Game #111 Kansas City Royals (54-55) v. Toronto Blue Jays (64-46)

 

Game #110 Toronto Blue Jays (64-46) @ Baltimore Orioles (50-59) - game recap

Nathan Lukes hit a 3- run HR in a 9-8 comeback win over the Orioles

After getting swept in the double header yesterday,  the Blue Jays were trying to snap unge 4-game skid and avoid getting swept for the 5th time this season. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Ali Sanchez behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Will Wagner at 1B. Bo Bichette was back in the field after DH'ing in the second game of the double header.  Davis Schneider was in LF and Joey Loperfido was in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 4 game skid and avoid being swept for the 5th time this season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Orioles opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st on a sac fly by Adley Rutschman that scored Jackson Holliday
• A batter later,  Ryan O'Hearn hammered a 2-run bomb to right; also scoring Gunnar Henderson
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the top of the 2nd as Myles Straw whacked a 2- run blast to left- center; also scoring Addison Barger 
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 5th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Ali Sanchez
• The Orioles retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Jordan Westburg belted a 2-run jack to left-center; also scoring Alex Jackson
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 4.1IP 6H 5R (2 earned) 0BB 3K 73 pitches (49 for strikes)
• Dean Kremer pitching line: 5IP 6H 3R (all earned) 2BB 5K 87 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Straw doubled scoring Davis Schneider
• The Blue jays took the lead in the top of the 7th as Bo Bichette singled scoring Joey Loperfido and Ernie Clement 
• Three batters later,  Nathan Lukes drilled a 3-run blast to right; also scoring Barger and Bichette
• The Orioles got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Henderson singled scoring Holliday
• A batter later,  Westburg scored on a fielding error by Blue Jays 1B Ernie Clement on a ball hit by Rutschman 
• Two batters later, Henderson was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Colton Cowser 
• Jeff Hoffman threw a perfect 9th for his 25th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 9 Orioles 8

My Take:

• Jose Berrios battled through 4.1 innings, giving up 5 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits while walking none and striking out 3. A throwing error by Ernie Clement resulted in three unearned runs. He wasn't at his best, but he limited the damage after a rough 1st inning. 
• The bullpen gave up three runs (2 earned) on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 9 over the last 4.2 innings. Brandon Little, Seranthony Dominguez (who switched bullpen yesterday after a trade in the middle of yesterday's double header), Brayden Fisher and Jeff Hoffman all retired every batter they faced. Odd decision to use both lefty relievers back to back. It hindered the teams ability to match at the end of the ball game. 
• Myles Straw (3 RBI, including a 2- run HR), Vlad (RBI single), Bo Bichette (2-run single) and Nathan Lukes (3-run HR) drove the offense today
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Addison Barger,  Will Wagner and Davis Schneider had a hit 
• The Blue Jays were 3-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next,  after an off-day/travel day, the Blue Jays open a brief homestand against the Kansas City Royals, who took the season series last year 5-2, outscoring the Blue Jays 26-18. Michael Wacha starts for the Royals. The Blue Jays haven't set their rotation for the series yet

Game #110 Toronto Blue Jays (63-46) @ Baltimore Orioles (50-58)

 

Game #108 & #109 Toronto Blue Jays (63-44) @ Baltimore Orioles (48-58)

 

Game #107 Toronto Blue Jays (63-44) @ Baltimore Orioles (48-58) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a 2-run HR in an 11-4 loss to the Orioles

After a tough loss yesterday due to the bullpen imploding, the Blue Jays were looking to start the week with a win as they continued the road trip in Baltimore. The Blue Jays and Orioles split the first 6 games of the season series with the Orioles outscoring the Blue Jays 35-29. Will Wagner is back from seeing his dad inducted into the baseball hall of fame and was reinstated from the restricted list. Alan Roden was optioned back to AAA-ball. Bowden Francis was transferred to the 60-day IL. Chris Bassitt got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Addison Barger was in RF. Will Wagner got the start at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays start the week with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Orioles opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Cedric Mullin hammered a 2-run bomb to right; also scoring Ryan O'Hearn
• A batter later, Coby Mayo drilled a solo bomb to left-center
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 3rd as Nathan Lukes whacked a solo blast to right-center
• Two batters later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring George Springer
• The Orioles retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Adley Rutschman doubled scoring Jordan Westburg and Gunnar Henderson
• Two batters later, Ramon Laureano singled scoring Rutschman
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 2.1IP 7H 6R (all scored) 1BB 4K 69 pitches (43 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 4th on a line out hit by Will Wagner that scored Ernie Clement
• Zach Eflin pitching line: 4.1IP 8H 4R (all earned) 1BB 3K 79 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Orioles added a run in the bottom of the 5th as O'Hearn doubled scoring Rutschman
• A batter later, Laureano belted a 2-run jack to left-center; also scoring O'Hearn
• Three batters later, Colton Cowser scored on a ground out hit by Mayo
• The Orioles added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Cowser hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Very scary moment in the 9th inning with Springer getting drilled in the head by a fastball. Expect him to miss at least tomorrow's double header.
• Final score: Orioles 11 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Chris Bassit was lit up for 6 runs on 7 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4 over 1.2 innings. Unfortunate timig for a bad day at the office with the Blue Jays set for a double header tomorrow and an early game Wednesday. The Blue Jays may need to make a move for a fresh arm to get through tomorrow. the 27th man may not suffice. They have a few options in Baltimore with Lazaro Estrada, Paxton Schultz and Easton Lucas all having lockers. At least one will be the 27th man and possibly Justin Bruihl could be optioned since he has played 2 days in a row
• The bullpen gave up 5 runs on 11 hits while walking 2 and striking out 3 over the last 5.2 innings. Four of the runs were charged to Brandon Little who only retired one of the batters he faced. Brayden Fisher retired every batter he faced. A little surprised the Blue Jays didn't throw a position player out there to pitch the 9th.
• Offensively, Nathan Lukes (solo HR), Vlad (2-run HR) and Will Wagner (RBI lineout) carried the day
• Every Blue Jays starter except Addison Barger reached base at least once and all but Barger, Springer and Wagner had a hit
• There has to be comcerned about Springer's health after he wa drilled up high by a fastball. Luckily it hit his shoulder first and he was able to turn away to lessen the blow a tad. Very good sign he was able to walk off the field with the assistance of the two Blue Jays trainers. He likely won't play tomorrow and could be out longer if he has a concussion
• The Blue Jays were 0-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the first game of tomorrow's double headeer. Eric Lauer will start the 1st game. The Orioles haven't announced their starter for the 1st game.

