Game #137 Milwaukee Brewers (85-53) @ Toronto Blue Jays (79-58) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes scored twice and drove in a run in an 8-4 comeback win over the Brewers

After the bullpen, this time Jeff Hoffman blew another game,  the Blue Jays were looking to snap the two game skid and avoid being swept for the 5th time and being swept for the 2nd time in a season series. Isiah Kiner-Falefa was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh. Yimi Garcia was transferred to the 60 day IL. Max Scherzer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (George Springer served as DH today). Nathan Lukes was in LF and Addison Barger was in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays snap the two game skid and avoid being swept for the 5th time and being swept for the 2nd time in a season series? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Brewers opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as William Contreras smacked a 2-run blast to left; also scoring Jackson Chourio
• The Blue jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Nathan Lukes doubled scoring George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• A batter later, Ernie Clement singled home Lukes
• The Blue jays added a run in the  bottom of the 2nd as Springer doubled scoring Myles Straw 
• The Brewers got one back in the top of the 3rd as Brice Turang smacked a solo blast to the opposite field in left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Three batters later, Contreras singled scoring Chourio
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom of the 4th as Guerrero Jr.  singled scoring Springer
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 4IP 9H 4R (all earned) 0BB 1K 67 pitches (45 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Tyler Heineman doubled scoring Clement
• A batter later, Straw singled scoring Andre Gimenez and Heineman 
• Brandon Woodruff pitching line: 4.1IP 10H 8R (5 earned) 2BB 3K 89 pitches (59 for strikes)
• Final score Blue Jays 8 Brewers 4

My Take:

• Max Scherzer battled through 4 innings, giving up 4 runs on 9 hits while walking none and strikng out 1. The Brewers took him deep twice, moving the Blue Jays starters into 1st place for home runs allowed. Overall, Blue Jays pitchers are 3rd behind the Rockies and A's for home runs allowed. Could there be cause for concern that Scherzer was lifted after throwing 67 pitches or perhaps John Schneider and Co. wanted to limit the damage knowing how bad the bullpen has been lately.
• Speaking of the bullpen, aside from Brandon Litlle, who looks like his confidence is shattered, it held things together, pitching 5 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits, walking none and striking out 5. Back to Little, who loaded the bases on a hit, and 2 errors commited by him (a fielding error on a fairly routine ground ball that should have resulted in at least one out and then he fielded a ball cleanly, but got indecisive of where to record the out and ended up throwing the ball in the dirt at Vladdy. Right away, Tyler Heineman was telling him to throw to 1st base for the sure out. By the time Little realized that 1st was his only option, after considering throwing to get the runner at 3rd base and 2nd base, he had to rush the throw). He did record on out and he threw underhand to get that out, and needed Tommy Nance to bail him out. Nance should start seeing some higher leverage situations since he has been the team's best pitcher by far. Louis Varland bounced back with what might have been his best appearance as a Blue Jays, retiring all five batters he faced and striking out 3.
• Offensively, the bottom five in the order (Nathan Lukes, Ernie Clement, Andres Gimenez, Tyler Heineman and Myles Straw) did the damage, combining to go 8-20 with 5 runs scored and 6 RBI. Leadoff man George Springer also scored twice and drove in a run. 
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Bo Bichette had a hit
• The Blue Jays were 5-10 with runners in scoring position
• It was mixed results in the standings with the Yankees losing and the Red Sox winning. The Yankees are 3 games back of the Blue Jays and the Red Sox are 3.5 games back of the Blue Jays for 1st in the AL East.
• Up next, the Blue Jays hit the road starting with a matinee in Cincinatti tomorrow. The Reds won the season series last year with both teams scoring 20 runs. Chris Bassitt starts against Reds righty Hunter Greene.

Game #137 Milwaukee Brewers (85-52) v. Toronto Blue Jays (78-58)

 

Game #136 Milwaukee Brewers (85-52) @ Toronto Blue Jays (78-58) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in the only Blue Jays run on a sac fly in a-4-1 come-from-behind loss to the Brewers

After a brutal loss due to the bullpen blowing up and an anemic offence, the Blue Jays were looking to avoid their 15th series loss and 4th season series loss of the season. Justin Bruihl was optioned to AAA-ball and Easton Lucas was recalled from AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Ty France at 1B. George Springer was in LF and Myles Straw was in CF. Addison Barger got the start at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays avoid their 15th series loss and 4th season series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 6th on a sac fly by Vladimir Guerrero Jr that scored George Springer
• The Brewers tied it up in the top of the 7th on a ground out by Sal Frelick that scored Christian Yelich
• Quinn Priester pitching line: 5H 1R (unearned) 0BB 82 pitches (56 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 7IP 4H 1R (earned) 0BB 8K 95 pitches (66 for strikes)
• The Brewers took the lead in the top of the 9th as Jackson Chourio whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right and into the Brewers bullpen
• A batter later, Yelich smacked a solo blast to the opposite field in left-center
• Four batters later, Isaac Collins doubled scoring Frelich
• Abner Uribe pitched a scoreless 9th for his 4th save of the season
• Final score: Brewers 4 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman fired 7 strong innings,  giving up a run on 4 hits while walking none and striking out 8. The Blue Jays needed this effort from Gausman to give an overworked bullpen a break. He retired 9 of the first 11 batters, with the 9th out being a pickoff at 1st base. Gausman also retired 9 of the last 10 batters he faced. 
• The bullpen imploded again. This time Jeff Hoffman came in with a 1-1 tie in the 9th, looking to hold the score to give the Blue Jays a chance to walk it off in the bottom half of the inning. Instead, he gave up 3 runs on 3 hits (two of which were back-to-back home runs to start the 9th) and a walk. It's clear his confidence is not great. Trouble is, the Blue Jays don't have anyone pitching well enough to take over the closer's role. Seranthony Dominguez has wildness issues and gave up 2 hits. Louis Varland and Brandon Little have been terrible lately and Yariel Rodriguez can't be trusted either. If the Blue Jays miss the playoffs entirely, Pete Walker needs to go.
• Offensively, Vlad drove in the only run on a sac fly. It's hard to win scoring only one run. The bats definitely cooled off with the all-star break.
• The Blue Jays were 1-4 with runners in scoring position
• The Yankees could close the gap to just 2 games if they win as expected tonight. The Red Sox lost so the Blue Jays remain 3.5 games ahead of them.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2 game skid and avoid being swept for the 5th time and 2nd season series sweep. Max Scherzer starts against Brewers righty Brandon Woodruff

Game #136 Milwaukee Brewers (84-52) v. Toronto Blue Jays (78-57)

 

Game #135 Milwaukee Brewers (84-52) @ Toronto Blue Jays (78-57) - game recap

 

