24) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho hit a grand slam in a 14-0 shutout win over the Padres

After a shutout win over the Padres on the strength of home runs off the bats of Vladdy and Anthony Santander, the Blue Jays were going for their 2nd straight win, to get back to .500 and to notch their 6th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's win. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins, notch their 6th series win of the season and get back to .500? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 5th as Nathan Lukes drilled a 2-run blast to right; also scoring Ernie Clement
• Randy Vasquez pitching line: 4.2IP 4H 2R (both earned) 0BB 4K 73 pitches (46 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th on a fielder's choice hit by Bo Bichette that scored Addison Barger. Lukes was out at 2B on the play
• A batter later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled home Clement
• Two batters later, George Springer singled scoring Bichette. Padres 3B. Manny Machado was charged with a throwing error on the play
• Two batters later, Jonatan Clase doubled scoring Guerrero Jr. and Springer
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 7IP 3H 0R 0BB 9K 92 pitches (64 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Bichette singled home Clement
• Two batters later, Daulton Varsho hammered a grand slam to dead center; also scoring Bichette, Lukes and Michael Stefanic
• Four batters later, Barger doubled scoring Springer
• A batter later, Clement singled home Clase
• Final score: Blue Jays Padres 0

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman fired 7 shutout innings, scattering 3 hits, walking none and striking out 9. He had out streaks of 7 and 9 batters and retired the last 4 batters he faced. The most important stat of this start was the 7 innings pitched. The starting pitchers have not been pitching past 6 innings and the Blue Jays have been having a bullpen day once a week. I might have even ran Gausman out one more inning, but then again, the Blue Jays offence had a long inning in the 7th inning
• Jose Urena pitched the final 2 inings, allowing 2 hits, walking none and striking out 1. It looks like he will have a multiple inning role in the bullpen and could be the opener on bullpen days.
• The offence exploded for a season-high 14 runs, all scored in the latter half of the game. In fact, in the first 4 innings, the Blue Jays managed 2 base runners (a single by Nathan Lukes in the 3rd inning and George Springer was hit by a pitch an inning later). The whole team contributed to the onslaught with every starter but Alejandro Kirk getting a hit and all but Kirk and Anthony Santander either scoring a run or driving in a run
• The Blue Jays were 7-15 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games, complete their 2nd sweep of the season and to get above .500 for the first time since April 21. Bowden Francis starts against Padres righty Stephen Kolek

Game #48 San Diego Padres (27-19) v. Toronto Blue Jays (23-24)

 

Game #47 San Diego Padres (27-19) @ Toronto Blue Jays (23-24) - game recap

 

Chris Bassitt threw 6 shutout innings in a 3-0 shutout win over the Padres

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened up a 3-game set against the Padres. The Blue Jays won the season series last year, outscoring the Padres 13-9. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Nathan Lukes was in LF and George Springer was in RF. The rest of the lineup was the same as Sunday's loss. 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 bottom of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 5th as Anthony Santander smacked a 2-run blast to right; also scoring Alejandro Kirk 
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 6IP 4H 0R 1BB 6K 100 pitches (64 for strikes)
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 7IP 3H 3R (all earned) 1BB 6K 100 pitches (61 for strikes)
• Jeff Hoffman pitched a perfect 9th for his 10th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 Padres 0

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt threw 6 shutout innings, scattering 4 hits, walking 1 and striking out 6. The Padres are one of the better hitting teams in the league so it was nice to see him handle the lineup so well. At one point, he moved Ernie Clement over and the ball went right to him for an easy out. In the 1st inning, he struck out both Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill after giving up a double to Luis Arraez, who flirted with a .400 average a couple of years ago. Bassitt had an out streak of 7 outs in a row.
• The bullpen allowed just one hit while walking none and striking out 2 over the last 3 innings. Yariel Rodriguez and Jeff Hoffman both retired every batter they faced
• The Blue Jays got home runs from Vlad and Anthony Santander and that was the difference in the game
• The Blue Jays were 0-1 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try for 2 straight wins, to get back to a .500 record and to notch their 6th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Padres righty Randy Vasquez

Game #47 San Diego Padres (27-18) v. Toronto Blue Jays (22-24)

 

Game #46 Detroit Tigers (31-16) @ Toronto Blue Jays (22-24) - game recap

 