Game #107 Toronto Blue Jays (63-43) @ Baltimore Orioles (47-58)

 

Game #106 Toronto Blue Jays (63-42) @ Detroit Tigers (60-46)

 

Game #105 Toronto Blue Jays (63-42) @ Detroit Tigers (60-46) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette hit a 2-run double in a 6-1 win over the Tigers

After another comeback win on the strength of 6 runs over the 4th and 5th innings, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games and to notch their 19th series win and 12th season series win of the season. Will Wagner was placed on the restricted list (in Cooperstown watching his dad get inducted into the baseball hall of fame) and Alan Roden was recalled from AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Leo Jimenez got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it 4 straight wins, 19 series wins and 12 season series wins? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Alejandro Kirk left the game in the top of the 4th after enduring a foul tip off the mask in the bottom half of the 3rd.
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 1H 0R 1BB 10K 96 pitches (62 for strikes)
• Tarik Skubal pitching line: 6IP 5H 0R 3BB 7K 96 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 8th as Bo Bichette singled scoring Joey Loperfido and  George Springer 
• The Blue jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 9th as Nathan Lukes belted a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Ernie Clement 
• Three batters later, Springer whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center 
• A batter later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr smacked a solo blast to left-center 
• The Tigers got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a ground out hit by Riley Greene that scored Jake Rogers
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Tigers 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman was excellent today, firing 6 shutout innings, giving up just one hit and a walk while striking out 10. He needed to be sharp today given the Blue Jays were facing the best pitcher in baseball. Even better was his ability to adjust midgame when his primary catcher, Alejandro Kirk was removed from the game after getting his bell rung by a foul ball off his mask. He retired 8 of the first 9 batters he faced and 7 of the final 8 on the day.
• The bullpen gave a run on one hit while walking none and striking out 3 over the last 3 innings. Brayden Fisher and Mason Fluharty both retired every batter they faced
• Bo Bichette (2-run double), Nathan Lukes (2-run HR), George Springer (solo HR) and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (solo HR) provided the offence today
• The Blue Jays were 1-9 with runners in scoring position
• The Blue Jays will certainly be buyers at the trade deadline next Friday. Their biggest need will be a pitcher or two for the bullpen and maybe a starter as well. Pretty tough to mess with the lineup given the way everyone is rolling. I can see Davis Schneider or maybe one of the outfielders being dangled should the Blue Jays need to sweeten the deal to outbid other teams. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 5 games and complete their 8th series sweep of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Tigers righty Jack Flaherty

Game #105 Toronto Blue Jays (62-42) @ Detroit Tigers (60-45)

 

Game #104 Toronto Blue Jays (62-42) @ Detroit Tigers (60-45) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette hit a 2-run double in a 6-2 comeback win over the Tigers

After routing the Tigers yesterday on the strength of 11 runs over 3 innings and 8 strong innings from Eric Lauer, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (George Springer served as DH tonight. Addison Barger was in RF and Will Wagner was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Tigers opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Dillon Dingler doubled scoring Wenceel Perez
• The Blue jays tied it up in the top of the 4th as Addison Barger doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Two batters later, Barger scored on a throwing error by Tigers SS Javier Baez on a ball hit by Joey Loperfido 
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Nathan Lukes 
• A batter later, Bo Bichette doubled scoring Guerrero Jr and George Springer
• Two batters later, Alejandro Kirk singled home Bichette
• Weider Montero pitching line: 4IP 9H 6R (5 earned) 0BB 3K 76 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Tigers got one back in the bottom of the 6th as Spencer Torkelson belted a solo jack to left-center
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 6IP 5H 2R (both earned) 2BB 6K 85 pitches (64 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Tigers 2

My Take:

• Jose Berrios pitched 6 solid innings, giving up a pair of runs on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. While Berrios was working his way in and out of jams most of the night, he did have an out streak of 7 batters. Berrios will definitely be in the playoff rotation, 
• The bullpen threw 3 perfect innings, striking out 3. Hat tip to Addison Barger for a nice sliding catch
• Vlad (2 runs scored, RBI), Bo Bichette (run scored, 2 RBI) and Addison Barger (run scored, RBI) provided the offense today
• The Blue Jays were 4-15 with runners in scoring position
• This team continues to find ways to win. Tonight was their 33rd comeback win of the season. The 1992 team had 40 comeback wins, the following year the Blue Jays had 44 comeback wins. 
• Who had the Blue Jays with the best record in baseball at any point in the season? This team continues to get hits at opportune times, the starting pitching has been excellent as of late and every plsyer on the team wants in on the success. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 4 games, notch their 19th series win and 12 season series win of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal

Game #104 Toronto Blue Jays (61-42) @ Detroit Tigers (60-44)

 

Game #103 Toronto Blue Jays (61-42) @ Detroit Tigers (60-44) - game recap

 

Eric Lauer threw 8 strong innings in an 11-4 comeback win over the Tigers

After a huge win over the Yankees thanks to a 2-RBI, 2 runs scored effort from Vlad and 7.1 strong innings from Chris Bassitt,  the Blue Jays were looking to make it two straight wins as they began a road trip in Detroit tonight.  The Tigers took the series in Toronto back in mid-May,  outscoring the Blue Jays 9-8. Eric Lauer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Will Wagner at 1B. Joey Loperfido was in LF, Nathan Lukes was in CF and George Springer was in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner and Ernie Clement 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 Tigers opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Jahmai Jones whacked a solo blast to left-center
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the top of the 6th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring George Springer
• Three batters later, Ernie Clement drilled a 3-run bomb to left-center; also scoring Guerrero Jr. and Addison Barger
• A batter later, Joey Loperfido smacked a solo blast to right-center
• Reese Olson pitching line: 5.2IP 6H 5R (all earned) 2BB 4K 95 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 7th as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Nathan Lukes
• Two batters later, Barger tripled scoring Guerrero Jr, and Bo Bichette
• A batter later, Barger scored on a sac fly by Clement
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 8th as Lukes hammered a 2-run bomb to right; also scoring Will WaThegner
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 8IP 5H 1R (earned) 0BB 6K 97 pitches (71 for strikes)
• The Tigers got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Spencer Torkelson drilled a solo blast to left
• Three batters later, Riley Greene scored on a ground out hit by Wenceel Perez
• Two batters later, Colt Keith singled scoring Matt Vierling
• Final score: Blue Jays 11 Tigers 4

My Take:

• Eric Lauer was excellent again, giving up a run on 5 hits while walking none and striking out 6. He retired 11 in a row at one point. Lauer is making a strong case to use a 6-man rotation the rest of the way and to be a starter in the playoffs. At this point, I would give him the ball in game 1 of a playoff series.
• Chad Green on the other hand is pitching his way off the team and could be a roster move (DFA) when the acquired players join the team. Green was roughed up for 3 runs on 4 hits in the 9th inning. The Blue Jays almost had to use a second reliever to end the game.
• Offensively, Vlad (2 runs scored, 2RBI), Nathan Lukes (2 runs scored, 2RBI), Addison Barger (2 runs scored, 2RBI), and Ernie Clement (4RBI, including a 3-run HR) carried the team to victory 
• Every Blue Jays starter had a hit and all but Tyler Heineman either scored a run or drove in a run
• The comeback kids did it again. The Blue Jays now have 32 comeback wins on the season, They will be a tough elimination in the playoffs
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Tigers righty Keider Montero

Game #103 Toronto Blue Jays (60-42) @ Detroit Tigers (60-43)

 

Game #102 New York Yankees (56-46) @ Toronto Blue Jays (60-42) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in a pair of runs and scored a pair of runs in an 8-4 comeback win over the Yankees

