Game #71 Toronto Blue Jays (38-33) @ Philadelphia Phillies (42-29) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement scored twice and extended his hitting streak to 7 games in an 11-4 loss to the Phillies

After a heartbreaking loss due to an 8th-inning home run given up by Chad Green, the Blue Jays were trying to snap the 2-game skid, avoid being swept for the 4th time this season and end the road trip on a winning note. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette got the half day off as DH with Ernie Clement at SS. George Springer got the complete day off with Will Robertson in RF and making his big league debut. Alan Roden was in LF and Jonatan Clase was in CF.  Could the Blue Jays snap the 2 game skid and avoid being swept for the 4th time this season and end the road trip on a winning note? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Phillires opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Kyle Schwarber singled scoring Trea Turner
• The Phillies added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Alec Bohm singled scoring Otto Kemp
• The Phillies added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 4th as Kemp singled home Max Kepler and JT Realmuto
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th on a sac fly Alan Roden that scored Andres Gimenez
• Three batters later, Jonatan Clase singled scoring Ernie Clement. Zach Wheeler was charged with a throwing error on the play
• The Phillies got a pair back in the bottom of the 5th as Bohm drilled a 2-run bomb to left; also scoring Schwarber
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 4.2IP 9H 6R (all earned) 1BB 5K 88 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Phillies added 4 runs in the bottom of the 6th as Nick Castellanos whacked a grand slam to left; also scoring Kemp, Schwarber and Bohm
• Zack Wheeler pitching line: 6IP 4H 2R (1 earned) 0BB 9K 94 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 7th as Will Robertson singled scoring Clement
• Two batters later, Bo Bichette singled scoring Roden
• The Philles added a run in the bottom half of the inning on a fielder's choice on a ball hit by Schwarber that scored Kemp
• Final score: Phillies 11 Blue Jay 4 

My Take:

• Jose Berrios battled through 4.2 innings, giving up 6 runs on 9 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. He was battling in and out of jams in all but the 2nd inning. Berrios obviously did not have his best stuff today, but there has been so much pressure on him, Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt to pitch well and deep into games with an ineffective Bowden Francis and bullpen days in the other two rotation spots. It is simply not feasible nor fair to expect these three veteran starters to be at their best every start.
• The bullpen gave up 7 runs on 5 hits while walking 4 and striking out 1 over 3.1 innings. Not sure where Eric Swanson fits in this bullpen. In a low-leverage situation, Swanson gave up a grand slam, and needed 27 pitches to record 2 outs. There's no way he can be trusted in a high-leverage situation at this point. Is he even healthy? Also, is Spencer Turnbull going to be a viable option on the bullpen day? He needed 51 pitches to get 7 outs. Unfortunately, Max Scherzer still has at least one more tehab start before he may be ready to return. His velocity was low-90s Saturday and dropped a few MPH by the time his first rehab appearance was done. The good thing is Scherzer hit the magic 50-pitch plateau where his thumb has been barking and apparently came out of it with just normal soreness.
• Offensively, Ernie Clement continued to swing a hot stick, extending his hitting streak to 7 games and collecting 3 hits in the game. Will Robertson got his first big league hit in his big league debut
• Despite the score, every Blue Jays starter but Vlad and Alejandro Kirk reached base and all but Kirk, Vlad and Addison Barger had a hit
• The Blue Jays were 3-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays start a week long homestand as the Diamondbacks come to town. The Diamondbacks won the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 24-13. Chris Bassitt starts against Diamondbacks righty Brandon Pfaadt

Game #71: Toronto Blue Jays (38-32) @ Philadelphia Phillies (41-29)

 

Game #70 Toronto Blue Jays (38-32) @ Philadelphia Phillies (41-29) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in a run in a losing effort as the Phillies came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 3-2

After a brutal shutout loss thanks to a lackluster offence and a rough start from Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Bowden Francis got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. George Springer was in RF after DH'ing yesterday (Alejandro Kirk served as DH today). Jonatan Clase was in LF. Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 9th series loss? 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 Ernie Clement
• The Phillies tied it in the bottom of the 3rd on a bases loaded walk to Bryson Stott that forced in Nick Castellanos
• A batter later, Otto Kemp was hit by a pitch to force in Max Kepler
• Bowden Francis pitching line: 3.2IP1H 2R (both earned) 3BB 4K 74 pitches (41 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 5th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Bo Bichette
• The Phillies took the lead in the bottom of the 8th as Kepler whacked a solo blast to right
• Mattt Strahm pitched a perfect 9th for his 3rd save of the season
• Final score: Phillies 3 Blue Jays 2

