Game #149 Baltimore Orioles (69-80) @ Toronto Blue Jays (87-62) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement drove in 3 runs and scored a run in an 11-2 comeback win over the Orioles

After a walk-off win yesterday thanks to a clutch sac fly off the bat of Alejandro Kirk, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games and complete their 11th series sweep and to notch their 19th series win of the season. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Joey Loperfido was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games and complete their 11th series sweep and to notch their 19th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Orioles opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Coby Mayo hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue jays tied it in the bottom of the 3rd as George Springer doubled scoring Andres Gimenez
• Albert Suarez pitching line: 3IP 2H 1R (earned) 1BB 5K 53 pitches (31 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 4th as Ernie Clement doubled scoring Alejandro Kirk and Daulton Varsho
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Springer belted a solo jack to left-center
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Joey Loperfido doubled scoring Clement
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 5K 97 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Orioles got one back in the top of the 7th as Colton Cowser whacked a solo blast to left-center
• The Blue jays added 3 runs in the bottom half of the inning as Addison Barger doubled scoring Springer, Nathan Lukes and Vladimir Guerrero Jr 
• A batter later, Kirk singled scoring Barger
• Two batters later,  Clement singled scoring Tyler Heineman 
• A batter later,  Varsho scored on a fielder's choice hit by Loperfido 
• Final score: Blue Jays 11 Orioles 2

My Take:

• Shane Bieber fired 6 solid innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 1 and  striking out 5. He retired 11 of the last 13 batters he faced and only really threw one pitch he'll want back (the one Coby Mayo crushed to deep center field. Bieber should be in the playoff rotation
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3. The score allowed the Blue Jays to rest their high leverage relievers for a tougher series in Tampa Bay starting tomorrow
• Offensively, George Springer (2 RBI, 2 runs scored including solo HR), Addison Barger (3RBI, run scored), Alejandro Kirk (RBI, run scored) Ernie Clement (3RBI, run scored) and Joey Loperfido (2RBI) led the way
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Davis Schneider and  Vlad had at least one hit.
• The Blue Jays were 6-13 with runners in scoring position
• The comeback kids did it again! The Blue Jays completed their 46th comeback win of the season and are now just 4 comeback wins shy of the franchise record set by the juggernaut 1987 squad
• Standings wise, the Blue Jays will remain 2.5 games up on the Tigers for best record in the AL and home field advantage through the ALCS, along with an all-important bye to the divisional round. For the moment, The Yankees are 3.5 games back of the Blue Jays for 1st in the AL East and it is looking like the division title will be between the Blue Jays and Yankees with the Red Sox slipping to 6 games back of 1st in the AL East and picking a bad time to slump.
• Up next, the Blue Jays commence their final road trip of the season as they head south to take on the Rays in Tampa Bay. The Rays have taken 5 of the first 6 games in the season series, outscoring the Blue Jays 39-17. Number 2 prospect Trey Yesavage will make his big league debut. The Rays haven't set their rotation for the series yet.

Game #149 Baltimore Orioles (69-79) v. Toronto Blue Jays (86-62)

 

Game #148 Baltimore Orioles (69-78) v. Toronto Blue Jays (85-62)

 

Game #147 Baltimore Orioles (69-78) @ Toronto Blue Jays (85-62) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho drove in a pair and scored once in a 6-1 comeback win over the Orioles

After a win yesterday thanks to a complete game gem, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games as they welcomed the Orioles, who won the first 6 games of the season series, outscoring the Blue Jays 73-48. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Ty France at 1B. Myles Straw was in CF and George Springer was in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner, Ernie Clement was at SS and IKF was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games.

