Game #90 - Toronto Blue Jays (42-48) @ Seattle Mariners (47-44) - game recap

 

Tyler Rogers threw a scoreless inning in a 4-0 shutout loss to the Mariners

After a blowout shutout loss yesterday due to a bad day for Shane Bieber and the pitchers and the offense managing one measly single the entire game, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 11th series win of the season. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after the half day off as DH yesterday (Sean Key served as DH today).Ernie Clement was at SS and Luis Urias got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays notch their 11th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Mariners opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd on a sac fly by Cal Raleigh that scored Victor Robles
• The Mariners added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Mitch Garver whacked a 2-run blast to left; also scoring Cole Young
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 6IP 3H 3R (2 earned) 2BB 7K 96 pitches (62 for strikes)
• Emerson Hancock pitching line: 7IP 2H 0R 2BB 5K 92 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Mariners added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Josh Naylor singled scoring Randy Arozarena
• Final score: Mariners 4 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage fired 6 solid innings, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 7. He got stronger as the game went on and  retired the last 8 batters he faced. More important, he got 18 outs a day after Shane Bieber barely survived 4 innings and was nearly knocked out of the game in the 2nd inning. Yesavage seems to be slowly finding his form after missing the first month with an injury.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits while walking none and striking out 3 over 2 innings. Mason Fluharty, who has been overused this season, was responsible for the 3 hits and run. Tyler Rogers retired every batter he faced in his inning of work.
• Well, the Blue Jays managed a few more base runners and got a runner into scoring position today. Vlad even reached base twice today, breaking up the perfect game in the 1st inning. If things don't turn around soon, David Popkins may find himself out of a job. The games are only going to get harder as the wild card races heat up and teams acquire players in trades to strengthen their lineups and pitching staffs. 
• The catchers had opposite results on ABS challenges with Alejandro Kirk overturning three ABS challenges while Mariners catcher Mitch Garver was unsuccessful on both his ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 0-2 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays head south to San Francisco to continue their west coast road swing. The Blue Jays swept the season series last year, outscoring the Giants 18-9. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Giants righty Landen Roupp

Game #90 - Toronto Blue Jays (42-47) @ Seattle Mariners (46-44)

 

Monkey never cramp!

Fugly...yesterday was....fugly.

Let's try to be better today....

Game #89 - Toronto Blue Jays (42-47) @ Seattle Mariners (46-44) - game recap

 

Brayden Fisher struck out the side in an 11-0 shutout loss to the Mariners

After a win yesterday on the strength of 7 excellent innings from Dylan Cease and a 2-run 3rd inning rally, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 11th series win of the season. Shane Bieber got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Sean Keys at 1B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 11th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Mariners opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Victor Robles singled scoring Cole Young
• Three batters later, Randy Arozarena hammered a grand slam to left; also scoring Robles, Colt Emerson and JP Crawford
• The Mariners added a pair ofd runs in the bottom of the 5th as Dominic Canzone belted a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Arozarena
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 4IP 6H 7R (all earned) 3BB 3K 89 pitches (53 for strikes)
• The Mariners added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Canzone singled scoring Emerson
• A batter later, Cal Raleigh drilled a 3-run blast to right; also scoring Canzone and Arozarena
• Logan Gilbert pitching line: 7.1IP 1H 0R 0B 7K 91 pitches (63 for strikes)
• Final score: Mariners 11 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Shane Bieber ws lit up for 7 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3 over 4 innings. The 2nd inning was a complete disaster for him which he barekly escaped, needing 44 pitches, giving up 5 runs in the inning, capped by a grand slam from Randy Arozarena, who stopped to play rocks paper scissors with the first base coach during the home run trot. Bieber came out for the 4th and gave up a 2-run HR to end his day. It has been a struggle to find consistent form for the veteran righty after missing te first couple of months of the season with injury.
• The bullpen gave up a further 4 runs on 5 hits with 0 walks and  6 strikeouts over the last 4 innings. Brayden Fisher, who struck out the side in the 8th inning, and Myles Straw both retired every batter they faced.
• Not much to say about the offense, that managed one bloop single to break up the no hitter and perfect game on a day where Logan Gilbert was pulling his best Greg Maddux, needing basically 10 pitches to get through every inning. To be fair, he was nasty today with his fastball consistently touching 97/98 MPH. Sometimes you just have to tip your cap to a nice pitching performance
• The Blue Jays were 1-1 on ABS challenges. The Mariners did not attempt an ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays did not get a runner into scoring position today
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to notch their 11th series win of the season. Trey Yesavage starts against Mariners righty Emerson Hancock

Game #89 - Toronto Blue Jays (42-46) @ Seattle Mariners (45-44)

 

I Pitched for the Jays....and I was not good.