My Take:-

• Bowden Francis battled through 3.2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on a hit while walking 3 and striking out 4. Command was a big issue and that made this start very inefficient. Francis needs a reset. The Blue Jays might want to check him out physically or give him an IL stint just to give him a break and let him work through things. A certain Blue Jays hall of famer, Roy Halladay, was sent all the way back to single-A, where he reworked his delivery, and ended up throwing a perfect game in 2010, winning 2 Cy Young awards and making the all-star team eight times. Francis might need something similar, but running him out every 5 days is not helping him work through the issues he is battling, whether it be mechanical, physical or both. Plus it's forcing the bullpen to pitch even more when the Blue Jays are having bullpen days in Max Scherzer's rotation spot.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 over the last 4.1innings. Chad Green was tagged with the loss after Max Kepler took him deep. Home runs have been a big problem for Green, who has now allowed 9 this season in 30 appearances, so pretty much one every three appearances. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced.
• Offensively, Myles Straw and Vladdy both drove in a run. Guerrero Jr. has certainly not lived up to his 500 million deal that will kick in next season. 8HR and 30ish RBI won't cut it. He needs to be closer to his 2021 season, where he finished 2nd in AL MVP voting with 48HR and 111RBI. 
• The Blue Jays were 1-4 with runners in scoring position. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2-game skid, avoid being swept for the 3rd time this season and end the road trip with a win. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Phillies righty Zach Wheeler.

Game #70: Toronto Blue Jays (38-31) @ Philadelphia Phillies (40-29)

 

Game #69 Toronto Blue Jays (38-31) @ Philadelphia Phillies (40-29) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk had a pair of hits in an 8-0 shutout loss to the Phillies

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays continued the road trip in Philadelphia. The Blue Jays won  of 3 in Toronto a week ago, outscoring the Phillies 14-10. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirke behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Davis Schneider in LF and Addison Barger in RF. Andres Gimenez was back in the lineup at 2B after the complete day off Wednesday. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Phillies opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Brandon Marsh doubled scoring JT Realmuto. Otto Kemp was thrown out at home on the play
• Two batters later, Kyle Schwarber hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Marsh and Trea Turner
• The Philles added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Kemp singled scoring Realmuto
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5IP 4H 4R (all earned) 4BB 7K 95 pitches (56 for strikes)
• Ranger Suarez pitching line: 7IP 4H 0R 1BB 9K 94 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Phillies added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Reamuto doubled scoring Max Kepler
• Three batters later, Realmuto scored on a sac fly by Marsh
• A batter later, Turner singled scoring Bryce Stott
• Final score: Phillies 8 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits while walking 4 and striking out 7. After a rough 1st two innings, Gausman settled down and retired 9 in a a row to end his start. Not a real efficient game, and the Blue Jays needed length from him with a struggling Bowden Francis on the bump tomorrow.
• The bullpen gave up 4 runs on 6 hits and a walk while striking out 3 over the last a3 innings. Eric Swanson was charged with 3 of the runs. He has definitely declined since he started with the Blue Jays. His injury problems the lsst couple of years are a major factor
• Offensively, Alejandro Kirk, Ernie Clement and Davis Schneider all reached base multiple times. 
• The Blue Jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Bowden Francis starts against Phillies lefty Cristopher Sanchez

Game #69 Toronto Blue Jays (38-30) @ Philadelphia Phillies (39-29)

 

Game #68 Toronto Blue Jays (38-30) @ St Louis Cardinals (36-32) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette drove in the winning run on a sac fly in a 5-2 comeback win over the Cardinals