Game Highlights:

• The Orioles opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Jackson Holliday singled scored Samuel Basallo
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 5th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Davis Schneider. Orioles CF Colton Cowser was charged with a fielding error on the play
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5IP 2H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 75 pitches (44 for strikes)
• Trevor Rogers pitching line: 5IP 3H (unearned) 4BB 6K 79 pitches (50 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Myles Straw doubled scoring IKF
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Ernie Clement singled scoring George Springer
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 8th as Daulton Varsho doubled scoring Straw and Springer
• A batter later, Guerrero Jr. singled home Varsho. Guerrero Jr, was thrown out at 2B on the play.
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Orioles 1

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 5 innings, giving up a run on 2 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 6. Bassitt retired 5 of the first 6 batters he faced and the last 8 batters in a row. Unfortunately he couldn;t continue after the 5th inning due to his back tightening up on him. Bassit could be the odd man out of the playoff rotation.
• After a complete day off yesterday, the bullpen pitched 4 scoreless innings, giving up a hit, walking 3 and striking out 3. Brayden Fisher was credited with the win. Louis Varland and Brandon Little retired every batter they faced.
• Offensively, Daulton Varsho (2RBI, run scored), George Springer (2 runs scored) and Myles Straw (RBI, run scored) led the way.
• The Blue Jays were 4-10 with runners in scoring position
• The comeback kids did it again! The Blue Jays notched their 44th comeback win of the season. They have a chance of matching the franchise record, 50 comeback wins, set by the 1987 team. the 1992 and 1993 world series winning teams had 40 and 44 comeback wins respectively.
• Standings wise, the Red Sox dropped to 4.5 game back with their loss to the Yankees, who remain 3 games back of the Blue Jays for 1st in the AL East. The Blue Jays are also a game up on the Tigers for best record in the AL and home field advantage through the ALCS.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 27th series win of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Orioles righty Tomoyuki Sugano

Game #147 Baltimore Orioles (69-77) v. Toronto Blue Jays (84-62)

 

Game #146 Houston Astros (79-68) @ Toronto Blue Jays (84-62) - game recap

 

Kevin Gausman threw a complete game two-hitter in a 6-0 shutout win over the Astros

After a late-game comeback fell short, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 26th series win of the season. Alek Manoah was reinstated from the 60-day-IL and Orlevis Martinez, who missed a good chunk of the season after testing positive for taking a banned substance, was DFA'd. Kevin Gausman got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Davis Scheider was in LF. Could the Blue Jays notch their 26th series win of the season? Here is todays game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Nathan Lukes doubled scoring George Springer
• Two batters later, Addison Barger doubled home Lukes
• The Blue Jays added a run in the botttom of the 2nd as Davis Schneider whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jays added a run by Davis that scored Daulton Varsho
• Cristian Javier pitching line: 6IP 6H 4R (all earned) 1BB 6K 87 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th on a sac fly by Barger that scored Springer. Astros RF Jesus Sanchez was charged with a fielding error on the play.
• Two batters later, Varsho singled scoring Lukes
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 9IP 2H 0R 1BB 9K 100 pitches (79 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Astros 0

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman was masterful in pitching the first complete game of the season for the Blue Jays and 27th on the season in the MLB, giving up 2 hits, walking 1 and striking out 9 and he did it all in 100 pitches, throwing just 21 balls. Just a phenomenol performance and Gausman seems to be getting hot at the right time with the playoffs just around the corner. More importantly, he gave the bullpen a much needed day off when the next off-day isn't until September 22nd.
• If anyone is happy for a day off, it is Jeff Hoffman, who has been struggling at the wrong time.
• Offensively, Davis Schneider (2 RBI, including a solo HR), Nathan Lukes (2 runs scored, RBI), Addison Barger (2RBI), George Springer (2 runs scored) and Daulton Varsho (run scored, RBI) led the way 
• The Blue Jays were 2-8 with runners in scoring position
• The Yankees won their game to remain 3 games back of the Blue Jays for 1st in the AL Eastm while the idle Blue Jays fell to 3.5 games back of first in the AL East
• Up next, the Blue Jays finish off the season series with the Orioles, who won 6 of the first 10 games in the season series, outscoring the Blue Jays 73-48. Chris Bassitt starts against Orioles lefty Trevor Rogers

Game #146 Houston Astros (79-67) v. Toronto Blue Jays (83-62)

 

Game #145 Houston Astros (79-67) @ Toronto Blue Jays (83-62) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes drove in a run in a 3-2 loss to the Astros