Alejamdro Kirk drove in a run in a 3-2 loss to the Tigers

After a huge comeback win thanks to fine work from the bullpen and some offensive heroics from Ernie Clement who scored one run and drove in the other, the Blue Jays were going for 2 straight wins, trying to get back to .500 and notch their 6th series win of the season. Ace Jose Berrios was on the bump with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Anthony Santander was back in the lineup as DH after missing a couple of days with minor ailmentsm in his hip and shoulder. Vlad was back in the field after the half day off as DH yesterday. Jonatan Clase was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins, get back to .500 and notch their 6th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Tigers opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Spencer Torkelson doubled scoring  Kerry Carpenter and Zach McKinstry
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 4th as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Three batters later, Ernie Clement singled scoring Daulton Varsho
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 6IP 8H 2R (both earned) 1BB 4K 83 pitches (55 for strikes)
• Jackson Jobe pitching line: 6IP6H 2R (both earned) 2BB 5K 90 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Tigers took the lead in the top of the 7th as Torkelson singled scoring Gleyber Torres
• Will Vest pitched a scoreless 9th for his 5th save of the season
• Final score: Tigers 3 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Jose Berrios battled through 6 innings, giving up a paitr of runs on 6 hits whie walking 1 and striking out 4. Berrios pitched his way in and out of jams all afternoon, but only gave up runs in the 1st inning. With a scheduled bullpen day the day before, it puts pressure on Berrios to get deeper into the next game to save the bullpen.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2 over the last 3 innings. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced.
• Kudos to the offense to tying the game when they were in a 2-0 deficit. The Blue Jays weren't able to get the tying run home and they had at least one base runner in each of the last 3 innings.
• The Blue Jays were 2-12 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays continue the home stand against the Padres. The Blue Jays won the season series last year, outscoring the Padres 13-9. Neither team has set their rotation for the series yet.

Game #46 Detroit Tigers (30-16) v. Toronto Blue Jays (22-23)

 

Game #45 - Detroit Tigers (30-16) @ Toronto Blue Jays (22-23) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement scored a run and drove in a run in a 2-1 comeback win over the Tigers

After a late game rally fell short, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2-game skid and avoid their 7th series loss of the season. Eric Lauer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Ernie Clement at 1B. George Springer was in RF after the half day off as DH last night. Nathan Lukes was in LF. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid and avoid their 7th series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Tigers opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Spencer Torkelson belted a solo jack to left-center 
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 3IP 3H 1R (earned) 0BB 5K 40 pitches (31 for strikes)
• Reese Olson pitching line: 6IP 1H 0R 1BB 6K 85 pitches (45 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the bottom of the 8th as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Ernie Clement
• The Blue Jays walked it off in the bottom of the 9th as Clement singled home Daulton Varsho
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Tigers 1

My Take:

• Eric Lauer pitched the first 3 innings, giving up a run on three hits while walking none and striking out 5. Due to Max Scherzer being hurt with no imminent timetable for a return and Spencer Turnbull going through an abbreviated spring training as he ramps up to potentially be the Blue Jays 5th starter, the Blue Jays have essentially been doing bullpen days every 5th day. This is not a sustainable over the long term since it will tax the bullpen leading to poor play and/or injuries from overuse. The Blue Jays need their starting pitchers to get deeper into the game
• The bullpen threw 6 shutout innings, allowing 1 hit, walking 2 and striking out 2. Brandon Little and Yimi Garcia both retired every batter they faced. Jeff Hoffman, who got a huge break when Gleyeber Torres made the unwise decision to try and advance to second base on a fly out to left, was credited with the win. It was nice to see him and Garcia have success since both have been struggling of late.
• The offense must have sighed a big sigh of relief when Tigers starter Reese Olson left the game following the 6th inning. The bats came to life after that. Ernie Clement drove the offense, scoring the tying run and came up clutch an inning later to walk it off.
• The Blue Jays were 2-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to make it 2 straight wins, to get back to .500 and notch their 6th series win of the season. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Tigers starter Jackson Jobe

Game #45 Detroit Tigers (30-15) v. Toronto Blue Jays (21-23)

 

Game #44 - Detroit Tigers (30-15) @ Toronto Blue Jays (21-23) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho hit a 2-run HR in a 5-4 loss to the Tigers