After eking out a win yesterday,  the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 4th series sweep and 3rd season series sweep. Nathan Lukes was placed on the 7- day concussion IL and Will Robertson's contract was selected from the AAA-roster and added to the MLB roster. Eric Lauer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Alejandro Kirk served as DH. Vlad was back in the lineup and at 1B after the compete day off yesterday. George Springer was in the field in RF after DH'ing yesterday. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 4th series sweep and 3rd season series sweep of the season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Cardinals opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Wilson Contreras singled scoring Masyn Winn 
• The Cardinals added a run in the bottom of the 2nd as Yohel Pozo whacked a solo blast to left
• The Blue jays got one back in the top of the 3rd as Bo Bichette singled scoring Tyler Heineman 
• Three batters later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. scored on a sac fly by George Springer 
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the  4th on a sac fly by Bichette that scored Myles Straw 
• A batter later, Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Jonatan Clase 
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 4.1IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 4K 72 pitches (50 for strikes)
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Ernie Clement smacked a solo blast to left
• Matthew Liberatore pitching line: 5IP 8H 5R (3 earned) 1BB 4K 90 pitches (59 for strikes)
• Yariel Rodriguez threw a perfect 9th for his 1st save of the season 
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Cardinals 2

My Take:

• Eric Lauer battled through 4.1 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. He made a throwing error on a pickoff attempt in the 1st inning and was taken yard in the 2nd inning.  He hit a batter in the 3rd inning. Lauer wasn't super efficient today. At least tomorrow is an off-day
• The bullpen threw 4.2 shutout innings, giving up 3 hits, walking 1 and striking out 7. Yariel Rodriguez, who got the save, and Braydon Fisher retired every batter they faced.
• With Nathan Lukes and Anthony Santander both on the IL, the Blue Jays outfield depth will be tested. George Springer will see reps in RF and maybe CF. Myles Straw and Jonatan Clase will platoon in CF and Clase could see time in LF, along with Alan Roden and Davis Schneider. Addison Barger could start in RF.
• The offense continues to get timely hits. They erased the 2-run deficit in the 3rd inning on an RBI single from Bo Bichette, who drove in what was the winning run on a sac fly an inning later, and a sac fly by George Springer, who has been a pleasant surprise this season. Vlad scored the game-tying run and drove in the 1st insurance run in the 4th inning. Ernie Clement went yard in the 5th to put the game away.
• The Blue Jays were 2-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays resume the road trip in Philadelphia. The Blue Jays won  of 3 in Toronto a week ago, outscoring the Phillies 14-10. Kevin Gausman starts against Phillies lefty Ranger Suarez 

Game #68 Toronto Blue Jays (37-30) @ St. Louis Cardinals (36-31)

 

Game #67 Toronto Blue Jays (36-30) @ St. Louis Cardinals (36-30)

 

Game #66 Toronto Blue Jays (36-30) @ St Louis Cardinals (36-30) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk drove in the winning run in a 5-4 comeback win over the Cardinals in 10 innings

After dropping a game yesterday after another subpar start from Bowden Francis, the Blue Jays were looking to start the week with a win as they continued the road trip in St. Louis. The Blue Jays swept the season series last year, outscoring the Cardinals 14-7. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was in the field in RF after DH'ing yesterday (Bo Bichette got the half day off as DH today with Ernie Clement at SS. Davis Schneider was in LF and Jonatan Clase was in CF. 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 1st as George Springer doubled scoring Addison Barger
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 2nd as Bo Bichette singled scoring Ernie Clement 
• Andre Pallante pitching line: 6IP 7H 2R (both earned) 1BB 3K 95 pitches (60 for strikes)
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 6.2IP 4H 0R 2BB 1K 89 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 7th as Alejandro Kirk hammered a solo bomb just over the wall in desd center
• The Cardinals got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Wilson Contreras singled scoring Victor Scott II
• A batter later,  Ivan Herrera belted a3- run jack to left; also scoring Masyn Winn and Contreras
• The Blue jays tied it up in the top of the 9th as Jonatan Clase drilled a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 10th as Kirk doubled home Addison Barger
• Jeff Hoffman threw a perfect 10th for his 16th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Cardinals 4 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Jose Berrios fired 6.2 shutout innings, scattering 4 hits, walking 2 and striking out 1. The most important stat was the innings pitched after another subpar start from Bowden Francis.  Spencer Turnbull has been recalled and he has built up enough to handle roughly 80 pitches. Trouble is, Turnbull didn't looked great in his appearances in the minors and his velocity is in question.  Berrios, Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt need to pitch their best every turn and that is asking a lot. 
• The bullpen gave up 4 runs on 3 hits while watlking 1 and striking out 6 over the last 3.1 innings. Gutsy move by John Schneider to run Yariel Rodriguez out for another inning after ge blew the save in the 8th inning. Rodriguez was credited with the win. 
• The veterans did the damage offensively tonight. George Springer and Bo Bichete had RBI hits the first two innings and catcher Alejandro Kirk went deep in the 8th inning and doubled home the winning run in the 10th inning
• The Blue Jays will have a tough decision to make as to who is sent down when Anthony Santander returns to the lineup. Both Jonatan Clase, who hit a game-tying home run in the 9th, and Davis Schneider have shown they deserve the roster spot
• The Blue Jays were 3-9 with runners in scoring position. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for 2 straight wins and their 11th series win of the season. Chris Bassitt starts against Cardinals righty Miles Mikolas 