I hope today's game makes up for Canada's loss in the World Cup...

I also hope we actually get some offense going.

Once Dabs gets that propane we're all gonna show Fergus how to party!

Game #88 - Toronto Blue Jays (42-46) @ Seattle Mariners (45-44) - game recap

 

After an off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays began a west coast swing in Seattle against the Mariner, a rematch of the ALCS that propelled the Blue Jays to an opportunity for their 3rd world series of which they fell inches short. In the regular season, the Blue Jays won the season series outscoring the Mariners 31-24. Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as Wednesday's Canada Day blowout against Bo Bichette and the Mets. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and start te west coast swing with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Andres Gimenez doubled scoring Sean Keys
• Two batters later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled home Gimenez
• Luis Castillo pitching line; 6IP 5H 2R (both earned) 1BB 4K 101 pitches (712 for strikes) 
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 7IP 3H 0R 1BB 9K 102 pitches (70 for strikes)
• Louis Varland threw a scoreless 9th for his 18th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Mariners 0

My Take:

• Dylan Cease fired 7 shutout innings, scattering 3 hits, walking 1 and striking out 9.  He hit into a jam in the bottom of the 3rd but pitched his way out of it witth the help of a nice double play executed behind him. That was really his only stressful inning and Cease retired 13 of the last 14 batters he faced
• The bullpen held the Mariners to a walk and a hit while striking out 3 over the last 2 innings. Hoffman was placed on the highest leverage situation he's been in for a while, pitching the 8th with a 2- run lead. Hopefully John Schneider keeps him where he is and doesn't try to make him a closer again.
• The sputtering offense got two clutch base hits off the bats of Vlad and Andres Gimenez. Maybe just maybe Vlad is starting to slowly turn it around, but he is still executing far below what one should expect someone paid aikm to stars like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto, who have been earning their mega deals a lot better. Vlad basically had his career year in 2021; a year where the Blue Jays were playing their home games in minor league ballparks due to the COVID-19 restrictions. He is almost certainly playing through something and should seriously consider an IL stint to get over whatever the ailment is so he can better help the team. No one should be questioning his commitment to trying to improve - Guerrero Jr. has been spent hours in the batting cage - perhaps too much time.  Maybe he should try some video sessions to try and find the flaw in his swing.
• The Mariners Randy Arozarena was unsuccessful in both his ABS challenges and Alejandro Kirk successfully overturned the Blue Jays only ABS challenge.  Mariners manager Dan Wilson can't be happy that Arozarena blew both their ABS challenges
• The Blue jays were 1-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 11th series win of the season. Shane Bieber starts against Mariners righty Logan  Gilbert 

Game #88 - Toronto Blue Jays (41- 46) @ Seattle Mariners (45 -43)

 

Hey Cito, my swing doesn't need to be fixed.

Time for a little JiTH after dark baseball.

The embark on a nine game west coast road swing.

Without getting too dire this trip could pretty much sum up the season for the team as they head into the all star break.

So with everyone not having any duties and responsibilities to attend to settle in and enjoy some left coast baseball.

Game #87 - NY Mets (36-51) @ Toronto Blue Jays (41-46) - game recap

 