Davis Schneider drove in a pair of runs in a 7-2 loss to the Brewers

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays continued the road trip as they welcomed the Milwaukee Brewers to town. The Brewers took the season series last year and both teams scored 8 runs. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as Wednesday's wild comeback win. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Brewers opened the scoring in the top of the 6th as Andruw Monasterio whacked a solo blast to left
• Three batters later, Andrew Vaughn singled scoring Brice Turang
• Two batters later,  Caleb Durbin singled scoring Christian Yelich
• A batter later, Isaac Collins doubled home Vaughn and Durbin 
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 5.1IP 5H 2R (both earned) 0BB 92 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Brewers added a run in in the top of the 7th on a ground out by Yelich that scored Turang
• A batter later, Vaughn singled scoring William Contreras
• Freddy Peralta pitching line: 6IP 1H 0R 1BB  8K 95 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom held of the inning as Davis Schneider singled scoring Bo Bichette and Myles Straw 
• Final score: Brewers 7 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Shane Bieber threw  5.1 solid innings, allowing a pair of runs on 5 hits while walking none and striking out 6. He struck out the side in the 1st inning and had an out streak of 9 batters.  There is just one pitch he'll want back (the one he threw to  Andruw Monasterio that left the ballpark). Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn't get out of the inning/
• A large part of the blame for this loss goes to a bullpen that has been brutal lately. Brandon Little  and Louis Varland combined to allow 4 runs in the 6th inning after Shane Bieber left the game with one out in that inning. Little has been walking too many batters. As a reliever, you have to come in throwing strikes, Varland managed to escape the inning, but not before giving up a pair of base hits that plated 3 more runs. A lot of fans want to see Varland in the closer's role, but he's been as shaky as Jeff Hoffman lately. Justin Bruihl gave up 2 more runs in the 7th inning to put the game out of reach. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced.
• The offense was stymied for most of the game, and looked like they might rally in the 8th, but only managed to score twice on a clutch Davis Schneider single off a lefty reliever. Bo Bichette was the only Blue Jays batter to reach base multiple times
• Fans and Daulton Varsho were breathing a sigh of relief that x-rays on Daulton Varsho's hand  were negative, after the Blue Jays outfielder was drilled on the right hand/pinky finger by a fastball in the 7th inning. He was in a ton of pain and obviously frustrated after missing the first month of the season recovering from off-season shoulder surgery then missing more time after pulling his hamstring running the bases a month later. He'll likely miss a few days at least here, but it could have been much worse.
• The Blue Jays got bad news on Yimi Garcia, who will undergo season-ending surgery on his pitching elbow to clean some things up. The Blue Jays could have used him in the bullpen, but it was best to get the surgery done now so he's at full strength come spring training.
• It was a mixed bag standings wise. The Red Sox lost their game, but the Yankees prevailed in their game and both teams are 3.5 games back of the Blue Jays for 1st in the AL East. The Blue Jays have a tougher schedule.
• The Blue Jays were 1-5 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to avoid their 15th series loss and 4th season series loss. Kevin Gausman starts against Brewers righty Quinn Priester.

Game #135 Milwaukee Brewers (83-52) v. Toronto Blue Jays (78-56)

 

-Game #134 Minnesota Twins (60-73) @ Toronto Blue Jays (78-56) - game recap

 

Addison Barger hit a clutch RBI double to lift the  Blue Jays to a 9-8 comeback win over the Twins

After dropping yesterday's game due to the bullpen (especially Jeff Hoffman) imploding, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 23rd series win and 17th season series win of the season. Eric Lauer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing the last 2 games (George Springer served as DH tonight). Davis Schneider was in LF, Daulton Varsho was in CF and  Nathan Lukes was in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays notch their 23rd series win and 17th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Twins opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Byron Buxton led off the game by hammering a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom of the 2nd as Davis Schneider drilled a solo blast to the second deck in left
• The Twins retook the lead in the top of the 3rd as Buxton whacked a solo blast to left-center
• Three batters later, Luke Keaschall belted a solo jack to left-center
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Bo Bichette singled scoring Andres Gimenez and George Springer
• The Twins added a pair of runs in the top of the 4th as Edouard Julien doubled scoring Austin Martin and Julien. Technically it was an inside the park home run, but Julien was credited with a double and Tyler Heineman was charged with a throwing error on the play
• Two batters later, Ryan Jeffers singled home Buxton. Jeffers was thrown out at 2nd base to end the inning
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Schneider hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in left
• Three batters later, Gimenez belted a solo jack to right-center
• Simeon Woods-Richardson pitching line: 3.2IP 5H 5R (all earned) 2BB 2K 69 pitches (44 for strikes)
• The Twins added a run as Brooks Lee smashed a solo blast to left
• Two batters later, Royce Lewis singled scoring Kody Clemens
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 4.2IP 10H 8R (6 earned) 0BB 4K 98 pitches (68 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 6th as Gimenez doubled scoring Davis
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Ty France belted a solo jack to left-center
• Three batters later, Addison Barger doubled scoring Alejandro Kirk and Springer
• Jeff Hoffman pitched a scoreless 9th for his 29th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 9 Twins 8

My Take:

• Eric Lauer was lit up for 8 runs on 10 hits while walking none and sriking out 4 over 4.2 innings. He may be tiring since he's already doubled the number of innings he threw in 2023. He added 4 more HR to the total given up by Blue Jays pitchers (only the A's have allowed more long balls this season). It is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed in the off-season, if not sooner. Lauer might be better suited to a bullpen role come playoff time. Two of Berrios, Gausman, Bassitt, Bieber, Lauer and Scherzer will not be in the playoff rotation. 
• The bullpen gave up 2 hits, walked 2 batters and struck out 6 over the last innings. I don't know what was more gutsy: John Schneider's decision to go right back to Jeff Hoffman after Hoffman imploded last night or Hoffman having a mostly dominant inning, including a huge strikeout of Matt Walllner, who hit a 3-run HR off the Blue Jays closer last night. There has been much angst over Hoffman in the closer's role, particularly his dreadful ERA, which is by far the worst of the likely playoff contender's closer, but tonight he showed why he should be the Blue Jays closer. Here's hoping tonight's  performance is the start of a hot streak for him.
• The bats were not going to let the Blue Jays lose tonight. Davis Schneider belted a pair of HR, Ty France came off the bench and went deep for the first time as a Blue Jay, Addison Barger erased a bad day at the plate with a go-ahead 2-run double and Bo Bichette knotted the game at 3 with a clutch 3-run single. If the Blue Jays do win a playoff round or two, it will be thanks to a lineup that can hurt you in most parts of the batting order and the ability to get clutch hits at the right time
• The team will be breathing a sigh of relief they came back and won because if the Twins won, the Bosox would have been just 3 games back and the Yankees would have been 3.5 games back. Instead the Red Sox and Yankees remain 4 and 4.5 games back respectively. Both the Yankees and Red Sox can gain a half game if they win their respective games tomorrow with the Blue Jays idle until Friday
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays will be looking to extend the win streak to 2 games as they open a tough weekend series against the Brewers, who took the season series last year. Both teams scored 8 runs. Shane Bieber makes his home debut for the Blue Jays Friday. The Brewers haven't set their rotation for the seres yet.