Game #66 Toronto Blue Jays (35-30) @ St. Louis Cardinals (36-29)

 

Game #65 Toronto Blue Jays (35-29) @ Minnesota Twins (34-30)

 

Game #64 Toronto Blue Jays (35-29) @ Minnesota Twins (34-30) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a 2-run HR in a 5-4 win over the Twins

After a blow out win on the strength of with runs over 2 innings,  the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 10th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's win.  Could the Blue Jays make it 4 straight wins and 10 series wins? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Nathan Lukes singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 2nd as Tyler Heineman whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right 
• The Twins got one back in the bottom of the 4th as Ryan Jeffers was forced in when Ty France was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded
• A batter later, Carlos Correa was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Royce Lewis
• The Twins took the lead in the bottom of the 6th as Matt Wallner belted a solo jack to right
• Chris Paddack pitching line: 6IP 4H 2R (both earned) 2BB 2K 86 pitches (55 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 4H 3R (all earned) 3BB 5K 104 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 8th as George Springer whacked a 2-run blast to left; also scoring Addison Barger
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Heineman
• The Twins got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Kody Clemens hammered a solo bomb to right-center
• Jeff Hoffman got the last 3 outs for his 15th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Twins 4

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 6 innings, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 5. After giving up a leadoff walk to start the game, Gausman retired 9 in a row. Then he struggled through the 4th inning, loading the bases and then allowing 2 runs on a hit batter and a walk. I found it odd that Pete Walker didn't come out to calm Gausman, who did eventually escape the jam. The Blue Jays needed Gausmsan to get as deep in the game as possible with Bowden Francis, who has been unreliable this season, set to start tomorrow.
• The bullpen gave up a run on three hits while walking 1 and striking out 2 over the last 3 innings. Brayden Fisher was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced. After giving up a solo HR, Jeff Hoffman nailed down the save, the 15th on the season for him.
• Tyler Heineman continues to take advantage of his playing time. Defensively, he did a nice job relaying the ball to first on the double play that ended the 4th inning, extending the Blue Jays lead to 2 runs with a solo shot in the 2nd inning and scoring a key insurance run in the 9th that turned out to be the difference in the game. The Blue Jays should consider giving Heineman more playing time, whether it's behind the plate to giving Alejandro Kirk an extra day off to preserve his body, or as DH once in a while.
• Another Blue Jay who has impressed is George Springer. The veteran outfielder/DH went deep in the 8th inning to give the Blue Jays the lead
• The Blue Jays were 3-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 5 games and complete their 4th sweep of the season. Bowden Francis starts against Twins righty Jon Ryan

Game #64 Toronto Blue Jays (34-29) @ Minnesota Twins (34-29)

 

Game #63 Toronto Blue Jays (34-29) @ Minnesota Twins (34-29) - game recap

 

Bo Bichettte hit a 2-run RBI single to give the Blue Jays the lead in a 6-4 comeback win over the Twins