After a tough loss last night due to Jeff Hoffman being taken deep in the 9th, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 17th series win and 11th season series win of the season. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in CF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Leo Jimenez got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays notch their 17th series win and 11th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Jesson Dominguez whacked a solo blast to right-center and into the Yankees bullpen
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom of the 4th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring George Springer
• Four batters later, Ernie Clement singled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• The Yankees tied it in the top of the 5th as Anthony Volpe smacked a solo blast to left-center\
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning on a fielder's choice hit by Springer that scorred Davis Schneider and Springer. Yankees stater Max Fried was charged with a throwing error on the play
• The Yankees tied it in thew bottom half of the inning as Aaron Judge smashed a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right-center; also scoring Trent Grisham
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Myles Straw doubled scoring Clement
• Two batters, Straw scored on a fielding error by Fried on a ball hit by Will Wagner
• Max Fried pitching line: 6.1IP  6H 6R (4 earned) 3BB 3K 102 pitches (60 for strikes)
• Yankees manager Aaron Boone and Yankeees pitching coachMatt Blake were both ejected in the top of the 7th for arguing balls and strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 7th as Bo Bichette belted a 2-run jack to left-center; also scoring Guerrero Jr.
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 7.1IP 3H 4R (3 earned) 0BB 8K 94 pitches (63 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 Yankees 4

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt fired 7.1 innings, giving up 4 runs (3 earned) on  3 hits while walking none and striking out 8. Bassitt got an assist by the Blue Jays video guys on a successful challenge of a safe call at 1B on the first batter of the game. He had out streaks of 5, 6, and 8 batters. I would have let Bassitt try to finish the 8th inning.
• The bullpen gave up 2 hits over the last 1.2 innings. Yariel Rodriguez retired every batter he faced
• Vlad (2 runs scored, 2RBI), Bo Bichette (2-run HR), Ernie Clement (run scored, RBI), Myles Straw (run scored, RBI) and George Springer (2 runs scored) drove the offence today
• The Blue Jays were 4-13 with runners in scoring position
• Tonight was the Blue Jays 31st comeback win. They had 50 comeback wins in 1987 (the most in franchise history in a single season). They had 40 comebacks wins in 1992 and 44 comeback wins the following year. Nobody is going to want to face the Blue Jays in the playoffs
• Up next, the Blue Jays hit the road, beginning in Detroit tomorrow night. The Tigers took the series in Toronto back in mid-May, outscoring the Blue Jays 9-8. Eric Lauer starts against Tigers righty Reese Olson

Game #102 New York Yankees (56-45) v. Toronto Blue Jays (59-42)

 

Game #101 New York Yankees (56-45) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-42) - game recap

 

George Springer scored twice and drove in a run in a 5-4 loss to the Yankees

After another win thanks to yet another 4-run rally and 7 strong innings from Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 5 straight (6 straight against the Yankees), the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 17th series win and 11th season series win of the season. Max Scherzer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate.  Joey Loperfido was in LF, Nathan Lukes was in CF and Addison Barger was in RF.  Will Wagner was at the hot corner and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it 5 straight wins overall (6 straight vs. the Yankees) and notch their 17th series win and 11th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Jazz Chisholm Jr hammered a 3- run bomb to right-center; also scoring Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger 
• The Blue jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Addison Barger singled scoring George Springer
• The Yankees added a run in the top of the 5th as Bellinger belted a solo jack to right-center 
• The Blue jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Barger singled scoring Springer
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 5IP 5H 4R (all earned) 1BB 4K 90 pitches (57 for strikes)
• Cam Schlittler pitching line: 5IP 7H 2R ( both earned) 3BB 3K 90 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Blue jays got one back in the bottom of the 6th as Davis Schneider doubled scoring Myles Straw 
• Two batters later,  Springer singled home Schneider
• The Yankees retook the lead in the top of the 9th as Ben Rice whacked a solo blast to right-center 
• Devin Williams threw a scoreless 9th for his 15th save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 5 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Max Scherzer battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 5 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 4. The Yankees got to him early with Jazz Chisholm hitting a no-doubter for 3 runs. It was enouraging to see Scherzer be able to throw 90 pitches with a cranky thumb that will likely affect him the remainder of the season. It is likely the Blue Jays will go to a 6-man rotation once Alek Manoah returns, although he'll be a few weeks away as he slowly builds back up to a starter's load.
• The bullpen gave up a run on a hit and a walk while striking out 2 over the last 4 innings. Closer Jeff Hoffman gave up a solo HR in the 9th for the run against. Mason Fluharty was excellent in his first appreance since being recalled yesterday after being demoted to AAA-ball July 2nd due to some bad appearances, retiring every batter he faced over 2 innings
• George Springer (2 runs scored, RBI) and Addison Barger (2 RBI drove the offense today. Sadly, the boys were unable to eke out another comeback win, pretty much falling a run short (they failed to score the go-ahead run after rallying to tie the game in the 6th inning)
• The Blue Jays were 3-13 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to notch their 17th series win and 11th season series win of the season. Chris Bassitt starts against Yankees lefty Max Fried

Game #101 New York Yankees (55-45) v. Toronto Blue Jays (59-41)

 

Game #100 New York Yankees (55-45) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-41) - game recap

 

Kevin Gausman threw 7 strong innings in a 4-1 comeback win over the Yankees

After another huge comeback win on the strength of a 4-run 5th inning, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games (and 5 straight against the Yankees. The Blue Jays are 5-2 against the Yankees this season, outscoring the Bronx Bombers 43-41. Lefty Mason Fluharty was recalled from AAA-ball and righy Robinson Pina was optioned to AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Joey Loperfido got the start in RF. The rest of the lineup was the same as Sunday's win. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and 5 straight against the Yankees? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Giancarlo Stanton belted a solo jack to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen 
• The Blue jays took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Bo Bichette doubled scoring George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr 
• Three batters later,  Myles Straw singled scoring Bichette. Yankees 3B Oswald Peraza was charged with a throwing error on the play
• A batter later, Straw scored on a throwing error by Yankees SS Anthony Volpe on a ball hit by Leo Jimenez
• Carlos Rodon pitching line: 5IP 6H 4R (2 earned) 5BB 4K 107 pitches (66 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 7IP 4H 1R (earned) 2BB 8K 86 pitches (61 for strikes)
• Jeff Hoffman threw a perfect 9th for his 24th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Yankees 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman threw 7 strong innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 8. He retired 7 of the first 9 batters he faced.  Gausman also retired the last 6 batters he faced. It's important Gausman does well against teams like the Yankees since he will likely start one of the first two games of a playoff series. 
• The bullpen threw 2 shutout innings, giving up a walk and a hit while striking out 4. Yariel Rodriguez and Jeff Hoffman, who struck out the side in the 9th inning, both retired every batter they faced
• The comeback kids struck again with Bo Bichette driving in a pair to give the Blue Jays the lead and the team takin full advantage of 2 costly throwing errors by the Yankees infielders
• The Blue Jays were 3-11 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 5 games (6 vs. the Yankees) and the home win streak to 12 games (tonight they set the record), notch their 17th series win and 13th season series win of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Yankees righty Cam Schlittler.