Game #134 Minnesota Twins (60-72) v. Toronto Blue Jays (77-56)

 

Game #133 Minnesota Twins (60-72) @ Toronto Blue Jays (77-56) - game recap

 

George Springer scored 4 times, including a pair of home runs in a losing effort as the Twins came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 7-5

After a solid win over the Twins lsst night thanks to a team effort offensively, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 23rd series win and 17th season series win of the season. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Nathan Lukes was in CF and Addison Barger was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 23rd series win and 17th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st on a sack fly by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that scored George Springer
• Three batters later, Bo Bichette singled scoring Nathan Lukes 
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom of the 2nd as Springer hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in left-center 
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Springer hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in left-center
• The Twins got a pair back in the top of the 6th as Luke Keaschell whacked a 2-run blast to left-center; also scoring Brooks Lee
• Bailey Ober pitching line: 5IP 10H 4R (all earned) 0BB 3K 96 pitches (65 for strikes)
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5.2IP 4H 2R (both earned) 3BB 6K 93 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Twins got one back in the top of the 7th on a sac fly double play hit by Lee  that scored Mickey Gasper 
• The Twins tied it in the top of the 9th as Gasper belted a solo jack to right
• Five batters later, Matt Wallner whacked a 3-run blast to right-center and into the Twins bullpen; also scoring Austin Martin and Lee
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho doubled scoring Springer
• Final score: Twins 7 Blue Jays 5

My Take:-

• Chris Bassit threw 5.2 solid innings, giving up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 6. After allowing the first two he faced to reach base, Bassitt recovered to strike out the side and retire nine straight. There is really only one pitch he'll want back and that's the one that went over the wall to cut the lead in half
• The bullpen gave up 5 runs on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3 over the last 3.1 innings. Jeff Hoffman was a disaster in the 9th, blowing his 7th save of the season. Blue Jays fans booed him off the field when he was pulled after giving up 2 home runs and 4 runs on 25 pitches. He threw more balls than strikes. I don't trust anyone else to be the closer, but maybe Hoffman needs a short IL stint to reset for the postseason.
• George Springer was the Blue Jays offense tonight, scoring 4 times, including 2 mammoth home runs.
• There has to be concern about the sore hands of Ernie Clement and Alejandro Kirk, who took a foul tip off the exposed hand. Danny Jansen broke his hand a few times getting dinged by foul balls. The Blue Jays can ill afford to lose either Kirk or Clement.
• The Blue Jays were 3-10 with runners in scoring position
• With the loss, the Yankees and Red Sox both gained a game on the Blue Jays since they won their games. The Bosox are 4 games back and the Yankees are 4.5 games back of 1st in the AL East
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to notch their 23rd series win and 17th season series win of the season. Eric Lauer starts for the Blue Jays. The Twins haven't named a starter yet.

Game #133 Minnesota Twins (59-72) v. Toronto Blue Jays (77-55)

 

Game #132 Minnesota Twins (59-72) @ Toronto Blue Jays (77-55) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes scored twice and drove in two runs in a 10-4 win over the Twins

After dropping yesterday's game against the Marlins due to a tough start from Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays began a weeklong homestand as they welcomed the Twins to town. The Blue Jays took the series in Minnesota back at the beginning of June with both teams scoring 14 runs. Righty Paxson Schultz was optioned to AAA-ball and lefty Justin Bruihl was recalled from AAA-ball. Max Scherzer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad made his return to the lineup as DH as he slowly returns from a sore hamstring. George Springer was in LF. Could the Blue Jays start the week and homestand with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Bo Bichette singled scoring George Springer
•  A batter later, Nathan Lukes scored on a sac fly by Daulton Varsho
• A batter after that,  Alejandro Kirk whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right-center; also scoring Bichette
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 2nd as Andres Gimenez belted a solo jack to right-center 
• The Twins got one back in the top of the 4th as Matt Wallner hammered a solo bomb to right-center 
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Springe singled scoring Gimenez
•  The Twins got one back in the top of the 6th on a ground out hit by Brooks Lee that scored Byron Buxton
• A batter later, Wallner smacked a 2-run blast to right and into the Twins bullpen; also scoring Trevor Larnach
• Joe Ryan pitching line: 5IP 7H 6R (all earned) 1BB 7K 93 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning as Lukes doubled scoring Kirk and Ernie clement
• A batter later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Gimenez and Lukes
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 6IP 4H 4R  (all earned) 1BB 5K 97 pitches (67 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 10  Twins 4

My Take:

• Max Scherzer battled through 6 innings, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. He retired 12 of the 1st 14 batters he faced. The left-handed batters were having better swings on Scherzer today. One issue that has hampered the pitching staff has been home runs. Twins RF Matt Wallner took him deep twice. 
• The bullpen gave up a hit and 2 walks over 3 scoreless innings. Justin Bruihl gave the Blue Jays a bit of a scare when he rolled his ankle on a pitch in the 8th. Luckily he was able to complete the inning. Hopefully it doesn't swell up on him overnight because the Blue Jays can ill afford to lose a reliever with Yimi Garcia and Nick Sandolin both suffering setbacks as they try to ramp back up. Garcia may be done for the season with the ulnar nerve issue. Sandlin is also a concern since his elbow is hurting throwing at 120 feet.
• Offensively, the Blue Jays jumped on Twins starter Joe Ryan, scoring 5 times over the first 2 innings. I really like that the bats reponded in the 6th inning with 4 runs after the Twins clawed back with 3 runs in the top half of the inning. Nathan Lukes (2 runs scored, 2 RBI), Alejandro Kirk (2 runs scored, including a 2-run HR) and Andres Gimenez (3 runs scored, including a solo HR) led the way.
• Every Blue Jays starter except Ty France reached base at least once and all but France and Daulton Varsho had at least one hit
• Standings wise, the Blue Jays remain 5 and 5.5 games up on the Red Sox and Yankees, who both won their games tonight, respectively. They gain a half game on the idle Astros for the 2nd bye to the divisional round. Should the Tigers lose, they'll be just a game back for the best record in the AL and home field advantage through the ALCS.
• The Blue Jays were 4-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 23rd series win and 17th season series win of the season. Chris Bassitt starts against Twins righty Bailey Ober.