After blowing out the Phillies on the strength of a combined 8 runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the winning streak to 3 games. The Twins won the season series last year, but the Blue Jays outscored the Twins 31-22. It was another bullpen day. Paxton Schultz got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Addison Barger in RF. Andres Gimenez was back in the lineup and at 2B after the day off yesterday. Nathan Lukes was in LF and Jonatan Clase was in CF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Twins opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Trevor Larnach hammered a solo bomb to right-center
• The Twins added a run in the bottom of the 2nd on a ground out hit by Kody Clemens that scored Brooks Lee
• Two batters later,  Christian Vasquez  doubled scoring Royce Lewis 
• Paxton Schultz pitching line: 2IP 4H 3R (all earned) 0BB 1K 40 pitches (24 for strikes)
• The Blue jays got a pair back in the top of the 4th as Addison Barger annihilated a 5-run bomb to right- center; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 
• The Blue jays took the lead in the top of the 5th as Bo Bichette singled scoring Andres Gimenez and Ernie Clement
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as George Springer hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• Bailey Ober pitching line: 7IP 5H 5R (all earned 1BB 4K 87 pitches (64 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring  Guerrero Jr. 
• The Twins  got one back in he bottom half of the inning as Lewis singled scoring Larnach
• Jeff Hoffman pitchrd a scoreless 9th for his 14th save of the season
• Final score; Blue Jays 6 Twins 4

My Take:

• Paxton Schultz battled through 2 innings,  giving up 3 runs on 4 hits while walking none and striking out 1. I'm going to keep saying this every time the Blue Jays have a bullpen day,  but they are taking a huge risk by doing so.  First, it puts added pressure on the other 4 starters in the rotation to pitch deep into the game.  Second,  the bullpen is eventually going to be ineffective due to overuse and there will be injuries.  Yimi Garcia end Nick Sandin have already paid the price and both missed significant time on the IL. if there are no setbacks, Max Scherzer could be ready to return to the rotation soon. Bowden Frances can't seem to find his game,  which has turned into a second bullpen game some nights. The blue jays need to do something soon because Alek Manoah will not be ready to pitch until after the all star break
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits while walking 3 and striking out 9 over the last 7 innings. Mason Fluharty was the only teliever to retire every batter he faced
• The offence was powered by Addison Barger (2-run HR), Bo Bichette (2-run single), George Springer (solo HR) and Alejandro Kirk (RBI single)
• The Blue Jays never really feel out of games this season. Last season, the fans could have turned their attention to a certain hockey game once the Twins were up by 3 after 2 innings. Not so this season.
• The Blue Jays were 2-3 with runners in scoring position.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 10th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Twins righty Chris Paddack

Game #63 Toronto Blue Jays (33-29) @ Minnesota Twins (34-28)

 

Game #62 Philadelphia Phillies (37-25) @ Toronto Blue Jays (33-29) - game recap

 

Myles Straw drove in three runs and scored twice in a 9-1 rout over the Phillies

After a walk off win over the Phillies thanks to Alejandro Kirk's RBI single off old battery mate Jordan Romano,  the Blue Jays were looking to make it two straight wins and notch their 9th series win of the season.  Chris Bassitt got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field in RF after DH'ig yesterday (Alejandro Kirk served as DH today.) Jonatan Clase was in LF and Myles Straw was in CF. Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Myles Straw doubled scoring Davis Schneider 
• Two batters later, Tyler Heineman doubled home Straw
• A batter batter,  Bo Bichette hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Heineman 
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Straw singled scoring Alejandro Kirk and Ernie Clement
• Two batters, Heineman singled scoring Schneider and Straw 
• Jesus Luzardo pitching line: 3.2IP 9H 8R (all earned) 2BB 2K 61 pitches (38 for strikes)
• The Phillies got one back in the top of the 6th as Kyle Schwarber singled scoring Trea Turner
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Kirk singled scoring George Springer
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 7IP 5H 1R (earned) 2BB 6K 99 pitches (62 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 9 Phillies 1

My Take:

• Chris Bassit threw 7 strong innings, giving up a run on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. He retired 9 of the first 11 batters he faced. Bassitt has been one of the pleasant surprises this season. The wily veteran has given the Blue Jays a chance to win in most of his starts and has pitched into the 6th inning in 10 of his 12 starts. No doubt he'll have teams looking to add the veteran starter in free agency in the off-season.
• The bullpen threw 2 perfect innings and Mason Fluharty recorded 2 strikeouts.
• The offense did most of the damage in the 2nd and 3rd innings, combining for 8 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks. Bo Bichette (2-run HR), Myles Straw (3RBI, 2 runs scored) and Tyler Heineman (3RBI, 1 run scored) did the damage
• The Blue Jays have been doing well against lefty starters, something that has been an achilles heel in past seasons
• The Blue Jays were 5-8 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays hit the road again as they begin a weekend series in Minnesota. The Twins won the season series last year, but the Blue Jays outscored the Twins 31-22. It will be a bullpen day for the Blue Jays, who have not announced an opener yet. The Twins will counter with righty Bailey Ober.