After another late game come back, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 26th 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 yesterday's win. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and notch their 26th series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Astros opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Yainer Diaz doubled scoring Jesus Sanchez
• The Astros added a run in the top of the 6th as Carlos Correa whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen. It was the 200th career HR for Correa
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 5.1IP 5H 2R (both earned) 1BB 4K 81 pitches (51 for strikes)
• Jason Alexander pitching line: 7IP 3H 0R 1BB 3K 89 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Andres Gimenez singled scoring IKF
• Two batters later, Nathan Lukes singled scoring Myles Straw
• The Astros retook the lead in the top of the 9th as Diaz belted a solo jack to left-center
• Bryan Abreu pitched a perfect 9th for his 5th save of the season
• Final score: Astros 3 Blue Jaays 2

My Take:

• Jose Berrios rebounded and fired 5.1 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. Berrios could be the odd man out of the playoff rotation. Certainly the next few starts for all will deterimine, assuming Max Scherzer's health holds up, who is in the 4-man rotation and who will join Eric Lauer in the bullpen
• The bullpen gave up a run on 2 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3. There has to be concern about Jeff Hoffman, who took the loss after giving up a home run right after the Blue Jays clawed back from a 2-run deficit. So many fans want Hoffman not to be the closer come playoff time and for good reason. His ERA is over 4.50 (which would be last among the teams likely making the playoffs, he has blown 7 saves (second in the MLB), and he is  tied for being the reliever to give up the most home runs. At this point, I would use him in the 9th at home of a tied game. It's going to be hard to come back against some of the game's elite closers, which the Blue Jays would be facing in the playoffs.
• Offensively, the team didn't do much through 7 innings, managing just 3 hits and a walk off the Astros starter Jason Alexander. It was good to see them put together a 2-run rally in the 8th thanks to RBI singles off the bats of Andres Gimenez and Nathan Lukes. However, the soon-to-be highest paid Blue Jay Vlad grounded out to kill the rally. The scrutiny on the Blue Jays star, especially when he fails to deliver in these important game situations, will only get stronger when his half a billion deal kicks in next year, and if his best buddy Bo Bichette leaves in free agency.
• Standings wise, the Blue Jays squandered a chance to gain a game on the Yankees and Red Sox, who both have easier schedules the rest of the way. With the flaws in the bullpen, the Blue Jays will want to avoid a best-of-3 wild card series, a format that has not been kind to the Blue Jays, who have not won a single game since that format came into play back in 2022.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to notch their 26th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Astros righty Javier Cristian.

Game #145 Houston Astros (78-67) v. Toronto Blue Jays (83-61)

 

Game #144 Houston Astros (78-66) v. Toronto Blue Jays (82-61)

 

Game #143 Toronto Blue Jays (82-61) @ New York Yankees (80-63) - game recap

Vladimir Guerrero Jr briefly tied the game at 3-3 as the Yankees held on to edge the Blue Jays 4-3

 

After dropping yesterday's rain-delayed matinee due to an inept offence, the Blue Jay were looking to notch their 26th series win of the season. Max Scherzer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the Half day off as DH with Ty France at 1B. Bo Bichette was completely out of the lineup after whacking his shin against the shin pads of Yankees catcher Austin Wells (Ernie Clement took his spot at SS). Myles Straw was in CF and George Springer was in RF. Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays notch their 26th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Ben Rice drilled a 3-run blast to right-center; also scoring Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 2nd as Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled scoring Alejandro Kirk
• A batter later, Ernie Clement scored on a sac fly by Nathan Lukes
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the top of the 3rd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring George Springer
•  The Yankees retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Bellinger doubled scoring Judge
•  Max Scherzer pitching line: 4.1IP 3H 4R (all earned) 4BB 8K 93 pitches (51 for strikes)
• Max Fried pitching line: 7IP 6H 3R (all earned) 1BB 4K 100 pitches (64 for strikes)
• David Bednar pitched a scoreless 9th for his 22nd save of the season
• Final score Yankees 4 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Max Scherzer battled through 4.1 innings, giving up 4 runs on 3 hits while walking 4 and striking out 8. While his command was off, it was encouraging to see him throw over 90 pitches after leaving his last start with back tightness. Scherzer will almost certainly get a playoff start. 
• The bullpen threw 3.2 scoreless innings, walking 1 and striking out 5. Ryan Borucki and Brayden Fisher combined for 2.2 perfect innings and 5 strikeouts. 
• Offensively, the Blue Jays did well to tie the game at 3, but they were not able to push across a 4th run. IKF, Nathan Lukes and Vlad drove in the runs. 
• With the win, the Yankees drew within 2 games of the Blue Jays for 1st in the AL East and a likely bye to the divisional round. The Red Sox could get as close as 3.5 games back if they won their game this afternoon against the Diamondback (the game was tied at 4 at the release of this recap.)
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow,  the Astros, who swept the Blue Jays in Houston back in April, outscoring the Blue Jays 15-2 come to town. Ace Jose Berrios starts for the Blue Jays.  The Astros haven't announced their rotation for the series yet.