Game #132 Minnesota Twins (59-71) v. Toronto Blue Jays (76-55)

 

Game #131 Toronto Blue Jays (76-55) @ Miami Marlins (61-69) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho hit a 3-run HR in a  5-3 loss to the Marlins

After eking out a win yesterday thanks to a clutch base hit and some heads up defense from Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 10th series sweep and 6th season series sweep of the season. Mason Fluharty was optioned to AAA-ball and Paxton Schultz was recalled from AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 10th series sweep and 6th season series sweep of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Marlins opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Eric Wagaman hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Marlins added 3 runs in the bottom of the 5th as Jakob Marsee tripled scoring Wagaman, Javier Sanoja and Xavier Edwards 
• The Blue Jays got 3 back in the top of the 7th as Daulton Varsho hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Ty France and Bo Bichette 
• Eury Perez pitching line: 6IP 3H 2R (both earned) 1BB 4K 94 pitches (62 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 7H 4R (all earned) 1BB 7K 94 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Marlins added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Agustin Ramirez singled scoring Marsee 
• Tyler Phillips pitched a perfect 9th for his 2nd save of the season
• Final score: Marlins 5 Blue Jays 3

My Take: 

• Kevin Gausman battled through 6 innings, giving up 4 runs on 7 hits while walking 1 and striking out 7. It was the bottom of the order that gave him the most trouble today with number 8 hitter Eric Wagaman taking Gausman deep. Wagaman and Blue Jays killer Javier Sanoja getting on in the 5th, along with leadoff man Xavier Edwards for Jakob Marsee to bring them all home to add three runs. Gausman has a tendency to be inconsistent, which could be a concern come playoff time where you need to limit the runs against. 
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 1 over the last 2 innings. It was unfortunate timing that Yariel Rodrigueze ceded a run after the Blue Jays scored 3 runs in the top half of the inning. Most of the relievers have been struggling this month, which could be a sign of overuse catching up on them. It's possible Alek Manoah could be a long man out of the bullpen come September. The closer's role will be Jeff Hoffman's through the postseason. The Blue Jays just don't have any options that are reliable enough, other than Yimi Garcia, who may not be an optom as he deals with ulnar nerve impingement
• Daulton Varsho brought the Blue Jays close with a 3-run bomb in the 7th and Vlad came up with a chance give the Blue Jays the lead in the 8th, but popped out to end the inning. Bo Bichette was the only Blue Jay to reach base multiple times.
• The Blue Jays were 1-4 with runners in scoring position
• Standings wise, the Yankees and Red Sox both gained a half game in the standings with the loss and one will gain a further half game later tonight when the Bosox and Yankees face off tonight in the Bronx. The Red Sox could be as few as 4 games back of the Blue Jays for 1st in the AL East. If the Yankees prevail tonight, they'll be 5.5 games back for 1st in the AL East. Both the Tigers and Astros lost, keeping the Blue Jays 4 games up on the Astros for the 2nd bye into the ALDS and 2 games back of the Tigers for 1st in the AL and home field advantage through at least the ALCS.
• Up next, the Blue Jays return home to begin a week long homestand, starting tomorrow against the Twins. The Blue Jays took the series in Minnesota back at the beginning of June with both teams scoring 14 runs. Max Scherzer starts against Twins righty Joe Ryan.

Game #131 Toronto Blue Jays (76-54) @ Miami Marlins (60-69)

 

Game #130 Toronto Blue Jays (76-54) @ Miami Marlins (60--69) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette drove in the winning run as the Blue Jays held on to edge the Marlins 7-6 in 12 innings

After a solid win thanks to an excellent Blue Jay debut for Shane Bieber and a 3-RBI, 2 runs scored effort from Daulton Varsho, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 21st series win and 16th season series win of the season. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as last night. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 21st series win and 16th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays open the scoring in the top of the 3rd as George Springer singled scoring Nathan Lukes
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as Alejandro Kirk doubled scoring Addison Barger 
• Three batters later,  Bo Bichette was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Myles Straw 
• Janson Junk pitching line: 5.2IP 6H 3R (all earned) 1BB 3K 92 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 7th as Springer hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Marlins got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Troy Johnston singled scoring Liam Hicks
• A batter later, Javier Sanoja doubled scoring Eric Wagaman. Johnston was thrown out at home on the play
• Two batters later, Otto Lopez singled scoring Sanoja
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 6.1IP 4H 2R (both earned) 0BB 8K 81 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Marlins tied it up in the bottom of the 9th as Sanoja singled scoring Derek Hill
• The Blue jays retook the lead in the top of the 10th on a sac fly by Ty France that scored Bichette
• The Marlins tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Jakob Marsee doubled scoring Lopez
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 11th as Andre Gimenez singled scoring Straw 
• The Marlins tied it in the bottom held of the inning as Sanoja singled scoring Hill
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 12th a Bichette singled home Springer
• Brandon Little pitched a scoreless 12th for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 Marlins 6 (12 innings)

My Take:

• Jose Berrios had a nice bounceback game, firing 6.1 strong innings,  giving up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking none and striking out 8. Typically strikeouts tend to drive up the pitch count, but Berrios was averaging about 10 pitches an inning after 6 innings. Having longer waits between innings might have hurt any momentum he had. A caveat, he was facing a weaker lineup than he will be his next scheduled start against the Brewers.
• The bullpen was lit up for 4 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 5 over the last 5.1 innings. The bullpen blew the save in three consecutive innings and it took a heads up play from Bo Bichette, who threw out the ghost runner at second base, to prevent a 4th blown save. There hs to be angst among the Blue Jays coaching staff over the ability of Jeff Hoffman to be the closer. Yes, he has 28 saves on the season, but he has an ERA over 4.00 and he has a tendency to walk batters. Trouble is, Yimi Garcia can't be counted on to return to health this season. Seranthony Dominquez retired every batter he faced, but his wildness isn't a good trait for a closer. Louis Varland nearly blew the 4-run lead in the 7th inning and I think the team likes him in the setup role. I still think Pete Walker is the scapegoat if the Blue Jays get bounced in the playoffs. There have been too many occasions where mound visits have not helped the struggling pitcher and the opposition immediately capitalizes. Bullpen decisions have been suspect and pitchers need a new voice leading them.
• Kudos to the Blue Jays offense for being clutch in 3 straight innings to give the Blue Jays a chance to win this game. George Springer (2 runs scored, 2 RBI), Bo Bichette (game-winning RBI, scored twice), Alejandro Kirk (RBI double) and TY France (clutch sac fly in the 10th) led the way offensively
• The Blue Jays were 4-16 with runners in scoring position
• With the Red Sox blowing out the Yankees, the division lead remains at 5 games over the Bosox with the Yanks falling to 6.5 games back. The Tigers also won earlier to maintain a 2-game lead over the Blue Jays for the best record in the AL and home field advantage through at least the ALCS.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 10th series sweep and 6th season series sweep of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Marlins righty Eury Perez

Game #130 Toronto Blue Jays (75-54) @ Miami Marlins (60-68)

 

Game #129 Toronto Blue Jays (75-54) @ Miami Marlins (60-68) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho drove in 3 runs and scored twice in a 5-2 victory over the Marlins

After an off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays continued the road trip in Miami. The Marlins swept the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 26-7. Shane Bieber made his Blue Jays debut, coming off the 60 day IL due to tommy John surgery (Braydon Fisher was optioned to AAA-ball) with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad remained out of the lineup with a sore hamstring. Nathan Lukes was in LF and Addison Barger was in RF. Ernie Clement wa(s at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays start the wcekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Daulton Varsho doubled scoring Bo Bichette
• A batter later, Ty France singled home Alejandro Kirk and Varsho
• The Marlins got one back in the bottom of the 2nd as Javier Sanoja belted a solo jack to left-center
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 6th as Varsho hammered a 2-run bomb to right-center; also scoring Kirk 
• Ryan Gusto pitching line: 6IP 7H 5R (all earned) 1BB 0K 90 pitches (60 for strikes) 
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 6IP 2H 1R (earned) 0BB 9K 87 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Marlins got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Maximo Acosta hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Jeff Hoffman pitched a scoreless 9th for his 28th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Marlins 2