After dropping the game following a rough start from Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were looking to start the weekend with a win as they began a weekend series against the Tigers, who won the season series 5-2 last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 39-35. Bowden Francis got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Anthony Santander got the complete day off with Nathan Lukes in RF. Jonatan Clase was in LF and Daulton Varsho was in CF. Michael Stefanic got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Tigers opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Riley Greene hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Tigers added a run in the top of the 4th as Zack McKinstry whacked a solo blast to right
• The Tigers added a pair of runs in the top of the 5th as Greene doubled scoring Kerry Carpenter and Colt Keith 
• Bowden Francis pitching line: 4.2IP 8H 4R (all earned) 2BB 6K 95 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom of the 6th as Daulton Varsho smacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in left; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Jack Flaherty pitching line: 5.2IP 5H 2R (both earned) 1BB 6K 90 pitches (61 for strikes)
• Nathan Lukes was removed from the game prior to the 7th with a migraine
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 7th as Myles Straw singled scoring Addison Barger
• The Tigers added a run in the top of the 8th as Javier Baez belted a solo jack to left-center
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Bo Bichette hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in left
• Beau Brieske pitched a scoreless 9th for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Tigers 5 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Bowden Francis battled through 4.2 innings, giving up 4 runs on 8 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. As has been a big problem for the Blue Jays pitchers most of the season, Francis was taken deep twice. He was getting into and out of jams the whole night.  He hasn't been able to replicate the fine season he had last year with the batters adjusting.
• Chad Green gave up a crucial insurance run on, what else? a home run. Mason Fluharty was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced
• Offensively, Daulton Varsho and Bo Bichette (who has shown he's capable of hitting for power lately) hit home runs and Myles Straw, who replaced Nathan Lukes, who was suffering from a migraine, had a clutch RBI single. Alas, the rally fell a run short.
• The Blue Jays were 1-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2-game skid and avoid their 7th series loss of the season. It will be a bullpen day for the Blue Jays with lefty Eric Lauer either starting or pitching the bulk innings. The Tigers will counter with righty Reese Olson

Game #44 Detroit Tigers (29-15) v. Toronto Blue Jays (21-22)

 

Game #43 - Tampa Bay Rays (20-23) @ Toronto Blue Jays (21-22) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a solo home run in a losing effort as the Blue Jays fell to the Rays 8-3

Street a solid win last night thanks to an Alejandro Kirk 3-run HR and some solid pitching,  the Blue Jays were looking to make it two straight wins and notch their 5th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Anthony Santander in RF. Daulton Varsho got the complete day off with Nathan Lukes in CF. Myles Straw got the start in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and notch their 5th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Rays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Brandon Lowe whacked a 2-run blast to right-center and into the Rays bullpen; also scoring Josh Lowe
• The Rays added a run in the top of the 2nd as Danny Jansen singled scoring Jose Caballero. Taylor Wall was thrown out at home 
• The Blue jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Addison Barger belted a solo jack to right-center 
• The Blue jays got one back in the bottom of the 3rd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr  smacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen 
• The Rays added a run in the top of the 4th as Kameron Misner smacked a solo blast to right-center 
• The Rays added a run in the top of the 5th as Josh Lowe hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Rays added a run in the top of the 6th as Chandler Simpson singled scoring Caballero 
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5.2IP 10H 6R (all earned) 0BB 6K 101 pitches (76 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Nathan Lukes hammered a solo bomb to right-center
• Zack Littell pitching line: 7.1IP 8H 3R (all earned) 1BB 2K 87 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Rays added a pair of runs in the top of the 9th as Brandon Lowe hammered a 2-run bomb to  dead center and into the Rays bullpen; also scoring Josh Lowe
• Final score: Rays 8 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Kevin Gausnan was lit up for 6 runs on 10 hits while walking none and striking out 6 over 5.2 innings. The Rays went deep off him 4 times and scored in 5 of 6 innings. Could he have been pulled earlier when it was clear he didn't have it? Perhaps but the bullpen has been so overworked the Blue Jays needed him to get as many outs as he could.
• The bullpen gave up a further 2 runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. Jose Urena was responsible for both runs. Braydon Fisher had the best night of any of the Blue Jays pitchers, throwing 2 perfect innings, striking out 4.
• Offensively, the Blue Jays got solo home runs from Vlad, Nathan Lukes and Addison Barger. Bo Bichette did what a leadoff hitter is supposed to do - get on base (he was 3/4)
• The Blue Jays were 0-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays welcome the Tigers to town. The Tigers won the season series last year 
• 5-2, outscoring the Blue Jays 39-35. Bowden Francis starts against Tigers righty Jack Flaherty