Game #143 Toronto Blue Jays (82-60) @ New York Yankees (79-63)

 

Game #142 Toronto Blue Jays (82-60) @ New York Yankees (79-63) - game recap

 

Brandon Lttle retired all four batters he faced in a 3-1 rain-delayed loss to the Yankees

After a huge win thanks to an 8-inning effort from Kevin Gausman and great efforts off the bats of Bo Bichette and Vlad, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 26th series win of the season. Chris Bassitt got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. IKF got the start at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 26th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Jasson Dominguez singled scoring Cody Bellinger
• Two batters later, Jazz Chisholm Jr. scored on a sac fly by Austin Wells
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 4th on a ground out hit by Isiah Kiner-Falefa that scored Bo Bichette 
• Chris Bassirt pitching line: 5IP 3H 2R (both unearned) 3BB 3K 80 pitches (44 for strikes)
• The Yankees added a run in thew bottom of the 6th on a sac fly by Wells that scored Dominguez
• Luis Gil pitching line: 6IP 3H 1R (earned) 4BB 1K 90 pitches (56 for strikes)
• David Bednar got the last 4 outs for his 21st save of the season 
• Final score: Yankees 3 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 5 innings, giving up a pair of unearned runs on 3 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3. Both teams opted to end the starter's nights after the hour-long rain delay after the top of the 6th. He was working his way in and out of jams most of the dsy whuch drove up his pitch count. Bassitt could be the odd man out in the rotation, provided the other four starters (Max Scherzer, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Kevin Gausman) are all healthy and pitching well.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 2 hits while walking 2 and striking 5 over the last three innings. Brandon Little had an enouraging appearance, retiring every batter he faced, including 3 strikeouts. Here's  hoping they can pull together in September because a struggling bullpen could lead to a quick exit in the playoffs.
• IKF drove in the only Blue Jays run on a productive ground out. The offence has definitely cooled off in the last month.
• The Blue Jays were 1-10 with runners in scoring posittion
• Standings wise, the Yankees are back to 3 games back of the Blue Jays, whereas the Red Sox, who were losing their game when this post was released, could fall to 4.5 games back or gain a half game on a comeback win to 3.5 games back of 1st in the AL East.
• Up next, the rubber match where the Blue Jays will be looking to notch their 26th series win of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Yankees lefty Max Fried

Game #142 Toronto Blue Jays (82-59) @ New York Yankees (78-63)

 

Game #141 Toronto Blue Jays (82-59) @ New York Yankees (78-63) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette drove in 2 RBI and scored once in a 7-1 victory over the Yankees