Game #100 New York Yankees (55-44) v. Toronto Blue Jays (58-41)

 

Game #99 San Francisco Giants (52-48) @ Toronto Blue Jays (58-41) - game recap-

 

Addison Barger hit a 2-run HR in an 8-6 comeback win over the Giants

After another win thanks to a stellar pitching performance from Eric Lauer, a 4-run rally in the 6th inning and a 2-run HR off the bat of Tyler Heineman, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 8th series sweep and 4th season series sweep of the season. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in CF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Leo Jimenez got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 8th series sweep and 4th season series sweep of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Giants opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Helios Ramos singled scoring Jung Hoo Lee
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom half of the inning as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hammered a solo bomb
• The Blue jays took the lead in the top of the 4th as Bo Bichette doubled scoring Ernie Clement and Guerrero Jr.
• The Giants got one back in the top of the 5th as Andrew Knizner singled scoring Matt Chapman
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as George Springer belted a solo jack to left
• Three batters later,  Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Bichette
• A batter later,  Addison Barger drilled a 2-run bomb to the second deck in right; also scoring Kirk
• Robbie Ray pitching line: 4.1 IP 5H 5R (all earned) 5BB 3K 95 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Giants got a pair back in the top of the 6th as Chapman whacked a 2- run blast to the opposite field in right- center and into the Giants bullpen; also scoring Rafael Devers
• Two batters later, Brett Wisely singled scoring Dominic Smith 
• Two batters later, Lee singled scoring Wisely. Lee was thrown out at 2B on the play to end the inning
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 5.2IP 8H 4R (all earned) 1BB 5K 89 pitches (56 for strikes)
• Giants pitcher Justin Verlander was thrown out of the game for arguing balls and strikes
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Springer
• Yariel Rodriguez threw a perfect 9th for his 2nd save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 Giants 6

My Take:

• Jose Berrios battled through 5.2 innings,  giving up 4 runs on 8 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. Didn't have his best stuff today and he was yanking pitches outside to right handed batters. Ex-teammate Matt Chapman ended his day by taking Berrios deep for 2 runs. I still would have let Berrios finish the inning and have the bullpen start with a clean inning.
• The bullpeen gave up 2 runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4 over the last 3.1 innings. The normally reliable Brayden Fisher did not retire any of the batters he faced. Tommy Nance and Yariel Rodriguez both retired every batter they faced. Likely a smart move to save closer Jeff Hoffman for the big Yankees series starting tomorrow
• George Springer (2 runs scored, including solo HR), Vlad (2 runs scored, 2 RBI, including solo HR), Bo Bichette (2RBI, run scored), Alejandro Kirk (RBI, run scored) and  Addison Barger (2-run HR) drove the offense today
• Every Blue Jays starter except Leo Jimenez and Myles Straw reached base at least once and all but Jimenez, Straw and Davis Schneider had a hit
• The Blue Jays were 3-6 with runners in scoring  position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the winning streak to 4 games (5 straight over the Yankees). Kevin Gausman starts against Yankees lefty Carlos Rodon

Game #99 San Francisco Giants (52-47) v. Toronto Blue Jays (57-41)

 

Game #98 San Francisco Giants (52-47) @ Toronto Blue Jays (57-41) - game recap

 

Tyler Heineman hit a 2-run HR in a 6-3 comeback win over the Giants

After another win thanks to a 4-run 2nd inning and 6.1 shutout innings from Chris Bassitt, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win and 11th season series win of the season. Eric Lauer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's win. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win and 11th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights

• The Giants opened the scoring in the top of the 5th as Willy Adames belted a solo jack to left-center
• The Giants added a run in the top of the 6th on a sac fly by Heliot Ramos that scored Luis Matos 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Ernie Clement singled scoring Bo Bichette
• A batter later, Will Wagner doubled scoring Addison Barger and Clement
• A batter after that, Heineman doubled home Wagner
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 6IP 2H 2R (both earned) 0BB 7K 81 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Giants got one back in the top of the 7th as Adames whacked a solo blast to left
• Logan Webb pitching line: 6IP 11H 4R (all earned) 1BB 1K 80 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 8th as Tyler Heineman whacked a 2-run blast to right; also scoring Myles Straw
• Jeff Hoffman threw a scoreless 9th for his 23rd save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Giants 3

My Take:

• Eric Lauer started the game perfect through 4 innings and retired the first 13 batters he faced until Willy Adames took him deep. He was removed after 81 pitches, perhaps because the team wanted him to end on a high note or because the bullpen needed work.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 2 hits while walking none and striking out 2 over the last 3 innings. The Blue Jays killer on the day, Willy Adames took Chad Green deep for the run against. Brandon Little retired every batter he faced
• The offense rallied for 4 runs in the 6th inning and Tyler Heineman gave Jeff Hoffman a three-run cushion to work with by goiing deep in the 8th for 2 runs. Will Wagner is off to a hot start in the 2nd half with 4 RBI's so far in this series
• Every Blue Jays starter had a hit today
• The Blue Jays were 3-12 with runners in scoring position
• The Blue Jays have a decent shot at 100 wins if they keep playing the way they are playing. They need to go 43-21 to get to the century mark in wins
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games, complete their 8th series sweep and 4th season series sweep of the season. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Giants lefty Robbie Ray, who was the last Blue Jays pitcher to capture the Cy Young award.

Game #98 San Francisco Giants (52-46) v. Toronto Blue Jays (56-41)

 

Game #97 San Francisco Giants (52-46) @ Toronto Blue Jays (56-41) - game recap

 

Chris Bassitt threw 6.1 shutout innings in a 4-0 shutout win over the Giants 

After a much-deserved (and needed) 4-day all-star break, the Blue jays kicked off the unofficial start to the second half of the season as they welcomed the San Francisco Giants to Toronto. The Blue Jays won the season series last year, outscoring the Giants 18-13. Lots of injury news. Yimi Garcia is dealing wiith an ulnar nerve issue that will delay his return from a sprained ankle. Bowden Francis is shut down from throwing after experiencing further discomfort in his throwing shoulder.Ryan Burr is undergoing season ending shoulder capsule surgery. Daulton Varsho could be back in a week , he is playing games in the FCL this week. Finally Anthony Santander is still not swinging a bat and will be coming to Toronto to get a game plan for his rehab. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing Saturday (George Springer DH'd tonight). Joey Loperfido was in LF, Nathan Lukes was in CF and Addison Barger was in RF. Will Wagner was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays start the unofficial second half of the season with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Joey Loperfido doubled scoring Addison Barger
• Two batters later, Will Wagner doubled scoring Alejandro Kirk and Loperfido
• A batter later, Nathan Lukes singled home Wagner
• Justin Verlander pitching line: 2.2IP 9H 4R (all earned) 2BB 0K 66 pitches (41 for strikes)
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 6.1IP 10H 0R 0BB 5K 97 pitches (64 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Giants 0

My Take

• Chris Bassit threw 6.1 shutout innings, giving up 10 hits, walking none and striking out 5. Bassitt was working his way in and out of jams all night and benefited from good defense. Interesting they let Bassitt come out for thr 7th inning despite him being at 89 pitches. Overuse of the bullpen in the 1st half and the injury news of some of the relievers (Yimi Garcia and Ryan Burr in particular) were definite factors. The Blue Jays definitely need to target bullpen help and possibly a starting pitcher at the trade deadline
• The bullpen gave up a hit, walked none and struck out 7 over the last 2.2 innings. Brandon Little  and Jeff Hoffman retired every batter they faced
• The offense did all the damage in the 2nd inning, scoring 4 times. Joey Loperfido, Will Wagner and Nathan Lukes drove in the runs
• The Blue Jays were 3-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch 16th series win of the season. Eric Lauer starts against Giants righty Logan Webb

Game #97 San Francisco Giants (52-45) v. Toronto Blue Jays (55-41)

 

Ten Random thoughts: a look back at the first half and a look ahead to the second half

 

We have hit the All-star break and your Toronto Blue Jays are in 1st place in the AL East. How good have the Blue Jays been? They have won 16 series (10 season series), swept 7 series, lost 7 series and been swept 4 times. They have 26 comeback wins, which is one more than they had all last season. They are a remarkable 32-16 at home. The Blue Jays have a winning record in every month except April. George Springer has been outstanding this season, turning back the clock when it looked like his career was almost over. Springer is batting .285 with 16HR and 53RBI. In this edition of ten random thoughts, we'll look back on the 1st half of the season and look ahead to the 2nd half. Here are ten random thoughts from around the MLB.

