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| Kevin Gausman threw 5.2 solid innings in a 6-2 come-from-behind loss to the Mariners |
After a second straight convincing won thanks to the offence getting to the starting pitcher and a strong start from Max Scherzer, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and put themselves on the verge of punching their ticket to the world series. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's win. Could the Blue Jays make it three straight wins and give themselves a chance to punch their ticket to the world series at home on Sunday? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Mariners opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Eugenio Suarez belted a solo jack to left-center
- The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 5th as George Springer doubled scoring Addison Barger
- Bryce Miller pitching line: 4IP 4H 1R (earned) 2BB 4K 56 pitches (39 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 6th as Ernie Clement singled scoring Alejandro Kirk
- Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5.2IP 3H 1R (earned) 2BB 4K 91 pitches (53 for strikes)
- The Mariners tied it in the bottom of the 8th as Cal Raleigh whacked a solo blast to left and into the Mariners bullpen
- Four batters later, Suarez blasted a grand slam to the opposite field in right; also scoring Jorge Polanco, Josh Naylor and Randy Arozarena
- Final score: Mariners 6 Blue Jays 2
My Take:
- Kevin Gausman fired 5.2 strong innings, giving up a run on 3 hitd whie walking 2 and striking out 4. Gausman retired 13 of the last 16 batters he faced. The only run he gave up was a solo home runs, an issue that has been rearing it's ugly head. If the Blue Jays force a game 7 with a win Sunday, he'll likely be available in the bullpen
- The bullpen, and in particular Brandon Little, who gave up a game-tying homer to Cal Raleigh, who continues to have a season for the ages offensively, and Seranthony Dominguez, who gave up a grand slam. Little, who did not retire a batter, was tagged with the loss and blown save.
- Offensively, George Springer and Ernie Clement. Vlad is going to be criticized big time for striking out with runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs in the 5th. The Mariners opted to intentionally walk him in two other plate appearances. They need production from the batters before and after Vlad so the Mariners have no choice but to pitch to him
- There has to be concern about George Springer, who left the game after getting hit in the knee by a pitch. Hopefully with a day between games, he'll be good to go for game 6.
- The Blue Jays were 2-11 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to win game 6 in Toronto to keep their season alive. Trey Yesavage starts for the Blue Jays. The Mariners have not announced a starter yet