After an off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened a crucial three game series against the Yankees in the Bronx. The Yankees, along with the Red Sox, are nipping at the Blue Jays heels in the AL East standings. The Blue Jays have already secured the season series and have won 7 of the first 10 games of the season series, outscoring the Yankees 51-59. Brayden Fisher was recalled from AAA-ball and Dillon Tate was optioned to AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after serving as DH Wednesday (George Springer served as DH tonight). Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Bo Bichette doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Three batters later, Nathan Lukes singled scoring Bichette and Daulton Varsho
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 2nd as on a sac fly by Bichette that scored George Springer
• Cam Schlittler pitching line: 1.2IP 5H 4R (all earned) 2BB 2K 66 pitches (46 for strikes)
• The Yankees got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Giancarlo Stanton bashed a solo jack to left-center and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Guerrero Jr. smacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Ernie Clement doubled scoring Alejandro Kirk. Clement was thr= out at 3rd base on the play
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 9th as Varsho doubled scoring Guerrero Jr 
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 8IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 5K 105 pitches (68 for strikes)
• Final score Blue Jays 7 Yankees 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman fired 8 excellent innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. The Blue Jays letting him pitch the 8th says a lot about the trust in the bullpen and perhaps wanting to give all the key relievers an extra day of rest. Gausman made one mistake in the 2nd inning to Giancarlo Stanton, who took him deep. He retired 18 of the first 20 batters he faced and really only start to get hit once Yankees hitters were on their 3rd AB against him. A great start that will be needed in the playoffs
• Brayden Fisher got the 9th and walked a batter. Surely he'll get some opportunities in higher leverage situations
• The veterans prevailed offensively today with Bo Bichette (2 RBI, a run scored), Vlad (3 runs scored, including a solo HR), Daulton Varsho (RBI, run scored) and Nathan Lukes (2 RBI) leading the way. Bichette is going to cash in big in free agency
• With the win, the Blue Jays are now 4 games on the Yankees and Bosox, who are losing to the Diamondbacks and could drop back to 4.5 games back and 3rd in the AL East. The Tigers lost so the Blue Jays are a game up on them for best record in the AL and home field advantage through the ALCS
• The Blue Jays were 5-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 26th series win of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Yankees righty Luis Gil

Game #141 Toronto Blue Jays (81-59) @ New York Yankees (78-62)

 

Game #140 Toronto Blue Jays (81-59) @ Cincinatti Reds (70-70) - game recap

 

Addison Barger drove in 4 runs, including a 2-run HR in a 13-9 comeback win over the Reds

After hanging on for the win yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 25th series win and 17th season series win of the season. Shane Bieber 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 Addison Barger was in RF. Ernie Clement was back at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 25th series win and 17th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Reds opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Jose Trevino singled scoring Gavin Lux and Spencer Steer
• A batter later, Matt McLain singled scoring Ke'Bryan Hayes
• Two batters later, Noelvi Marte doubled scoring Trevino and McLaiin
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 3rd as George Springer hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th as Daulton Varsho smacked a solo blast to right-center
• A batter later, Alejandro Kirk drilled a solo jack to straightaway center
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 5th as Addison Barger belted a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Springer
• A batter later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smacked a solo blast to left-center
• Zack Littell pitching line: 4.1IP 7H 5R (all earned) 1BB 6K 88 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th on a sac fly by Barger that scored Ty France
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 7th on a sac fly by France that scored Varsho
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 6IP 5H 5R (all earned) 2BB 6K 98 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Reds got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Marte singled scoring McLain
• The Blue Jays added a run in the op of the 8th as Barger singled scoring Ernie Clement
• Two batters later, Springer scored on a throwing error by Steer on a ball hiy by Bo Bichette
• A batter later, Myles Straw scored on a sac fly by Varsho
• A batter after that, France singled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• The Reds got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Steer doubled scoring Lux
• Two batters later, Will Benson doubled home Steer
• A batter later, McLain doubled scoring Benson
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th as Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Clement
• Final score: Blue Jays 13 Reds 9

My Take:

• Shane Bieber battled through 6 innings, giving up 5 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. He was roughed up in the 2nd inning to the tune of 5 runs on 5 hits and a walk. He settled right down and retired 12 of the last 13 batters he faced, including 10 straight batters. Bieber faced the minimum those 4 innings. This is why John Schneider needs to trust his starters to work out of jams and pitch deeper in games.
• The bullpen gave up 5 runs on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 over the last 3 innings. Louis Varland continues to try and find his game. Tonight, he allowed 3 runs on 4 hits. Brandon Little struck out the only batter he faced, which is encouraging but need to see more of that. Jeff Hoffman retired every batter he faced, but next series will be a stiffer test.
• Offensively, the bats came up big, led by George Springer (3 runs scored, including a solo HR), Vlad (2RBI, 2 runs scored, including a solo HR), Addison Barger (4 RBI, including 2-run HR), Daulton Varsho (2RBI, 2 runs scored, including a solo HR), Alejandro Kirk (RBI, run scored), and Ty France (2RBI, run scored)
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Bichette had a hit. All but Bichette and Ernie Clement either drove in a run or scored a run
• The Blue Jays were 3-10 with runners in scoring position
• Standings wise, the Red Sox and Yankees both lost, meaning both AL East rivals are 3.5 games back of the Blue Jays for 1st in the AL East. If the Yankees win their game tomorrow, they will be 3 games back of the Blue Jays heading into the weekend series between the Blue Jays and Yankees. If that happens, the Yankees could draw even with a series sweep on the weekend. The Blue Jays would win the division if the two teams are tied at the end of the regular season since the Blue Jays have clinched the season series against the Yankees.
• Up next, after an off-day/travel day tomorrow, the Yankees and Blue Jays open a crucial weekend series in the Bronx. The Blue Jays won 7 of the first 10 games in the season series, outscoring the Yankees 59-51. Kevin Gausman starts for the Blue Jays Friday. The Yankees haven't set their rotation for the series yet.