1. Every year teams will deal with injuries. The most impactful one the Blue Jays dealt with was to Max Scherzer, who was supposed to be the team's 4th starter. However, he left his first start of the season with a lat injury that arose due to a nagging thumb injury that's been impacting him for a couple of years. For two months, the Blue Jays were basically running with a 3.5 man rotation with Bowden Francis not as good as last season. Francis was eventually put on the IL with shoulder inflammation. While Scherzer is  back and pitching, his availability is guarded at best and who knows how long the thumb will last. He is struggling to throw much more than 70 pitches, which could get him 4-5 innings, depending on his efficiency.  Scherzer is 1-0 with a 4.70ERA over 5 starts this season. The bullpen was missing Erik Swanson, who missed the first 2 months of the season with a shoulder issue (he was eventually DFA'd when he couldn't get his form back. Swanson was 0-2 with a 15.19ERA in 6 appearances this season. Yimi Garcia missed 6 weeks with his own shoulder issue and went right back on the IL after a mishap with the ice bath and spraining his ankle. This will impact the Blue Jays ability to get to closer Jeff Hoffman, who the team would rather only pitch the 9th inning. Garcia is 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA over 22 appearances this season. Nick Sandlin, who missed a month with a lat strain, also went right back on the IL with inflammation in his right elbow. Here's hoping he doesn't need tommy john surgery. Sandlin is 0-2 with a 2.20ERA over 19 appearances this season. The most concerning injury has to be with Ryan Burr, who missed the first 3 months of the season with fatigue in his right shoulder, injured his shoulder again against the White Sox in just his second appearance of the season. Given his injury history with his shoulder, this may well end his season and potentially put his career in jeopardy

In terms of position players, the most impactful injury would be to CF Daulton Varsho, who missed the month of the season finishing the rehab on off-season shoulder surgery. Varsho played for a month before he injured his hamstring running from first to third. In his absence, Nathan Lukes (batting .276 with 5HR and 32RBI over 70 games and 181AB), Jonatan Clase (batting .210 with 2HR and 9RBI over 34 games and 100AB) and Myles Straw (batting .246 with 1HR and 16RBI over 78 games and 171AB) have split the playing time, but Varsho is superior defensively. Varsho is batting .207 wih 8 HR and 20 RBI over 24 games and 92AB. Anthony Santander, the big free agent signing of the off-season, played through hip and shoulder injuries for a while that were clearly affecting his performance at the plate, until he was finally shut down May 30. Santander is batting .179 with 6HR and 18RBI over 50 games and 184AB His absence benefits George Springer most since it allows him to DH more often. Springer, Addison Barger (batting .261 with 13HR and 40 RBI over 72 games and 245AB), and Lukes have been getting the reps in RF. Andres Gimenez has missed time with a quad strain and currently a sprained ankle. Gimenez is batting .218 with 5HR and 23 RBI over 61 games and 211AB Leo Jimenez (batting .118 with 1HR and 1RBI over 9 games and 17AB), Ernie Clement (batting .288 with 4HR and 25RBI over 94 games and 313AB) and Davis Schneider (batting .218 with 5HR and 11RBI over 34 games and 78AB) have been filling in.

2. A big improvement over last season has been the timey offense. The Blue Jays have been getting timely hits and have 25 comeback wins, more than they had all season. The veteran bats have been doing a lot of the heavy lifting with Bo Bichette and George Springer both having comeback seasons. Bichette and Springer lead the tean in RBI with 53RBI. Springer leads the team with 16HR. Captain Kirk leads the team in batting average with a solid .303 average (among qualified players). The Blue Jays aren't exactly hitting the cover off the ball, but they are much improved in getting timely hits. I love that they are utilizing the sac bunt. It led directly to a walk-off win against the Angels and can be a very effective hitting tool. Here's hoping they keep it going and don't regress in the second half

3. Three Blue Jays who impressed in the first half

• Tyler Heineman - The Blue Jays backup catcher has been clutch at the plate, batting .329 with 2HR and 13RBI. The speed demon even managed a career high 2 stolen bases. Heineman has primarily caught Chris Bassitt and Eric Lauer and will usually be the catcher in a day game after a night game. If Alejandro Kirk needs an extra day or two off down the stretch, the Blue Jays shouldn't hesitate to throw him in there behind the plate.
• Eric Lauer - The veteran lefty has provided the Blue Jays with a viable third starter after the Blue Jays were utilizing an opener and bulk inning pitcher when Max Scherzer went down with a nagging thumb injury and missed the better part of three months. This, combined with an ineffective Bowden Francis, taxed the bullpen. Lauer is 4-2 with a solid 2.78ERA over 14 appearances (8 starts). He should remain in the rotation the remainder of the season and I would give him some winter league action so his success carries over into next season.

• George Springer - Here's a veteran player who deserves votes for comeback player of the year. At the end of spring training, it looked like his career was very much on the back 9 and his time with the Blue Jays was nearing an end. Instead, he is playing like he's ten years younger, putting together his best season since 2019 when he batted .292 with 39 HR and 96 RBI for the Astros. This season, he is batting 270 with 16HR and 53RBI. Compare that to last season when the Blue Jays slugger hit just .220 with 19HR and 56RBI the whole season. Springer should be a candidate for comeback player of the year!