My Take:

• Shane Bieber was excellent in his Blue Jays debut, and first big league game since April 2, 2024, firing 6 strong innings, giving up a run on 2 hits, while walking none and striking out 9. Bieber made one mistake in the 2nd inning that went over the wall for a home run and retired 11 in a row after that mistake. The Blue Jays couldn't have asked for anything more. He looks like a steal a the moment, even if he is only a Blue Jay for a couple of months
• The bullpen gave up a run on 2 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 over the last 3 innings. Brandon Little retired every batter he faced.
• Daulton Varsho (3RBI, including a 2-run HR, 2 runs scored) and Ty France drove the offence today.
• Every Blue Jays starter except Nathan Lukes and Andre Gimenez reached base at least once and all but Lukes, Gimenez and Ernie Clement had at least one hit
• The Blue Jays were 2-3 with runners in scoring position
• The Red Sox, Astros and Tigers all won today, meaning the Blue Jays have a 5 game lead over the Red Sox and 5.5 game lead over the Yankees for first in the AL East. They have a 4 game cushion over the Astros for the 3rd division leader spot, which would mean a bye into the divisional round and home field advantage through at least the ALDS. They are 2 games back of the Tigers for best record in the entire MLB and home field advatage through the world series.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streaak to 2 games and notch their 21st series win and 16th season series win of the season. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Marlins righty Janson Junk

Game #129 Toronto Blue Jays (74-54) @ Miami Marlins (60-67)

 

Game #128 Toronto Blue Jays (74-54) @ Pittsburgh Pirates (54-74) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a  leadoff home run in a losing effort as the Marlins came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 2-1

After pulling out a win yesterday after another solid Max Scherzer start and 5 runs over the first 2 innings off Pirates starter Matt Keller, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 22nd series win (15th season series win) of the season. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was out of the starting lineup a second start day with a sore hamstring (Ty France was at 1B). Davis Schneider was in LF, Daulton Varsho was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 22nd series win (15th 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 1st as George Springer led off the game with a solo blast to left
• The Pirates took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Tommy Pham doubled scoring Bryan Reynolds and Spencer Horwitz
• Johan Oviedo pitching line: 5IP 2H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 75 pitches (45 for strikes)
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5.2IP 6H 2R (both earned) 2BB 10K 107 pitches (68 for strikes)
• Dennis Santana pitched a perfect 9th for his 9th save of the season
• Final score: Pirates 2 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 5.2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 10. Bassitt struck out the 1st 2 batters he faced before blowing the lead George Springer gave him on 2 doubles and a walk. He settled down after that and retired 10 of the next 11 batters. The ten strikeouts drove up the pitch count, but nice job today, other than the 1st and 5th innings.
• The bullpen kept the score where it was over the last 2.1 innings, hitting a batter (Brayden Fisher), allowing 2 hits and walking 2 batters. Brandon Little has been a bit less effective lately. It might be time to give him a bit of a break and maybe some lower leverage situationss for a bit. Also not sold on Seranthony Dominguez. He makes be nervous with his wildnes
• Offensively, George Springer led off the game with a solo HR and that was about it. The Blue Jays best chance to score was the 4th inning when Bo Bichette led off with a double, but the team stranded him at second base. Hard to say whether having Vlad in the lineup or even pinch hitting would have made a difference. Point is moot anyway since the team wanted to give him 72+ hours off with the off-day Thursday. If Vlad still can't play come Friday, I can see the team putting him on the IL retroactively. The team has a relatively comfortable division lead and they need Vlad at full strength for the postseason
• For the moment, the Red Sox and Yankees both gained a half game with the Blue Jays loss (The Red Sox are off today and begin a 4-game series at Yankee Stadium tomorrow and the Yankees will finish their series in Tampa Bay later today; Yankees are 4.5 games back and could be as few as 4 games back of the Blue Jays for first in the AL East if they win tonight and the Red Sox are 5.5 games back of 1st in the AL East). The Tigers did the Blue Jays a favor and defeated the Astros, meaning the Blue Jays maintain their 5 game lead over the Astros for the 2nd best record among the AL division leaders and a bye to the divisional round. If the Blue Jays and Tigers both advanced to the ALCS, the Tigers would have home field advantage in that series, but the Blue Jays would have home field advantage through at least the divisional round. Buckle up Blue Jays fans because scoreboard watching season is upon us!
• Up next, after an off-day/travel day tomorrow, the Blue Jays continue the road trip in Miami. The Marlins swept the season series against the Blue Jays last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 26-7. Shane Bieber is set to come off the IL Friday and make his first start since April 2, 2024. He would have season-ending tommy john surgery 10 days later. The Marlins have not announced their rotation for the series yet.

Game #128 Toronto Blue Jays (74-53) @ Pittsburgh Pirates (53-74)

 

Game #127 Toronto Blue Jays (73-53) @ Pittsburgh Pirates (53-73)

 

Game #126 Toronto Blue Jays (73-53) @ Pittsburgh Pirates (53-73) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette drove in a run in a  losing effort as the Pirates came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 5-2

After a toigh loss yesterday due to a bad day for the pitchers, the Blue Jays opened a week long road trip in Pittsburgh, The Blue Jays won the season series against the Pirates last year, but the Pirates outscored the Blue Jays 15-11. Kevin Gausman got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as last night.  Could the Blue Jays start the week and road trip with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Pirates opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Alexander Canario singled scoring Nick Gonzales 
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 3rd on a ground out by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that scored George Springer 
• A batter later,  Bo Bichette singled scoring Addison Barger 
• The Pirates tied it in the bottom half of the inning on a fielder's choice hit by Bryan Reynolds that scored Spencer Horwitz
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was removed from the game in the top of the 5th after injuring his hamstring doing the splits on a play at 1st base defensively
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5IP 5H 2R (both earned) 2BB 4K 96 pitches (61 for31¹, strikes)
• Paul Skenes pitching line: 6IP 5H 2R (both earned) 1BB 8K 96 pitches (65 for strikes)
• John Schneider was ejected in the top of the 7th for arguing balls and strikes when Davis Schneider lost it on aa callred 3rd strike
• The Pirates took the lead in the bottom on the 7th on a wild pitch by Brandon Little that scored Henry Davis
• The Pirates added a run in the bottom of the 8th on a stolen base by Canario that scored Jared Triolo. Tyler Heineman was charged with a throwing error on the play.
• A batter later, Canario scored on a sac fly by Davis
• Dennis Santana pitched a scoreless 9th for his 8th save of the season
• Final score: Pirates 5 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 5 innings,  giving up 2 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4. The Blue Jays certainly have interesting decisions to make when they add Shane Bieber to the roster. I can still see the Blue Jays either putting Jose Berrios on the IL, who is clearly dealing with something with his velocity way down yesterday,  or going to a six-man rotation for a few turns to give the starters an extra day off. Gausman struggled to locate his pitches which drove his pitch count up. He'll get a start in the post season. 
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on a hit, 4 walks, a wild pitch and 2 bad throws while striking out 4 over the last 3 innings. The Blue Jays needed 3 pitchers to get three outs in the 7th inning, not ideal. It should be noted 2 runs were unearned and directly the fault of Heineman who made 2 bad throws in the 8th to put the game out of reach. None of the relievers was able to retire every batter faced.
• As mentioned above, it was a rough night for Heineman behind the plate. The Pirates stole bases on him three times, he was charged with a throwing error and he couldn't control a wild pitch by Brandon Little. At the plate, he was 0-3 and struck out once. Heineman has been having a solid season and should get a nice raise in arbitration in the off-season
• There has to be concern for Vlad, but now would be a good time to give him a day or two off with a decent lead in the AL East. Even a short 10-game IL stint would be ok. The important thing is to have Vlad healthy for the playoffs.
• Offensively, Vlad and Bo Bichette drove in the 2 Blue Jays runs
• The Blue Jays were 1-4 with runners in scoring position
• With the loss, the idle Red Sox and Yankees both gained a game on the Blue Jays (both teams are 5 games back of the Blue Jays for 1st in the AL East) and the Tigers overtook the Blue Jays for best AL record and home field advantage through at least the ALCS. The Blue Jays would still get a bye to the divisional round if the playoffs started tomorrow, but the Astros, who lead the AL West, are just 4 games back of the Blue Jays. That series against the Astros in Toronto September 9-11 is looking pretty big at the moment.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2-game skid, even the series and avoid their 16th series loss and 5th season series loss of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Pirates righty Mitch Keller 