Sean Keys hit a 3-run HR for his first career HR in a 9-3 rout over the Mets

After a shutout loss yesteday due to another lacklustre effort by the offense, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 10th series win of the season and extend their winning streak on Canada Day to 2 games. George Springer was placed on the paternity list and Jonathan Clase was recalled from AAA-ball. It was a bullpen day with Brayden Fisher starting and Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the lineup at 1B after being removed from yesterday's lineup with back tightness. Kazuma Okamoto was also back at the hot corner after a day off yesterday. Ernie Clement was at 2B and Sean Keys served as DH. Could the Blue Jays notch their 10th series win of the season and extend their winning streak on Canada Day to 2 games? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Nathan Lukes
• Brayden Fisher pitching line: 1IP 0H 0R 1BB 1K 14 pitches (7 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Ernie Clement doubled scoring Okamoto
• A batter later, Sean Keys whacked a 3-run blast to the opposite field in left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Clement and Alejandro Kirk
• Freddy Peralta pitching line: 4IP 7H 5R (all earned) 3BB 4K 91 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Daulton Varsho singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Two batters later, Myles Straw smacked a 3-run blast to left-center; also scoring Varsho and Kirk
• The Mets got a pair back in the top of the 8th as Carson Benge belted a 2-run jack to the opposite field in left-center; also scoring Brett Baty
• The Mets got one back in the 9th inning as Francisco Lindor hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in left
• Patrick Corbin pitched the last 5 innings for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 9 Mets 3

My Take:

• The Blue Jays were forced, due to a struggling Patrick Corbin who was moved to the bullpen, to have another bullpen day. Brayden Fisher pitched the first inning, walking a batter on 14 pitches. He might have started the 2nd inning, but the offense was at bat a long time and the team had a couple of pitchers who could go a few innings today.
• The two pitchers in question were Spencer Miles, who pitched three shutout innings, giving up a hit and a walk. Corbin notched the 5-inning save and gave up 3 runs on 4 hits. Both relievers struck out 5 batters each. Kudos to both for saving the rest of the bullpen for the upcoming west coast road trip.
• The offense exploded n a big way just like last year when they pumped 12 runs on the board against the Yankees. Today, rookie Sean Keys went the opposite way for his first career HR in the 3rd inning and Myles Straw added 3 more in a similar spot in the 7th inning. Up and down the lineup everyone contributed
• Everyone in the starting lineup except Yohendrick Pinago reached base and all but Pinago and Andres Gimenez had a hit
• Alejandro Kirk was unsuccessful on the only ABS challenge of the day
• The Blue Jays were 5-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day/travel day tomorrow, the Blue Jays head to Seattle for a rematch of last year's ALCS that propelled the Blue Jays to an opportunity for their 3rd world series of which they fell inches short. In the regular season, the Blue Jays won the season series outscoring the Mariners 31-24. Dylan Cease starts for the Blue Jays. The Mariners haven't set their rotation for the series yet.

Game #87 - New York Mets (36-50) @ Toronto Blue Jays (40-46)

 

I miss that smile....put him in the HOF already!

I gotta be honest with you...this team's offense is painful to watch.

How painful?

This painful.

So as we try to win this series let's remember that a win would bring this ten game homestand to a 3-7 record. Ugh. Many beds have been shat in.

On the plus side at least Gausman looked a fuck ton better last night.

Of note: No Georgie as he's on the paternity list.

His post season was a success both on and off the field in 2025.

I doubt many of you will subject yourself to viewing the game today as it's...

CANADA DAY!!!

The best flag ever...but I'm biased.

Some fun Jays Canada Day facts...

Overall record on Canada Day: 16-29

At home on Canada Day: 14-9

And for historical reference...29 years ago the Jays and Expos faced each other for the first and only time on Canada Day in 1997.

It was a pitchers duel between Roger Clemens and Jeff Juden.

The Jays lost 2-1 with Juden having struck out 14 Jays batters....some things never change.

With that said I wish everyone a very happy Canada Day and for those in Southern Ontario (even Fergus) stay hydrated!! It's nasty out there.

Game #86 - NY Mets (36-50) @ Toronto Blue Jays (40-46) - game recap

Kevin Gausman fired 6 strong innings in a 3-0 shutout loss to the Mets

After eking out a win yesterday on the strength of a 6.2 inning effort from starter Trey Yesavage and just enough offense to carry the day, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to two games and notch their 10th series win and 4th season series win of the season. Ace Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Sean Keys was added late lineup replacement for Vladimir Guerrero Jr, who was removed from the lineup with lower back tightness. Daulton Varsho was in CF, Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Andres Gimenez got the start at SS. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 10th series win and 4th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Mets opened the scoring in the top of the 5th as Francisco Alvarez hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 5H 1R (earned) 2BB 7K 96 pitches (65 for strikes)
• Nolan McLean pitching line: 6IP 5H 0R 2BB 7K 91 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Mets added a run in the top of the 7th as Luis Torrens whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right and into the Mets bullpen
• The Mets added a run in the top of the 9th on a sac fly by Brett Bat-y that scored AJ Ewing
• Devin Williams threw a scoreless 9th for his 12th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 Mets 0