4. Three Blue jays who disappointed in the first half

• Richard Lovelady - Richard Loveday was so bad he went and changed his name (he asked to be called by his nickname Dicky). Loveday made the team out of spring training over Ryan Yarbrough. That turned out to be a poor decision. The soft-throwing lefty was 0-1 with an ugly 21.60ERA over 2 appearances and 1.2 innings. At least Yabrough could have been a long man, and like Lauer, he has experience as a starting pitcher
• Bowden Francis - After a solid 2024 season where he went 8-5 with a 3.30ERA over 27 appearances (13 starts). Francis had quality starts in 7 of his last 8 starts last season. He was hoping that last year's success would carry over to this season. Unfortunately that was not the case and Francis is 2-8 with a 6.08ERA over 14 starts. Francis was placed on the 15-day IL the day after his last start on May 22 with a right shoulder impingement. While trying to play through the injury could have impacted his performance, teams also likely adjusted to him after a season's worth odf video footage to find weaknesses. The main thing is to get Francis healthy first.
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - The standards by which the Blue Jays franchise player is about to be judged is going to increase tenfold next year when his 14-year $500 million contract kicks in. The biggest criticisms of Vlad are that he has a tendency to make bad decisions on the base paths (he directly cost the Blue Jays the game on Thursday that would have tied the franchise win streak record of 11 games with 2 baserunning gaffes, trying to go from first to third on a pickoff throwing error and not trying to get into a rundown on a grounder hit to 1st base to allow Nathan Lukes to score). He is on pace to hit around 24 home runs and drive in 80ish runs, which would both be career low totals in a full 162 game schedule. His career high season needs to have an asterisk on it since he was playing home games in minor league stadiums for the bulk of it. Guerrero Jr. is capable of hitting 30-40 home runs, but too often hits the ball hard for a loud out. He's leading the league with 7 errors thus far this season. If Vlad wants to be paid what Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Juan Soto are getting paid, he needs to start performing at their level and leading this team and being accountable when things are not going his way or the team's way.

5. To me, the pivotal moment of the season was April 25. The team entered the game a game under .500. In 2024, the Blue Jays faced the same scenario April 29, when they were at .500. They lost the game and never got to .500 again. They won on April 25, and yes, they did dip below .500 a few days later, but they swept the series in Seattle mid-May, swept the A's at the end of May and swept the Canada day week long homestand. The Blue Jays already have 27 comeback wins, 2 more than they had all season. Their home record is a sparkling 32-16, compared to a paltry 39-42 a year ago. This is a team that should challenge for the division title, and will at the very least have a wild card spot, unless things go really sideways in the second half

6. Vlad and Alejandro Kirk are going to be the Blue Jays reps at the all-star game. On merit, Kirk definitely deserves the honor (batting .303 with 7HR and 45RBI, thrown out 16 base runners). Vlad, not so much (leads the league with 7 errors, batting .277 with 12HR and 46RBI.). George Springer should be on the team but Aaron Boone obviously wasn't pleased with getting swept recently by the Blue Jays. Springer is batting .270 with 16HR and 53RBI. The selection of the starters amounts to a popular contest, sometimes, but the reserves should be considered more on merit, while also insuring every team has a rep. Springer could still be an injury replacement.

7. The next big event after the all-star break will be the trade deadline July 31 where teams will have the opportunity to add that missing piece to solidify their team. The Blue Jays biggest needs are to add a starting pitcher and perhaps a bullpen arm. Targets: Luis Severino (looked good first 4 innings Friday before things fell apart), Paul Skenes (leads NL with 2.01 ERA)  (will likely need to part with a roster player to get him), David Bednar (12 saves, 2.70ERA), Felix Bautista (18 saves, 2.41 ERA) and Andrew Abbott (8-1, 2.07ERA). The Blue Jays could also move Bo Bichette at the deadline to avoid losing him for nothing in free agency

8. Blue jay team awards

• MVP: George Springer - leads team in HR (16) and RBI (53), 6th in hits (81) and 2nd in runs scored (53)
• Unsung hero - Alejandro Kirk - 3rd in hits (89), leads team with .309 batting average, 4th on team in RBI (44) and thrown out 16 base runners
• Best pitcher - Eric Lauer - 4-2 with a solid 2.78ERA over 14 appearances (8 starts)
• Best reliever - Brandon Little - 4-1, leads team with 2.08ERA; been a solid reliever from the left side
• Silver slugger - Bo Bichette - leads team in hits (108), 2nd in RBI (52), batting .281 and has 7HR
• most improved - Bichette - finally healthy after missing half the year last year with a nagging calf injury and a fractured finger, Bichette is back to being arguably the team's most consistent hitter (see above stats)
• gold glove - Nathan Lukes - just one error, has made some big plays in the outfield, especially CF in the absence of Daulton Varsho

9. MLB AWARDS

• AL MVP Aaron Judge- The Yankees slugger continues to be at or near the top of the league in most statistical categories. He's first in batting average (.355), 1st in hits (125), 1st in AL in runs scored (85), 2nd in HR (35) and 2nd in RBI (81). Cal Raleigh will certainly get some votes, but at the end of the day Judge is doing the damage with less protection behind him.
• NL MVP - Shohei Ohtani - the Japanese phenom is back to pitching after more than a year off following a second tommy john surgery September 19, 2023. In 5 starts totaling 9 innings, Ohtani has a 1.00ERA and 10 strikeouts. At the plate, he leads the NL in HR (32) and runs scored (91). His RBI production is down a bit (60) and he has a few less hits (102) but teams are starting to pitch around him, much like Barry Bonds at the height of his career. It's also possible the injury he suffered to his left shoulder sliding into 2nd base in game 1 of the world series might be impacting his performance at the plate. He's still a very big threat at the plate and very imprtant to the Dodgers fortunes
• AL Cy  Young - Garrett Crochet - the Red Sox righty is 2nd in the AL in wins (10), tied for 2nd in ERA (2.23), and is 1st in strikeouts (160). He gives his team a chance to win every 5 days
• NL CY Young - Zack Wheeler - The veteran righty is tied fot 3rd in wins (9), tied for 2nd in ERA (2.36) and leads the NL in strikeouts. Going to be a hard sell to give the Cy Young to Paul Skenes, who has lost twice as many games as he has won
• AL Rookie of the year - A'S SS Jacob Wilson - leads AL among qualified rookies in batting average (.332), hits (113), runs scored (44) and tied for 1st in RBI (42). The A's are looking like the Orioles in their progression and could be a force to be reckoned with by the time they move into their new home in Las Vegas in a couple of years
• NL Rookie of the year - Marlins 1B Eric Wagman. Wagman is 1st in hits among qualified rookies (78) , 2nd in RBI (33), tied for 1st in runs scored (33). His average is a bit lower than you would like to see (.241) and his HR numbers aren't great either (5), but he is the best in the ajority of the categories so gets the nod at the halfway point of the season.
• AL Manager of the year - John Schneider - going from worst to first in a half season means pushing the right buttons with respect to the lineup and pitching choices. Is this team flawed and could they regress in the second half? Yes and yes. They will be going into the All-star break 1st in the AL east and Schneider deserves some of the credit.
• NL Manager of the year - Skip Schumaker of the Miami Marlins - The Marlins rise in the NL East wasn't as dramatic as the Blue Jays rise in the AL East and the Marlins are still a team likely to miss the playoffs. The Marlins, currently in 3rd place in the NL East, benefited from the Braves terrible start to the season and the Braves, now that they have their superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. back from a second ACL repait on his knee, could overtake Miami in the standings. Nonetheless, the Marlins could be a dangerous team in a few years since they have drafted high recently because they have been such a bad team. That will all depend on how they develop their prospects though and surrounding those prospects with some good veteran players.

10. Blue Jay of the first half - I have to give the nod to Springer. While Bo Bichette is having a comeback season himself, his off-year was due primarily to injuries that caused him to miss half the season. In the seasons prior to 2024, Bichette was arguably the Blue Jays most consistent and best hitter. Springer, on the other hand has been in decline for a few seasons now and it looked like his time with the Blue Jays might be ending. No question, making him a full-time DH has preserved his aging body and allowed him to focus on one thing, hitting. Springer is still a capable outfielder, and will likely play more in RF when he is in the field, especially when Daulton Varsho and Anthony Santander return from the IL.