Game #62 Philadelphia Phillies (37-24) v. Toronto Blue Jays (32-29)

 

Game #61 Philadelphia Phillies (37-24) @ Toronto Blue Jays (32-29) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk hit a walkoff single in the bottom of the 9th to lift the Blue Jays to a 2-1 comeback win over the Phillies

After a tough loss due to a very rough start for Bowden Francis, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Alan Roden was in LF, Jonatan Clase was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Addison Barger got the start at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays even the series? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Phillies opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Nick Castellanos whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom of the 6th as Bo Bichette tripled scoring Andres Gimenez
• Mick Abel pitching line: 5.1IP 3H 1R (earned) 0BB 2K 78 pitches (52 for strikes)
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 2BB 5K 89 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays walked it off in the bottom of the 9th as Alejandro Kirk singled home Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Phillies 1 while walking 2 and striking out 5. 

My Take:

• Jose Berrios fired 6 solid innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while  while walking 2 and striking out 5. The most important stat was that he was able to ge through 6 innings. Bowden Francis got only 5 outs yesterday and the Blue Jays will need another bullpen day later in the week with the vacant 5th spot in the rotation coming up.
• The bullpen threw 3 shutout innings, allowing 1 hit, walking none and striking out 3. Jeff Homan was credited with the win
• The offense did just enough to prevail. Bo Bichette drove in a run with a triple and Alejandro Kirk walked it off against old battery mate Jordan Romano. 
• The Blue Jays were 2-5 with runners in scoring position
• They definitely need another starting pitcher and a bat that can produce consistently
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 9th series win of the season. Chris Bassitt starts against Phillies lefty Jesus Luzardo

Game #61 Philadelphia Phillies (37-23) v. Toronto Blue Jays (31-29)

 

Game #60 Philadelphia Phillies (37-23) @ Toronto Blue Jays (31-29) - game recap

 

Addison Barger homered for the 4th consecutive game in a 8-3 loss to the Phillies

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays continued the homestand as the Phillies came to town. The Phillies took the season series 3-1 last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 27-17. Andre Gimenez came off the 10-day IL and got the start at 2B and Tyler Heineman was reinstated from the 7-day concussion IL and was available off the bench. Michael Stefanic and Ali Sanchez were both DFA'd. Bowden Francis got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after a half day off as DH on Sunday. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Addison Barger in RF. Davis Schneider got the start in LF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 6 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Phillies opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Trea Turner whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right-center; also scoring Bryson Stott
• A batter later, Bryce Harper smacked a solo blast to right-center and into the Phillies bullpen
• Four batters later, Max Kepler singled scoring Alec Bohm
• Three batters later, Stott singled home Nick Castellanos and Kepler
• The Phillies added a run in the top of the 2nd on a sac fly by Castellanos that scored Harper 
• Bowden Frances pitching line: 1.2IP 7H 7R (6 earned) 2BB 2K 58 pitches (39 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 5th as Davis Schneider belted a solo jack to the opposite field in right-center and into the Phillies bullpen 
• Christopher Sanchez pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 4BB 4K 96 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Phillies added a run in the top of the 8th as Turner whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom half of the inning as Addison Barger hammered a 2-run bomb off the basing of the 3rd deck. It was the 4th straight game where Barger had a home run; also scoring Alejandro Kirk
• Final score: Phillies 8 Blue Jays 3

My Take:-

• Bowden Frances was lit up for 7 runs on 7 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 (and he hit a batter). There was nothing positive about this outing, but it has to be concerning to John Schneider and co that the Blue Jays essentially have 3 starters they can rely on to go deep into the game. Frances had a nice run last season, but it certainly hasn't translated to success this season. It's clear that batters have adjusted to him and he has no answer. The Blue Jays don't have much choice but to keep him in the rotation until Max Scherzer, assuming no setbacks in the rehab, returns and/or Spencer Turnbull has finished building up and is set to join the rotation (hopefully soon
• The bullpen gave up a run on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 8 over the last 6.1 innings. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced. Eric Lauer has established himself as a valuable long reliever. He threw 4 shutout innings, only walking one batter and striking out 2.
• The red hot Addison Barger homered for the 4th straight game, putting him halfway to the record of homering in 8 consecutive games. Don Mattingly, Ken Griffey Jr. and Dale Long all homered in 8 consecutive days. Kendrys Morales strung together a 7-game home run streak as a Blue Jay in 2018. 
• Davis Schneider, doing his best to stick in the bigs, also homered and was the only other Blue Jay to reach base multiple times
• The Blue Jays were 0-2 with runners in scoring position.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Phillies righty Mick Abel.