Game #126 Toronto Blue Jays (73-52) @ Pittsburgh Pirates (52-73)

 

Game #125 Texas Rangers (62-63) @ Toronto Blue Jays (73-52) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a 2-run HR in a 10-4 loss to the Rangers

After blowing out the Rangers yesterday thanks to a huge 18-hit, 14-run outburst, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games and complete their 10th series sweep of the season. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Nathan Lukes was in LF and Addison Barger was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games and complete their 10th series sweep of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Rangers opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Marcus Semien whacked a 2-run blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Rowdy Tellez 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Alejandro Kirk belted a solo jack to left-center 
• The Rangers added a run in the top of the 4th as Jake Burger singled scoring Semien 
• Two batters later,  Jonah Heim singled scoring Burger and Cody Freeman
• The Rangers added a run in the top of the 5th as Cory Seager smacked a solo blast to the opposite field in left 
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 4.1IP 10H 6R (all earned) 0BB 2K 87 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Rangers added a pair of runs in the top of the 6th as Wyatt Langford hammered a 2-run bomb to the second deck in left; also scoring Josh Smith
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Vladimir Guerrero Jr hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in left-center 
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom of the 8th as George Springer hammered a 2-run bomb to left-center; also scoring Myles Straw 
• The Rangers added a pair of runs in the top of the 9th a s Evan Carter smashed a 2-run blast to right-center; also scoring Seager
• Final score: Rangers 10 Blue Jays 4

My Take: 

• Jose Berrios was lit up for 6 runs on 10 hits while walking none and striking out 2 over 4.1 innings. Could it be Jose Berrios that is relegated to bullpen status in the postseason.  Berrios can be very good or have clunkers like today where the opposition is not fooled but what he is offering. Plus, Berrios is prone to giving up the long ball (he was taken deep twice this afternoon).  There's no question he'll have a role in the postseason, but you can't be giving up home runs the way he has a tendency to do and you need to get out of innings efficiently. Unless he is really dialed in as he was in game 2 of the 2023 wild card series in Minnesota, he will be on a short leash and likely Eric Lauer will be asked to eat up a few innings. Lots of interesting decisions to be made as far as the playoff roster is concerned but the rotation and bullpen are arguably the most important pieces of the roster. 
• The bullpen gave up 5 runs on 6 hits while walking 4 and striking out 1 over the last 4.2 innings. It appears pitching could be a major issue for the Blue Jays come the postseason. Never mind figuring out who will close the game, the team actually needs a lead in the 9th inning. Louis Varland, who looked great his first few appearances in a Blue Jays uniform, has now given up a home run in two straight days. Mason Fluharty got the Blue Jays out of the 5th inning, but walked 2 batters in the process. Relievers need to throw strikes when they come into the game. The Blue Jays are going to need to manage the bullpen down the sttretch or the season will end like it did in 2022 when the bullpen blew an 8-1 lead in a game that saw the Mariners score 9 times in the last innings. That scenario could very well play out again given the pitchers continue to allow home runs and walk batters at inopportune times
• Offensively, Vlad, George Springer and Alejandro Kirk all went deep. Interesting that Vlad opted not to gloat and wear the home run jacket on his long ball. Perhaps it was because his home run made the score 8-2. I still think the jacket should be repurposed as a player of the game jacket handed out in the locker room, much like they do in the NHL. It would be much more meaningful and motivating than wearing it on a home run that may not impact the outcome, as was the case today.
• The Blue Jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position
• The Blue Jays received help on the scoreboard with the Red Sox, Astros and Tigers all losing (although the Yankees won). This means the Blue Jays remain 1st in the AL East, 5 games up on the Red Sox and 5.5 games up on the Yankees. They also have the best record of the 3 division leaders, which would mean a bye to the divisional round and home field advantage through the ALCS.
• Up next, the Blue Jays hit the road, starting in Pittsburgh tomorrow night. The Blue Jays won the season series against the Pirates last year, but the Pirates outscored the Blue Jays 15-11. Kevin Gausman starts against Pirates righty and ace Paul Skenes.

Game #125 Texas Rangers (61-63) v. Toronto Blue Jays (73-51)

 

Game #124 Texas Rangers (61-63) @ Toronto Blue Jays (73-51) - game recap

 

Myles Straw hit a pair of home runs and drove in 5 runs in a 14-2 rout over the Rangers 

After another comeback win thanks to a 4-RBI and first career stolen base from Alejandro Kirk, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 25th series win and 15th season series win of the season. George Springer was activated off the concussion IL (he served as DH today) and Joey Loperfido was optioned to AAA-ball. Eric Lauer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 25th series win and 15th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Ernie Clement doubled scoring Bo Bichette 
• A batter later, Myles Straw belted a 3- run jack to left-center; also scoring Daulton Varsho and Clement
• Five batters later,  Bichette doubled scoring Andres Gimenez and Davis Schneider. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Was thrown out at home to end the inning on the play
• The Rangers got one back in the top of the 3rd as Jake Burger singled scoring Sam Haggerty
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning as Straw whacked a 2-run blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Varsho
• Patrick Corbin pitching line: 2.1IP 8H 7R (all earned) 2BB 2K 62 pitches (37 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning as Varsho smacked a 2-run blast to right; also scoring Alejandro Kirk 
• Five batters later, Schneider was forced in on a basse loaded walk to Straw
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 5IP 4H 1R (earned) 3BB 4K 102 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th as Schneider drilled a 3-run bomb to left; also scoring Nathan Lukes and George Springer
• The Rangers got one back in the top of the 9th as Burger singled scoring Wyatt Langford
• Final score: Blue Jays 14 Rangers 2