My Take:

• The pitching lines were virtually identical with both starters going 6 innings, giving up 5 hits, walking 2 and striking out 7. The difference was one of the hits off Kevin Gausman left the ballpark. Gausman also threw 5 more pitches (96 vesus 91) and got 2 more strikes (65 for Gausman). It was a better start for Gausman, who has experienced a regression in performance (due to age? injury? other factors?). Tonight's start could be important if the Blue Jays decide to sell at the deadline if they hit the all-star break still creeping along. 
• The bullpen gave up 2 runs on 2 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4 over the last 3 innings. At this point, the Blue Jays are really just trying to work piecemeal with whichever armss are available and hope that the starteer is effective like Gausman was tonight. Buyers or sellers, the team needs some fresh bullpen arms for the stretch drive.
• The offense did nothing tonight, managing 8 total base runners. Luis Urias, who has made a good early impression since being acquired 10 days ago, was the only Blue Jay to reach base multiple times with 2 hits and a walk. The Blue Jays never advanced a runner past 2nd base
• The Blue Jays were a perfect 4-4 on ABS challenges with Alejandro Kirk overturning 3 calls for the pitchers. The Mets were unsuccessful on their only ABS challenge
• Quirky stat of the day: Both teams are a combined 0-25 with runners in scoring position. Will either team get a hit with a runner in scoring position tomorrow?
• Up next, the rubber match where the Blue Jays will be looking to extend the current and Canada day win streak to 2 games and notch their 10th series win and 4th season series win of the season. The Blue Jays have an overall record of 17-29 on Canada Day with no game on Canada Day in 1981 (player's strike) and 1993 (off-day) and 2020 (COVID-19 pandemic - season didn't start until end of July). It will be a bullpen day after the decision was made to move the struggling Patrick Corbin to the bullpen. Brayden Fisher, Spencer Miles or Adam Macko will likely come in as the opener. The Mets will counter with righty Freddy Peralta

Game #86 - New York Mets (39-50) @ Toronto Blue Jays (40-45)

 

Just because I love the hell out of that guy...pew! pew!

Sometimes you CAN put lipstick on a pig.

Last night wasn't pretty but we'll take it.

We got out of the top of the 1st unscathed and then this little bit of magic happened...

Nothing like a little league homerun to fuel your offense...

Also encouraging was a decently deep effort by a starter in for what seems like ages.

So tonight...no Vlad due to back shittyness and the return of Dabs' new love Sean Keys.

Hopefully Gausman stops throwing that crappy slider too much for this start.

And Now An Important Message From JiTH Cares

As you know we at Jith Cares want everyone to have the utmost positive and nurturing experience here.

It's come to our attention that some (one) of our posters feel that they (he) are being personally attacked.

Let us stress that we cannot condone (unless it's funny) that kind of behaviour.

So in keeping with that spirit of harmony JiTH Cares has decided to issue each member here their very own JiTH protective interaction wear.

Stylish yet practical!!!

And for severe cases we offer this nifty little number...

Never again be afraid to get the last word in!!!

And now a word from JiTH Weather

If you live in Ontario it's gonna be stupid hot...so remember to hydrate!

Game #85 - NY Mets (35-50) @ Toronto Blue Jays (40-45) - game recap

 

Trey Yesavage threw 6.2 strong innings in a 2-1 victory over the Mets

After dropping yesterdays game after yet another pathetic effort by the offense and a bizarre wild pitch where pinch runner Jarred Kelenic scored from second base when Alejandro Kirk couldn't find the ball, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 6-game skid and start the week with a win as they welcome Bo Bichette and the Mets back to Toronto. Bichette hit .294 with 111HR and 437RBI over 7 seasons. He was arguably the Blue Jays most consistent hitter in most seasons, save for 2024 when he missed half the season with a calf injury. His defense left a lot to be desired, but I bet any Blue Jays fan would overlook that for a consistent bat. The Mets swept the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 10-3. Trey Yesavage got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate.  Myles Straw was in CF, Ernie Clement was at SS and Luis Urias got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 6-game skid and start the week with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st on a little league HR that was scored as a triple and fielding error my Mets CF AJ Ewing
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th on a sac fly by Myles Straw that scored Luis Urias 
• Sean Manaea pitching line: 5.2IP 3H 2R (both earned)  2BB 4K 90 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Mets got one back in the top of the 7th as Francisco Lindor whacked a solo blast to right and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 6.2IP 3H 1R (earned) 0BB 3K 94 pitches (57 for strikes)
• Louis Varland threw a scoreless 9th for his 17th save of the season.
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Mets 1