5-2

5-2, 

• 
  

Game #43 Tampa Bay Rays (19-23) v. Toronto Blue Jays (21-21)

 

Game #42 - Tampa Bay Rays (19-23) @ Toronto Blue Jays (21-21) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk hit a 3-run HR to lift the Blue Jays to a 3-1 win over the Rays

After a heartbreaking loss yesterday due to the bullpen blowing the save and a 9th inning rally falling short,  the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Jonatan Clase got the start in LF.  The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's loss.  Could the Blue Jays even the series? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights;

• The Rays opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Kameron Misner singled scoring Christopher Morel
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5.2IP 7H 1R (earned) 2BB 6K 96 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 6th as Alejandro Kirk whacked a 3-run blast to the opposite field in right-center; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Daulton Varsho
• Ryan Pepiot pitching line: 6IP 6H 3R (all earned) 1BB 7K 92 pitches (64 for strikes)
• Yimi Garcia threw a perfect 9th for his 3rd save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 Rays 1

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 5.1 innings, giving up a run on 7 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. He worked his way in and out of jams all night but kept the Rays off the scoreboard except for the 4th inning. He was also pretty efficient with his pitches, needing 96 pitches to get through 5.2 innings.
• The bullpen threw 3.1 perfect innings, striking out 3. It must have been satisfying for Yimi Garcia to get old battery mate Danny Jansen to ground out to end the game\
• Offensively, Alejandro Kirk went deep for 3 runs in the 6th and that was about it.
• The Blue Jays were 1-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try for 3 straight wins and to notch their 6th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Rays righty Zack Littell

Game #42 Tampa Bay Rays (19-22) v. Toronto Blue Jays (20-21)

 

Game #41 - Tampa Bay Rays (19-22) @ Toronto Blue Jays (20-21) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho hit 2 home runs and drove in runs in a losing effort as the Rays came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 11-9

After an off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened a 9-game, 3-team home stand against the Rays, who took the season series 9-4 last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 56-45. The Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to a season high 5 games and put their record above .500 for the 1st time since April 21 (last season they slipped below .500 for good April 24) Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Tyler Heineman  behind the plate. Anthony Santander got the half day off as DH with Nathan Lukes in LF and George Springer in RF. Daulton Varsho was back in CF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 5 games and get back above .500? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Rays opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Brandon Lowe singled scoring Danny Jansen and Chandler Simpson
• Two batters later, Jonathan Aranda whacked a 2-run blast to right-center; also scoring Lowe 
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom half of the inning as Bo Bichette belted a 2-run jack, just over the wall in left-center; also scoring Tyler Heineman
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 4th as Daulton Varsho hammered a solo bomb to the second deck
• Shane Baz pitching line: 4.2IP 4H 3R (all earned) 2BB 6K 86 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Rays added a run in the top of the 6th as Kameron Misner scored on a mssed catch error charged to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 

• Jose Berrios pitching line: 5.1IP 5H 5R (4 earned) 3BB 4K 83 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Rays added a run in the top of the 7th as Jansen whacked a solo blast to left
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Ernie Clement drilled a solo blast to left
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 8th as Varsho annihilated a 3-run bomb off the basing of the 5th deck, also scoring Guerrero Jr. and George Springer
• The Rays tied it up in the top of the 9th as Simpson singled scoring Travis Jankowski
• Two batter later, Junior Caminero hammered a grand slam off the basing of the 4th deck; also scoring Christopher Morel, Simpson and Lowe 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Bichette dpubled scoring Myles Straw
• A batter later, Guerrero Jr. doubled home Bichette
• Mason Montgomery got the last out for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Rays 11 Blue Jays 9

My Take:

• Jose Berrios had a rougb 3rd inning, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits and a hit by pitch on ex-Jays catcher Danny Jansen, who's been a magnet getting hit by pitches in his career.. He also walked a pair in the 1st inning. Berrios did settle down and retire 7 straight after giving up the 4-spit in the fateful 3rd inning. The Blue Jays ace can be hot and cold, depending on the start.
• The bullpen gave up a further 6 runs - 4 of which were the result of a grand slam given up by closer Jeff Hoffman, who has been struggling lately and his ERA is creeping up (6.05 after tonight's disaster), - on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3 over the last 3.2 innings. Chad Green and Braydon Fisher both retired every batter they faced
• Daulton Varsho went deep twice, including a mammoth 3-run bomb off the basing of the 5th deck that gave the Blue Jays a brief lead. Bo Bichette has had a hot stick lately. He also went deep for 2 runs and drove in another to start a failed rally in the 9th inning.
• Everyone but Nathan Lukes and Addison Barger reached base at least once and all but Lukes, Barger andAnthony Santander had a hit
• This season is very much shaping up to be similar to last season, where the Blue Jays were unable to get above .500 after April 24. The Blue Jays have been at or below .500 since April 21.
• The Blue Jays were 4-10 with runners in scoring position.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Chris Bassitt start against Rays righty Ryan Pepiot

Game #41 Tampa Bay Rays (18-22) v. Toronto Blue Jays (20-20)

 

Game #40 - Toronto Blue Jays (20-20) @ Seattle Mariners (22-17) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a 3-run HR in a 9-1 rout over the Mariners

First, happy mother's day to all the female readers of this blog. After another solid win thanks to some outstanding pitching and the bats of Bo Bichette, Addison Barger and Myles Straw, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games, complete their 2nd series sweep and notch their 2nd season series win. Jose Urena got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Jonatan Clase was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games, complete their 2nd series sweep and notch their 2nd season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Myles Straw singled scoring Nathan Lukes 
• The Mariners tied it up in the bottom of the 3rd as Dylan Moore drilled a solo blast to left-center and into the Mariners bullpen
• Jose Urena pitching line: 2IP 2H 1R (earned) 1BB 0K 31 pitches (19 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 4th on a sac fly by Ernie Clement that scored Alejandro Kirk 
• The Blue Jays added 3 runs in the top of the 5th as George Springer hammered a 3-run bomb to the second deck in left; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Addison Barger
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 6th as Jonatan Clase doubled scoring Lukes and Clement
• Bryce Miller pitching line: 5IP 8H 7R (all earned) 2BB 3K 92 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 7th as Barger whacked a solo blast - the 1st of his career - to right
• Three batters later, Lukes singled home Springer
• Final score: Blue Jays 9 Mariners 1

My Take:

• Jose Urena got through the 1st 2 innings and gave up a solo home run on the last batter he faced at the start of the 3rd inning. If the plan was for him to be lifted after one time through the order, why not give Eric Lauer a clean inning to start (not to mention a lead. Urena struggled through the 1st inning, giving up a hit and a walk. He sent the Mariners down in order the next inning. With a low bar, Urena has passed expectations thus far
• The bullpen threw 7 shutout innings, giving up 2 hits, walking a batter and striking out 7. It's amazing what having fresh pitchers who have a nice cushion to work with will do for you. The Blue Jays may have found a combo that will work for them in Urena/Lauer until Scherzer is ready to pitch.
• The Blue Jays removed Alejandro Kirk, who was hit on the back swing off the bat of Julio Rodriguez in the bottom of the 3rd. It was absolutely the right call. You don't mess with head injuries. Give Kirk an extra day or two if he needs it too.
• Nice to see the bats waking up. Addison Barger is taking advantage of every day playing time. He went deep for the first time in his career and scored a second run. Nathan Lukes drove in one and scored twice. George Springer continues to turn back the clock. He unleashed a 3-run bomb to the second deck in left (coincidently nearly where yours truly sat in 2018). Jonatan Clase contributed with a 2-run double
• Every Blue Jays starter except Bo Bichette had at least one hit and either scored a run or drove in a run
• It was the first series sweep in Seattle since 1991, when I was just 7 years old and about a year before I started watching baseball
• The Blue Jays were 6-12 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays open up a 9-game, 10-day home stand as they take on the Rays for the first time this season (and former starting catcher Danny Jansen). The Rays won the season series last season 9-4, outscoring the Blue Jays 56-45. Ace Jose Berrios starts the week for the Blue Jays. The Rays haven't set their rotation for the series yet.