My Take:

• Eric Lauer fired 5 innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4. Lauer was battling in and out of jams all day, but limited the damage to one run. His continued solid play will likely mean the Blue Jays go to a 6-man rotation to finish the season. Lauer has earned a playoff start in my mind.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4 over the last 4 innings. Nobody retired every batter faced, but Tommy Nance pitched 2 innings and Tyler Heineman, the Blue Jays designated position player pitcher, pitched the 9th. \
• Offensively, Myles Straw (2 HR, 5 RBI), Davis Schneider (3-run HR, 4 RBI, 2 runs scored), Daulton Varsho (2-run HR) and Bo Bichette (2RBI, run scored) did the damage
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Vlad and Alejandro Kirk had a hit
• It was the 282th career win for manager John Schneider, who moved into 4th all-time for winningest Blue Jays manager. Cito Gaston is 1st with 894 wins. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 4 games and complete their 10th series sweep of the season. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Rangers righty Nathan Eovaldi

Game #124 Texas Rangers (61-62) v. Toronto Blue Jays (72-51)

 

Game #123 Texas Rangers (61-62) @ Toronto Blue Jays (72-51) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk drove in 4 runs, including a 2-run HR in a 6-5 come-from-behind win over the Rangers

After edging the Cubs yesterday thanks to a strong start from Max Scherzer and a 2-run HR off the bat of Vlad, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games as they welcomed the Texas Rangers to town. The Blue Jays won the series in Texas back at the end of May, outscoring the Rangers 4-3. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette got the half day off as DH with Ernie Clement at SS. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Joey Loperfido was in LF, Daulton Varsho was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Andres Gimenez got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Rangers opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Kyle Higashioka whacked a 3-run blast to left-center; also scoring Marcus Semien and Rowdy Tellez 
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5IP 4H 3R (all earned) 4BB 4K 100 pitches (57 got strikes
• Jacob DeGrom pitching line: 5IP 2H 0R 0BB 5K 84 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom of the 7th as Alejandro Kirk whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right-center and into the  Rangers bullpen; also scoring Daulton Varsho
• The Rangers added a pair of runs in the top of the 8th as Semien belted a 2-run jack to left-center; also scoring Evan Carter
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Bo Bichette singled scoring Andres Gimenez
• Four batters later, Davis Schneider was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Varsho
• A batter later, Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Jeff Hoffman threw a perfect 9th for his 28th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Rangers 5

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt gave up three runs on four hits while walking four and striking out four. He had a tough 2nd inning, giving up a 3-run HR after walking a batter and striking out a batter. Home runs have been a big issue for the Blue Jays pitchers this season.  They have been taken deep 110 times thus far with only the Athletics surrendering more. Bassitt could be the odd man out once Shane Bieber returns from Tommy John surgery. He'll almost certainly be either left off the playoff roster entirely or relegated to the bullpen. 
• The bullpen gave up a run on 2 hits while walking 2 and striking out 7 over the last 4 innings. Jeff Hoffman, who was nasty tonight, and Yariel Rodriguez retired every batter they faced.
• The comeback kids did it again. The Blue Jays, led by Alejandro Kirk, who drove in 4 runs, including himself on a 2-run HR in the 7th inning. This team is never out of it and will be a dangerous team in the playoffs 
• The Blue Jays  were 2-9 with runners in scoring position.
• It is player's weekend this weekend, an annual event where the player's use specially designed bats and go by their nicknames. Originally it ran from 2017-2019, but was brought back last season. The teams wore special uniforms with color schemes similar to their everyday uniforms and in 2017 the uniforms had a tribute patch on the right sleeve for players to thank those who helped them get to the bigs (parents, sister, etc). In 2019, the uniforms were terrible with half the teams wearing all white and the other half wearing all black. You could not see the names or numbers on the back of the jerseys.This year and last year, players got to custom design their bats. The legue should bring back the colorful uniforms and keep the specially designed bats and cleats from the relaunch of this fun event.
• With the win, the Blue Jays maintained their 5-game lead for the AL East division title over the Red Sox, who won their game
• Up next, the Blue Jays try extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 22nd series win and 15th season series win of the season. Eric Lauer starts against Rangers lefty Patrick Corbin

Game #123 Texas Rangers (61-61) v. Toronto Blue Jays (71-51) AppleTV Exclusive

 

Game #122 Chicago Cubs (68-52) @ Toronto Blue Jays (71-51) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a 2-run HR in a 2-1 comeback win over the Cubs

After dropping yesterday's game due to an inept offense, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 21st series win (14th season series win of the season). Max Scherzer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Ty France at 1B. Addison Barger was back in the field at the hot corner after DH'ing yesterday. Davis Schneider was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Joey Loperfido was in RF. Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays notch their 21st series win and 14th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Cubs took the lead in the top of the 6th as Michael Busch whacked a solo blast to right-center
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 7th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smacked a 2-run blast to left-center; also scoring Davis Schneider
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 7IP 5H 1R (earned) 1BB 3K 78 pitches (57 for strikes)
• Matthew Boyd pitching line: 7IP 2H 2R ( both earned) 1BB 5K 78 pitches (58 for strikes
• Jeff Hoffman threw a scoreless 9th for his 27h save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Cubs 1

My Take:

• Both starters today matched each other almost pitch for pitch. Max Scherzer and Matthew Boyd both threw 78 pitches with Boyd throwing an extra strike, walking an extra batter and giving up his home run with a runner on base, whereas the bases were empty when Michael Busch went deep off Scherzer. Max Scherzer also surrender three extra base hits. There's no question that Scherzer should be on the playoff roster and really I'd have him start game two the way he is pitching.
• The bullpen threw 2 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and walking a batter. Jeff Hoffman will and should be the closer the rest of the season and in the playoffs, but much like his predecessor Jordan Romano, Hoffman has a tendency to make things interesting in the 9th. Seranthony Dominguez got a huge strikeout to end the 8th.
• Vlad went deep in the 7th to give the Blue Jays the lead. The team will need more of that from him down the stretch
• The Blue Jays were 1-3 with runners in scoring position
• It was the Blue Jays 38th comeback win of the season. The 1992 team had 40 comeback wins and the 1993 team had 44 comeback wins. 
• The Blue Jays also gained a half game on the idle Red Sox and Yankees, boosting their division lead to 5 games over the Red Sox and 6.5 games over the Yankees
• Today's game was over in 2 hours and 6 minutes. The game was already in the 6th inning by the time the game was an hour old. Roy Halladay was the starter in the fastest game in franchise history May 10, 2005 against the Royals. The game of baseball is very different than it was at that time. For one thing, both starters in that game threw complete games. Today, Scherzer and Boyd were both done after 7 innings and 78 pitches each. Another big difference is the pitch clock, which didn't exist in 2005. Games ending in under 2 hours were rare back then and the average game was over three hours. Today, you see more games finishing under three hours. Baseball is the only major sport where there is no game clock (aside from the pitch clock) dictating the length of the game. Each inning lasts however long it takes to record 3 outs. The MLB was forced to introduce the pitch clock and other measures to keep games relatively short since players often wasted a lot of time during games stepping out of the batter's box to adjust their batting gloves or pitchers would take forever when there were base runners on base, throwing over or holding the ball or taking their time with pitch selection. Also, pitch calling is largely done electronically now through pitch com, where as catchers had to flash signs with their fingers in 2005. Finally, there were generally more mound visits in 2005, which also slowed the game down.
• Up next, the Blue Jays face another tough test as the Texas Rangers come to town. The Blue Jays won the series in Texas back at the end of May, outscoring the Rangers 4-3. Chris Bassitt starts against Rangers righty Jacob DeGrom