Game #60 Philadelphia Phillies (36-23) v. Toronto Blue Jays (31-28)

 

Game #59 Athletics (23-37) @Toronto Blue Jays (31-28) - game recap

 

Addison Barger hit a 3-run HR in the 8th inning to lift the Blue Jays to an 8-4 comeback win over the A\s

After hanging on to edge past the A's, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games and complete their 3rd sweep of the season. Daulton Varsho was placed on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain. Eric Swanson was activated off the 60-day IL. Davis Schneider was recalled from AAA-ball and got the start at 2B. Finally, lefty Easton Lucas was optioned to AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Ernie Clement at 1B. George Springer was in the field in RF after DH'ing yesterday. Myles Straw was in CF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games and complete their 3rd sweep of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The A's opened the scoring in the top of the 1st on a ground out by Tyler Soderstrom that scored Lawrence Butler
• Soderstrom was ejected for arguing balls and strikes in the top of the 3rd.
• The A's added a pair of runs in the top of the 5th as Luis Urias doubled scoring Brent Rooker and Miguel Andujar
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 4.2IP 8H 3R (all earned) 2BB 7K 96 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as George Springer singled scoring Myles Straw
• A batter later, Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Vladimir G-uerrero Jr. Springer was tagged out on the play when he was caught hopping up and down after apparently tweaking his ankle sliding into 3rd base.
• JP Sears pitching line: 5IP 7H 2R (both scored) 0BB 3K 84 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The A's added a run in the top of the 8th on a sac fly by Jacob Wilson that scored Willie MacIver
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Addison Barger whacked a 3-run blast to right-center; also scoring Springer and Alan Roden
• Three batters later, Nathan Lukes singled scoring Ernie Clement
• Three batters later, Guerrero Jr. doubled home Davis Schneider
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 A's 4

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 4.2 innnings, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits while walking 2 and striking out 7. It was clear that Gausman was struggling with command, yanking several pitches well outside the strike zone. He showed frustration with himself and at the umpire when he felt he should have gotten the strike call. Umpires are human though and less likely to call strikes if a pitcher isn't consistently in the zone. 
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits, walking 1 and striking out 7, Mason Fluharty was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced. Eric Swanson, in his season debut, was credited with the win.
• Let's talk about Davis Schneider. He was given a second chance when Daulton Varsho went down with the hamstring strain. He had a mixed day today. At the plate, he cracked a single down the line, struck out on the next turn at the plate and drew a walk. He made a bad throw after a diving stop on a ground ball. Schneider is going to have to play really well not to be optioned back when Varsho returns, and he could very well be the move Tuesday when Andres Gimenez is expected to come off the IL.
• The offense continues to find ways to come through. Today, it was a 6-run 8th-inning rally that lifted the Blue Jays to victory. Addison Barger started it off with a 3-run HR, homering for the 3rd straight game. Vlad drove in a pair and scored once. 
• Every Blue Jays starter had at least one hit and all but Bo Bichette and Jonatan Clase either scored a run or drove in a run
• The Blue Jays were 5-10 with runners in scoring position. 
• You have to feel for the A's, who have now lost 17 of 18 games. They are playing in a temporary stadium and will be moving in a couple of seasons to their new home in Las Vegas. It has to be hard on the A's players with that uncertainty and losing all the time. As bad as the Blue Jays have been, they've never endured a 100 loss season and, except for this year, the Blue Jays have been playing in the tough AL east division.
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays continue the homestand against the Phillies, who won the season series last year 3-1, outscoring the Blue Jays 27-17. Bowden Francis starts against Phillies righty Zack Wheeler.

Game #59 Oakland Athletics (23-36) v. Toronto Blue Jays (30-28)