Game #40 Toronto Blue Jays (19-20) @ Seattle Mariners (22-16)

 

Game #39 - Toronto Blue Jays (19-20) @ Seattle Mariners (22-16) - game recap

 

Addison Barger drove in the game winning run in a 6-3 comeback win over the Mariners

After a solid win over the Mariners, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 5th series win of the season. Bowden Francis got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Myles Straw was in LF. tahe rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's win. Could the Blue Jays make it 3 straight wins and 5 series wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Mariners opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Rowdy Tellez belted a solo jack to the opposite field in left-center and into the bullpens.
• The Mariners added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Randy Arozarena doubled scoring Julio Rodriguez
• Two batters later, Cal Raleigh scored on a sac fly by Leody Taveras
• The Blue Jays  got a pair back in the top of the 5th as Bo Bichette whacked a 2-run blast just over the wall in right-center; also scoring Myles Straw
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 6th on a fielder's choice hit by Addison Barger that scored George Springer
• Logan Evans pitching line: 5IP 5H 3R (all earned) 2BB 3K 89 pitches (59 for strikes)
• Bowden Francis pitching line: 6.2IP 6H 3R (all earned) 1BB 5K 89 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 8th as Barger singled scoring Springer
• Three batters, Straw singled home Barger and Ernie Clement
• Jeff Hoffman pitched a perfect 9th for his 9th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Mariners 3

My Take:

• Bowden Francis gave a taxed bullpen a break, firing 6.2 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. After putting the Blue Jays into a 2-0 deficit, Francis retired 11 in a row. It was an efficient start for Francis, needing 89 pitches to get 20 outs. Here's hoping he builds off this start.
• The bullpen was perfect retiring every batter they faced (Hoffman struck out the side)
• Addison Barger and Myles Straw both did a lot of the heavy lifting offensively, both driving in a pair of runs and scoring once. Bo Bichette went yard for the other 2 runs.
• The Blue Jays were 2-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 4 games, complete their 2nd series sweep and notch their 2nd season series win. Jose Urena starts against righty Bryce Miller

Game #39 Toronto Blue Jays (18-20) @ Seattle Mariners (22-15)

 

Game #38 Toronto Blue Jays (17-20) @ Seattle Mariners (22-14)

 

Game #37 - Toronto Blue Jays (17-20) @ LA Angels (16-21) - game recap

 

Anthony Santander drove in the winning run in an 8-5 comeback win over the Angels

After another loss due to the bullpen blowing a lead, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 4-game skid and avoid being swept for the 1st time this season. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Not surprisingly Andres Gimenez was out of the lineup after leaving last night's game with right quad tightness (Ernie Clement started at 2B in his place). Addison Barger was at the hot corner. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Nathan Lukes in LF, Daulton Varsho in CF and Anthonny Santander in RF. Could the Blue Jays snap the 4-game skid and avoid being swept fot the 1st time this season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Angels opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Taylor Ward whacked a 2-run blast to left and into the Angels bullpen; also scoring Nolan Schaunel
• The Angels added a run in the bottom of the 2nd as Jo Adell hammered a solo bomb to left
• Four batters later, Zach Neto scored on a fielding error by Bo Bichette on a ball hit by Ward
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 3rd as Daulton Varsho doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr 
• A batter later, George Springer scored on a ground out hit by Alejandro Kirk
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th as Addison Barger singled scoring Springe
• Jose Soriano pitching line: 5IP 8H 3R (all earned) 4BB 6K 90 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 6th as Anthony Santander singled scoring Bo Bichette and Nathan Lukes
• A batter, Guerrero Jr. scored on a sac fly by Varsho
• A batter after that, Springer scored on a ground out hit by Barger
• The Angels got one back in the bottom of the 7th on a sac fly by Logan O'Hoppe that scored Neto
• Chris Bassitt pitching line 6IP 8H 5R(4 earned) 1BB 6K 101 pitches (69 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Varsho belted a solo jack to right
• Chad Green pitched a perfect 9th for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 Angels 5