Game #96 Toronto Blue Jays (55-41) @ Athletics (41-57) - game recap

 

Addison Barger hit a 2-run HR in a 6-3 loss to the A's to end the unofficial first half of the MLB season for the Blue Jays 

After dropping the game yesterday with a rally that fell a run short, the Blue Jays were looking to end the unofficial 1st half of the season and this road trip with a win and notch their 16th series win of the season. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Will Wagner at 1B. Nathan Lukes got the start in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner and Ernie Clement was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays end the unofficial 1st half and the road trip on a winning note and notch their 16th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The A's opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Austin Wynns belted a 2-run jack to left; also scoring Gio Urshela
• The A's added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Tyler Soderstrom hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Nick Kurtz
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 3IP 5H 4R (all earned 2BB 1K 61 pitches (36 for strikes)
• John Schneider was ejected in the top of the 5th on a foul ball call that remained after a challenge
• A pitch later, Davis Schneider hammered a solo bomb to left-center
• The A's added a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning as Kurtz whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in left-center; also scoring Jacob Wilson
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the top of the 7th as Addison Barger drilled a 2-run bomb to right-center; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 
• Jeffrey Springs pitching line: 6.2IP 3H 3R (all earned) 0BB 5K 91 pitches (64 for strikes)
• Mason Miller threw a scoreless 9th for his 19th save of the season
• Final score: A's 6 Blue Jays 3

My Take:-

• Jose Berrios battled through 3 innings, giving up 4 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 1. The A's took Berrios deep twice today. It was clear that Berrios didn't have his best stuff. It was a good move to pull him after 3 innings when he was at 61 pitches, rather than sending him out for a 4th inning on a warm day in Sacramento. Save a few bullets for the second half. Berrios finishes the 1st half with a 5-4 record and a 3.75ERA over 20 starts
• The bullpen, which included an appearance from starter Chris Bassitt, gave up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 3 and struking out 6 over the last 5 innings. Both runs were charged to lefty Justin Bruihl, who gave up a 2-run HR. Bassitt and Brayden Fisher both retired every batter they faced
• Look for John Schneider to face supplementary discipline, likely a suspension for a few games for bumping umpire Tripp Gibson after a foul ball call was upheld after the Blue Jays challenged. You simply cannot bump an umpire no matter how bad the call is. For what it's worth, Schneider corrected his trajectory on the next pitch for a solo home run. In the end the home run didn't really impact the outcome of the game since the A's added 2 more runs in the bottom half of the inning and the Blue Jays were unable to put together any kind of substantial rally.
• Addison Barger ended his 1st half with a bang, taking A's starter Jeffrey Springs deep for 2 runs
• The Blue Jays did not get a single at-bat with a runner in scoring position (Vlad was at 1st base on Barger's 2-run HR)
• The Blue Jays enter the all-star break 1st in the AL East with a 2-game lead over the Yankees, who fell 4-1 to the upstart Cubs today. They enter the break with a 55-41 record, two games better than a certain 1993 team that won the Blue Jays last world series (that team was 53-43 after 96 games.)
• Up next, the all-star break and a much-needed reset after the team cooled off and dropped three of the last 4 games heading into the all-star break. When play resumes Friday, they will take on the San Francisco Giants. The Blue Jays won the season series last year, outscoring the Giants 18-14. Neither team has set their rotation for the series yet. The Blue Jays could run Jose Berrios out for back-to-back starts, since thst would be his regular day's rest. More likely though, they'll push him back a day or two and start either Kevin Gausman or Chris Bassitt.

Game #96 Toronto Blue Jays (55-40) @ Athletics (40-57)

 

Game #95 Toronto Blue Jays (55-40) @ Athletics (40-57) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette had a pair of hits and drove in a run in a losing effort as the A's came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 4-2

After eking out a win on the strength of a 6-run 4th inning, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. George Springer got the start in RF with Alejandro Kirk serving as DH. Davis Schneider was in LF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Leo Jimenez got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and notch their 16th series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Leo Jimenez belted a solo jack to left-center 
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Bo Bichette doubled scoring Ernie Clement 
• The A's got one back in the bottom half or the inning as Lawrence Butler singled scoring Denzel Clarke
• Three batters later, Brent Rooker doubled home Butler
• The A's took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Rooker whacked a 2-run blast to left-center; also scoring Nick Kurtz
• Jacob Lopez pitching line: 5IP
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5IP 5H 4R (3 earned) 2BB 2K 96 pitches (60 for strikes) 4H 2R (both earned) 2BB 5k 87 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 8th on a sac fly by Alejandro Kirk that scored Vladimir Guerrero Jr 
• Mason Miller threw a scoreless 9th for his 18th save of the season
• Final score: A's 4 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs (3 earned) on 5 his whole walking 2 and striking out 5. He was working in and out of jams most of the day. Gausman ends the unofficial first half with a 6-6 record and 4.19ERA over 19 starts
• The bullpen threw 3 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits, walking 1 and striking out 4. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced
• Offensively, Leo Jimenez got things started with a bang, going deep to left-center Bo Bichette had an RBI double and Alejandro Kirk had a sac fly 
• The Blue Jays were 1-12 with runners in scoring position - it seems the bats have cooled off
• Up next, the last game of the unofficial 1st half, which the Blue Jays will look to finish on a winning note, while notching their 16th series win of the season. Ace Jose Berrios starts against A's lefty Jeffrey Springs

Game #95 Toronto Blue Jays (55-39) @ Athletics (39-57)

 

Game #94 Toronto Blue Jays (55-39) @ Athletics (39-57) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. recorded his 1000th career hit in a 7-6 win over the A's

After an off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened their final series in Sacramento, the temporary home of the A's. The Blue Jays swept the A's at the end of May, outscoring the A's 39-18. The Blue Jays traded Will Robertson to the White Sox for cash considerations. Ryan Burr was placed on the 60-day IL with a right rotator cuff strain. Righty Tommy Nance was added to the 40-man roster. Max Scherzer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (George Springer served as DH today). Nathan Lukes was in LF (Joey Loperfido was a late scratch with an illness) and Addison Barger was in RF. Will Wagner got the start at the hot corner and Ernie Clement was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend and last series of the unofficial first half of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 4th on a sac fly by Ernie Clement that scored Bo Bichette
• Vladimie Guerrero Jr. hit a single in the top of the 5th to reach the 1000 hit milestone
• Two batters later, George Springer scored on a double steal
• Two batters later, Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Guerrero Jr. and Addison Barger
• Three batters later, Myles Straw singled scoring Kirk
• a batter later, Nathan Lukes singled scoring Ernie Clement and Will Wagner
• Luis Severino pitching line: 4.2IP 7H 5R (1 earned) 2BB 8K 96 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The A's got a pair back in the bottom of the 6th as Nick Kurtz hammered a two-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Brent Rooker
• Two batters later, Tyler Soderstrom hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 6IP 5H 3R (all earned) 1BB 8K 90 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The A's got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Max Muncy drilled a solo bomb to dead center
• Four batters later, Zack Gelof scored on a wild pitch by Jeff Hoffman
• Same batter, Rooker singled scoring Denzel Clarke 
• Final score:  Blue Jays 7 A's 6