Game #122 Chicago Cubs (68-51) v. Toronto Blue Jays (70-51)

 

Game #121 Chicago Cubs (67-51) v. Toronto Blue Jays (70-50)

 

- Game #120 Chicago Cubs (67-51) @ Toronto Blue Jays (70-50) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement hit a 3-run HR in a 5-1 victory over the Cubs

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays started a week-long homestand as they welcomed the Chicago Cubs to town. The Cubs took the season series laat year, outscoring the Blue Jays 9-8. Andres Gimenez was activated off the 10-day IL and got the start at 2B and Buddy Kennedy was DFA'd. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Nathan Lukes was in LF and Addison Barger was in RF. Ernie Clement got the start at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Bo Bichette 
• The Blue Jays added 3 runs in the bottom of the 4th as Ernie Clement whacked a 3-run blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Daulton
• Javier Assad pitching line: 4IP 8H 4R (all earned) 1BB 2K 70 pitches (48 for strikes)
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 5.1IP 2H 0R 4BB 3K 91 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Cubs got one back in the top of the 7th as Michael Busch singled scoring Dansby Swanson
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Daulton Varsho belted a solo jack to right and into the Cubs bullpen
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Cubs 1

My Take:

• Jose Berrios threw 5.1 shutout innings, scattering 2 hits, walking 4 and striking out 3. Berrios retired the first 5 batters he faced and another out streak of 6 batters. There is a good chance that he'll be a bullpen option in the playoffs. At this point, playoff rotation looks like it'll be (in no particular order) Kevin Gausman, Eric Lauer, Shance Bieber and Max Scherzer. 
• The bullpen gave up a run on 2 hits while walking 3 and striking out 6 over the last 3.2 innings. It will be interesting to see who is the Blue Jays closer going into the playoffs in 6 weeks. Jeff Hoffman has 26 saves on the season, but he has blown 5 saves and has had control issues of late. Louis Varland has looked great early in his stint with the Blue Jays and the team needs a good closer in the 9th.
• Bo Bichette (RBI single), Ernie Clement (3-run HR) and Daulton Varsho (2 runs scored, including solo HR) carried the day offensively
• The win kept the division lead over the Yankees and Red Sox, who both had blowout wins, at 6 and 4.5 games. If the playoffs started tomorrow, the Blue Jays would have home field advantage through the ALCS and be receiving a key bye to the divisional round.
• The Blue Jays were 3-8 with runners in scoring position
• The Blue Jays have the same record after 120 games as the 1992 world series winning season. The 1993 team was 69-71 after 120 games. This Blue Jays team needs to go 30-12 the rest of the way for their franchises first 100 win season. If this is accomplished the Blue Jays will likely go into the playoffs red hot.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 21st series win and 14 season series win of the season. They will also be looking to improve their record on my birthday (August 13) to 22-22 on my birthdday and extend that win streak to 4 games. Kevin Gausman starts against Cubs righty Cade Horton.

Game #120 Chicago Cubs (67-50) v. Toronto Blue Jays (69-50)

 

Game #119 Toronto Blue Jays (69-50) @ LA Dodgers (68-50) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement hit a go-ahead solo HR in the 9th as the Blue Jays held on to edge the Dodgers 5-4

After a rough loss thanks to a rough 6th inning by the bullpen and Chris Bassitt giving up a HR, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2-game skid and avoid being swept for the 5th time (and 3rd season series sweep). Eric Lauer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (Ty France DH'd today). Joey Loperfido was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid and avoid being swept for the 5th time (and 3rd season series sweep)? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr doubled scoring Bo Bichette 
• The Dodgers tied it up in the bottom half of the inning as Shohei Ohtani whacked a solo blast to right-center 
• Three batters later,  Freddie Freeman smacked a solo blast to the opposite field in left-center 
• The Dodgers added a run in the bottom of the 2nd on a bases loaded walk to Freeman that forced in Miguel Rojas
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 3IP 6H 3R (all earned) 4BB 4K 71 pitches (42 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Ty France singled scoring Bichette
•  Tyler Glasnow pitching line: 5.2IP 4H 2R (both earned) 4BB 8K 86 pitches (53 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 8th as Guerrero Jr. belted a solo jack to straightaway center
• A batter later, Addison Barger hammered a solo bomb to right-center
• The Dodgers tied it in the bottom of the 8th on a bases loaded walk to Freeman that forced in Alex Freeland 
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 9th as Ernie Clement whacked a solo blast to left-center 
• Mason Fluharty got the last 2 outs for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Dodgers 4

My Take:

• Eric Lauer had a rare rough start,  giving up 3 runs on 6 hits while walking 4 and striking out 4. It was clear first batter that Lauer just didn't have his best stuff working for him. Then again, the way the Dodgers have been playing in this series, even Nolan Ryan might have had a tough time. With the blowouts lately, several relievers hadn't been pitching much lately so it was a fairly easy decision to pull Lauer after three innings and 71 pitches, which likely would have given him only one more inning anyway. 
• The bullpen bent and almost broke, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 9 and striking out 6. Yariel Rodriguez blew the first save opportunity in the 8th by walking in a run. Closer Jeff Hoffman, who hadn't pitched in a week due to blowouts, was clearly rusty and uncharacteristically walked 5 batters. The outbursts in the dugout from Pete Walker and John Schneider did their pitchers no favors. Also, pitchers need to be throwing strikes consistently to get close calls from the umpire and that did not happen today. Trading for Seranthony Dominguez may have been a mistake. In a playoff game, you need to be throwing strikes and Dominguez has shown some wildness in recent appearances.
• The bats came around late with Vlad, Addison Barger and Ernie Clement all going deep in the latter innings. 
• The Blue Jays were 1-5 with runners in scoring position
• The Yankees and Red Sox lost, extending the AL East lead to 4 games ahead of a tough homestand featuring the Cubs and Texas Rangers

• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow,  the Blue Jays welcome the Chicago Cubs to town as they begin a crucial homestand that could feature the Blue Jays debut of Shane Bieber. The Cubs won the season series last year,  outscoring the Blue Jays 9-8. Neither team has set their rotation for the series. 

Game #119 Toronto Blue Jays (68-50) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (68-49)