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 6 innings giving up 5 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits while walking 1 and striking out 6. He was able to get 18 outs, but that left an exhausted bullpen with 9 outs to get.  It's getting to the point where the Blue Jays need to just let the starting pitcher go over the 100 pitch arbitrary threshold just to save the bullpen. 
• Speaking of the bullpen, it gave up 1 hit while striking out 7 over the last 2 innings. Yariel Rodriguez recorded 5 of the strikeouts.  On a night where most of the high leverage pitchers were unavailable, Chad Green and Rodriguez came through. 
• This one could have been a blowout after Bassitt gave up 4 runs over the first 2 innings to put the Blue Jays in a 4-0 hole but the Blue Jays chipped away and the bats woke up in the middle of the game Daulton Varsho  and went deep for a huge insurance run in the 8th. Anthony Santander Hit a clutch 2- run single in the 5th to put the Blue Jays ahead. George Springer drew three walls and scored thrice. Vladdy had 3 hits and scored twice
• It truly was a team effort with every Blue Jays starter getting on base at least once and either driving in a run or scoring a run
• The Blue jays were 6-15 with runners in scoring position
• The Blue Jays can still salvage this road trip if they can win the weekend series in Seattle, but they'll have to do it without Blue Jays nation in the stands with many fans expected to stay home to protest Donald Trump's tariffs
• Up next,  the Blue Jays head north to take on the Mariners,  who took 2 of 3 over the water long weekend in Toronto, outscoring the Blue Jays 14-7. Kevin Gausman starts for the Blue Jays.  Luis Castillo was supposed to start for it Mariners but he was traded to the Pirates for cash considerations today.  The Mariners have not announced a replacement starter. 

Game #37 Toronto Blue Jays (16-20) @ Los Angeles Angels (15-20)

 

Game #36 Toronto Blue Jays (16-19) @ Los Angeles Angels (14-20)

 

Game #35 - Toronto Blue Jays (16-19) @ LA Angels (14-20 - game recap-

 

George Springer hit a 2-run HR in a losing effort as the Angels rallied late for an 8-3 comeback win over the Blue Jays

After an off day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened their first west coast swing tonight against the Angels. The Blue Jays swept the season series last year 7-0, outscoring the Angels 40-15. The Blue Jays officially signed righties Spencer Turnbull (optioned to the FCL to start ramping up) and Jose Urena. Max Scherzer and Eric Swanson were both tramsferred to the 60-day IL, meaning neither will be back before the end of this month. Lefty Josh Walker was optioned back to AAA-ball. Urena got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was back in the lineup and in CF after missing a game with lower back spasms. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Alan Roden in LF and Anthony Santander in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid and start the week and road trip with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as George Springer whacked a 2-run blast to left-center; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 
• The Angels tied it up in the bottom half of the inning s Taylor Ward hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center: also scoring Zach Neto
• Jose Urena pitching line: 4.1IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 2K 74 pitches (52 for strikes)
• Tyler Anderson pitching line: 6.2IP 6H 2R (both earned) 1BB 7K 93 pitches c(66 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom of the 8th asc Anthony Santander whacked a solo blast just fair down the right field line
• The Angels tied it in the bottom half of the inning on a sac bunt by Nolan Schaunel thaat scored Neto
• -Three batters later, Lohan O'Hoppe singled scoring Schaunel
• A batter later, Yoan Moncada hammered a 3-run bomb to right; also scoring Ward and O'Hoppe
• Two batters later, Jo Adell hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• Final score: Angels 8 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Jose Urena did everything the Blue Jays could have asked for,  considering he barely had a chance to let the ink dry on the one year deal he signed officially yesterday.  He gave up ca pair of runs on a 2-run HR in the opening innings and held the Angels to four hits and a walk the rest of the way.  The bullpen still had to cover over half the game,  But that's better than using an opener that will only pitch one to two innings,  depending on how efficient he is in the 1st inning. Here's hoping Urena builds on this start and makes some tweaks in his side session with Pete walker consulting.
• The bullpen imploded in the 8th inning, giving up 6 runs on 4 hits, a walk and a brutal error by Erniel Clement. This is a direct result of  the Blue Jays going to the well too many timed and overtaxing their bullpen. For imi Garcia, it was jis second straign rough appearance (at least this time he wasn't hung out to dry). For Jeff Hoffman, it was his worst appearance of the season. The Blue Jays need Jose Berrios to pitch deep into tomorrow's game becuase reinorcements are a 5-hour flight away.
• The good mews offensively, the Blue Jays are starting to hit home runs. George Speinger went deep in the 1st inning for 2 runs and Anthpnny Santander blted one out in the 8th inning
• The bad news offensively, the team can't score when it matters and can't rally for s big inning. Bo Bichette and Daulton Varsho both struck out 3 times
• The Blue Jays were 0-8 with runners in scoring position
• The Loss extended the losing streak to 3 gamws and snapped a seven games winning streak over the Angels (they swept the season series last yesr)
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 3-game skid. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Angels lefty and ex-Blue Jay Yusei Kikuchi