Game #140 Toronto Blue Jays (80-59) @ Cincinnati Reds (70-69)

 

Game #139 Toronto Blue Jays (79-59) @ Cincinnati Reds (70-68)

 

Game #138 Toronto Blue Jays (79-59) @ Cincinatti Reds (70-68) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette hit a 2-run home run in a losing effort as the Reds came from behind to walk off the Blue Jays 5-4

After salvaging a game to avoid a sweep yesterday thanks to an 8-run output from the offence and the bullpen holding it together, the Blue Jays kicked off a week long road trip with a labour day matinee in Cincinatti. The Reds won the season series last year with both teams scoring 20 runs. Isiah Kiner-Falefah, claimed off waivers yesterday is the September position player call-up. Dillon Tate is the 14th pitcher. Nick Sandlin was moved to the 60-day IL to make room on the roster for him. Chris Bassitt got the start wuth Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was back in the lineup and in CF after missing a couple of days with a sore hand after getting drilled by a fastball. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Reds opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Ke'Bryan Hayes doubled scoring Gavin Lux and Sal Stewart 
• The Blue Keys got one back in the top of the 7th as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Bo Bichette
• Hunter Greene pitching line: 6.1IP 5H 1R (earned) 1BB 7K 101 pitches (77 for strikes)
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 6IP 5H 2R (both earned) 2BB 6K 107 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 9th as Bichette whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right-center; also scoring Myles Straw 
• A batter later, Daulton Varsho belted a solo jack to right
• The Reds got one back on a ground rule double by TJ Friedl that scored Hayes
• A batter later, Noelvi singled scoring Matt McLain and  Friedl
• Final score: Reds 5 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 6 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. Pretty gutsy of him to go out for the 6th and 7th innings when he either had a blister or cut on his finger. It also says a lot about the trust John Schneider and Co have on the bullpen. After giving up the 2-run double in the 2nd inning, Bassitt beared down and retired seven straight Reds hitters.
• Too bad the bullpen couldn't come through. Tommy Nance got that big high-leverage situation he deserved and promptly gave up hits to two of the batters he faced. Brandon Little was then given the opportunity to redeem himself, but could not retire either batter he faced and got fortunate it wasn't a tie ball game after the first batter when the call was overturned to a ground-rule double. This has to be the end of Little, whose confidence is shattered beyond repair. If the bullpen doesn't sort itself out soon, the Blue Jays could miss the playoffs entirely with the tough September schedule they face and that should lead to the firing of both John Schneider and Pete Walker.
• The bats came through in the 9th, led by Bo Bichette, who is about to receive a massive payday in the off-season, who went deep to the opposite field in right-center to give the Blue Jays their first lead of the game. He would also score the teams 1st run of the game in the 7th inning. Daulton Varsho also went deep despite a sore hand to give the Blue Jays a 2-run cushion. The Blue Jays need Addison Barger's bat to heat up again, and some production from the bottom of the lineup, which was a combined 0-11 on the day.
• The Blue Jays were 1-7 with runners in scoring position
• The Bosox won their labour day matinee, bringing them within 2.5 games back of the Blue Jays  for 1st in the AL East. The idle Yankees also gained a half game in the standings and are also 2.5 games back of 1st in the AL East
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 17th series loss and 6th season series loss. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Reds lefty Nick Lodolo

Game #138 Toronto Blue Jays (79-58) @ Cincinnati Reds (69-68)