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| Ernie Clement hit a double in a 4-0 shutout loss to the Rays |
After a heartbreaking loss that ended the opportunity for the 1st 100 win season, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 27th series win (1st series win against the Rays) and avoid their 8th season series loss of the season. Chris Bassitt 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). Davis Schneider was in LF and Daulton Varsho was in CF. Could the Blue Jays notch their 27th series win (1st series win against the Rays) and avoid their 8th season series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Rays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Chandler Simpson singled scoring Hunter Feduccia and Carson Williams
- A batter later Brandon Lowe singled scoring Bob Seymour
- Chris Bassitt pitching line: 4.1IP 8H 3R (all earned) 2BB 3K 89 pitches (54 for strikes)
- Shane Baz pitching line: 5IP 2H 0R 1BB 4K 74 pitches (50 for strikes)
- The Rays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Williams belted a solo jack to left
- Final score: Rays 4 Blue Jays 0
My Take:
- Chris Bassitt battled through 4.1 innings, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits while walking 2 and striking out 3. While he will likely be in the playoff rotation, there has to be concern about his struggles in getting through innings efficiently. He was already at 50 pitches in the 2nd inning. He'll be facing better lineups in the playoffs that'll make him pay for bad pitches.
- The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3 over the last 3.2 innings. Brayden Fisher retired every batter he faced.
- Not much to say about the offence who failed to get a runner into scoring position until the 8th inning and managed a measley 3 base runners against Rays starter Shane Baz.
- The Blue Jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position
- The Red Sox are pretty much out of the race of 1st in the AL East - they are 6 games back of the Blue Jays for 1st in the AL East. The Yankees, who play later tonight, can get within 3 games of 1st in the AL East.
- Up next, the Blue Jays head to Kansas City for the final road series of the season. The Royals won the series in Toronto 6 weeks ago, outscoring the Blue Jays 18-11. Max Scherzer starts against Royals righty Michael Lorenzen