My Take:

• Max Scherzer fired 6 solid innings, giving up three runs on five hits while walking one and striking out eight. The extra day of rest did wonders for the veteran righty with the cranky thumb. Scherzer was able to throw 90 pitches, which is very encouraging, especially considering his thumb was reportedly very swollen after his last start that he left after throwing 72 pitches in 4 innings. The Blue Jays definitely need to look at acquiring a pitcher at the trade deadline and using a six-man rotation in the second half.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 7 over the last 3 innings. The Blue Jays also need to look at acquiring a bullpen arm or two at the trade deadline. Your closer having an ERA over 5.00 is not ideal. Also, the health of Yimi Garcia and Nick Sandlin are in question. Ryan Burr is likely done for the year since the Blue Jays put him straight onto the 60-day IL since the MRI results obiously weren't encouraging. Yariel Rodriguez and Bryan Litlle both retired every batter they faced
• The offence did most of the damage in th 5th inning on a sloppy inning for Severino and the A's defense since just 2 of the 6 runs scored that inning were earned. Congrats to Vladdy on becoming the youngest Blue Jay to reach that milestone
• The Blue Jays were 4-11 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to seven games and notch their 16th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against A's lefty Jacob Lopez

Game #94 Toronto Blue Jays (54-39) @ Athletics (39-56)

 

Game #93 Toronto Blue Jays (54-39) @ Chicago White Sox (31-62) - game recap

 

Tyler Heineman drove in the Blue Jays only run in a 2-1 come-from-behind loss to the White Sox

After yet another win on the strength of a 5- run 3rd inning in a rain-shortened game yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to increase the win streak to a franchise- record tying 11 games and to complete their 8th series sweep and notch their 10th season series win of the season. Eric Lauer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Will Wagner at 1B. Joey Loperfido was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Leo Jimenez got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays tie the franchise record of 11 straight wins, complete their 8th series sweep and notch their 10th 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 2nd as Tyler Heineman singled scoring Will Wagner 
• The White Sox tied it up in the bottom of the 4th as Edgar Quero doubled scoring Austin Slater
• Two batters later, Lenyn Sosa singled scoring Quero
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 4IP 4H 2R ,(both earned) 1BB 7K 68 pitches (44 for strikes)
• Ryan Burr left his appearance in the 7th inning with a shoulder injury. Very likely going on the IL
• Adrian Houser pitching line: 7IP 7H 1R ,(earned) 2BB 2K 96 pitches (70 for strikes)
• Jordan Leasure pitched a perfect 9th for his 2nd save of the season.
• Final score: White Sox 2 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Eric Lauer battled through 4 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 7. John Schneider should have given him an extra inning or two.  Lauer was great the first 3 innings, retiring 9 of the first 10 batters he faced. Yes, he had a stressful and long inning in the 4th, but the bullpen has pitched a ton of innings in the 1st half. With the uncertainty with Max Scherzer's thumb injury and the uncertainty of Alek Manoah when he likely returns in August, I can see the Blue Jays going to a six-man rotation in the second half of the season. They will also likely look at acquiring a starting pitcher or long reliever at the trade deadline to give the team more options to save the bullpen down the stretch.
• The bullpen threw 4 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits, walking none and striking out 5. Kudos to Yariel Rodriguez, who inherited a 3-2 count when he came into the game for Burr, who was forced to leave the game mid-at-bat after reinjuring his shoulder, and struck out the batter on his first pitch.
• There has to be big concerns for Burr, who just came back after missing the first three months with a shoulder injury. Don't be surprised if this injury ends his season. He has a history with shoulder issues already and it is not a good sign he hurt it again so soon after coming off the IL. The Blue Jays are already trying to do without Yimi Garcia and Nick Sandlin. Good thing the all-star break is coming up soon
• Offensively, the Blue Jays were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. For sure, a soggy field was a big factor. Vlad getting thrown out at 3rd base on a bad base running decision didn't help. Neither did grounding into 2 double plays and Leo Jimenez lining into a 3rd double play.
• The Blue Jays were 1-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day/travel day tomorrow, the Blue Jays head west to Sacramento, the temporary home of the Athletics, who will be moving to Las Vegas in a couple of years. The Blue Jays. The Blue Jays swept the A's in Toronto at the end of May, outscoring the A's 18-14. Max Scherzer starts against A's righty Luis Severino

Game #93 Toronto Blue Jays (54-38) @ Chicago White Sox (30-62)

Game #92 Toronto Blue Jays (53-38) @ Chicago White Sox (30-61)

 

Game #91 Toronto Blue Jays (53-38) @ Chicago White Sox (30-61) - game recap

Joey Loperfido drove in 3 runs, including a solo HR, in an 8-4 come-from-behind win over the White Sox

 

After completing the sweep on the strength of 2 runs scored, including a home run and a nice 107 pitch effort from Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 9 games as they hit the road in the final week before the all-star break starting in Chicago tonight against the Southsiders (White Sox). The White Sox took the series in Toronto, outscoring the Blue Jays 22-20. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Joey Loperfido was in LF, Nathan Lukes was in CF and Addison Barger was in RF. Will Wagner was at the hot corner and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 9 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The white Sox opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Brooks Baldwin singled scoring Kyle Teel
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the top of the 4th as Bo Bichette singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr 
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 5th as Joey Loperfido whacked a solo blast to right-center 
• A batter later, Nathan Lukes belted a solo jack to right
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 6th as Addison Barger hammered a 2-run bomb to right; also scoring Bichette
• Four batters later, Loperfido singled scoring Alejandro Kirk and Myles Straw
• A batter later, Ernie Clement scored on a sac bunt by Lukes
• Sean Burke pitching line: 5IP 6H 6R (all earned) 3BB 2K 85 pitches (50 for strikes)
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 6IP 2H 1R (earned) 2BB 4K 76 pitches (48 for strikes)
• The White Sox got a pair back in the bottom of the 7th as Mike Tauchman singled scoring Colson Montgomery and Josh Rojas
• The White Sox got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Lenyn Sosa singled scoring Miguel Vargas
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 White Sox 4

My Take:

• Jose Berrios gave up a run on 2 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4. The Blue Jays definitelt should have let him go one more inning with the bullpen running on fumes. Berrios really didn't have any hard innings, except the 2nd inning. Berrios retired 8 in a row at one point, the first 4 batters he faced and the last 4 batters he faced/
• The bullpwn gave up 3 runs (all charged to Robinson Pina, on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2 over the last 3 innings. Nick Sandlin retired every batter he faced/
• Offensively, Joey Loperfield (3RBI, including a solo HR) Nathan Lukes (2 RBI, including a solo HR), Bo Bichette (run scored, RBI) and  Addison Barger (2 RBI, including a solo HR) led the way
• Every starter except George Springer and Will Wagner reached base and all but Springer, Wagner and Vlad had a hit
• The Blue Jays were 4-6 with runners in scoring posirion
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 10 games and notch their 16th series win of the season. Chris Bassitt starts against White Sox righty Aaron Civalde

Game #91 Toronto Blue Jays (52-38) @ Chicago White Sox (30-60)