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage pitched 6.2 strong innings, giving up a run on 3 hitas while walking none and striking out 3. The Blue Jays needed this kind of performance from Yesavage after a couple of rough outings meant heavy use on a taxed bullpen. He retired 11 in a row at one point.
• The bullpen threw 2.1 scoreless innings, giving up 2 hits, walking 2 and striking out two. Mason Fluharty pitched a third of an inning but technically didn't retire the only batter he faced since Brandon Valenzuela gunned down one of the runners that were on base when he entered the game to end the 7th inning. Louis Varland is almost a lock to be at the all-star game in Philadelphis next month.
• The offense scored one ugly run on a George Springer triple that was booted around in the outfield so badly that Springer was able to score standing up and a sac fly. This is just not sustainable and if some of the bats don't get going soon, it'll be too late.
• Bo Bichette in his return to Toronto was quiet at the plate with an 0-4 effort. He immensly enjoyed the tribute video, watching from the outfield, tapping his heart once and then saluting the fans. Who knows, maybe there will be a reunion in a year or two.
• The Mets were 1-3 on ABS challenges and George Springer was unsuccessful on the Blue Jays only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 0-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 10th series win of the season. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Mets righty Nolan McLean

Game #85 - New York Mets (35-49) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-45)

 

Let me tell you about this one catch I made....

I'll give this team some credit...at least they found a creative and unusual way to lose yesterday.

So they're now staring a six game losing streak in the eyes and wondering if the Mets (with Bo in tow) will be the panacea they so desperately need.

I have no idea how this series is going to play out but knowing 2026 it may get ugly.

Also ugly is the starting line-up but get used to it cuz Barger is broken again and you'll get more Sosa before him and like it.

JiTH Social Calendar

Semi-respected poster IAO has informed us that he's soon leaving for an Alaskan cruise.

We wish his family all the best of luck while they spend "quality" time with him.

We here at JiTH will tepidly debate the merits of his lost input while he's away.

In the interests of science I've dusted off the JiTH ChronoViewer to take a sneak peek at IAO's future trip.

Yup...pretty much as I thought.

And if the game really lacks any appeal for you there's this handy little thing to amuse you...

Game #84 - Texas Rangerss (42-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-45) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes hit a 2-run HR in a 3-2 loss to the Rangers

After another loss due to ome rough pitching and not enough offense, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 5-game skid and avoid their 8th season series loss of the season and being swept for the 2nd time this season. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after the half day off as DH yesterday (George Springer served as DH today). Could the Blue Jays snap the 5-game skid and avoid their 8th season series loss of the season and being swept for the 2nd time this season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Rangers opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Joc Pederson whacked a solo blast to right
• The Rangers added a run in the top of the 6th as Elias Diaz singled scoring Brandon Nimmo
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 5.1IP 5H 2R (both earned) 4BB 4K 92 pitches (56 for strikes)
• Kumar Rocker pitching line: 6IP 4H 0R 1BB 5K 92 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 8th as Nathan Lukes whacked a 2-run blast to right; also scoring George Springer
• The Rangers took the lead in the top of the 9th on a wild pitch by Louis Varland that scored Jarred Kelenic
• Tyler Alexander threw a perfect 9th for his 4th save of the season
• Final score: Rangers 3 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Shane Bieber battled threw 4.2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 5 hits while walking 4 and striking out 4. A bit of a rough 1st inning, gettung taken deep on the game's first pitch then loading the bases on a hit and a pair of walks but he limited the damage to a run. He gor better as the game went on and retired 6 in a row at one point.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6 over the last 3.2 innings. Baseball can be such a cruel sport sometimes. Louis Varland gave up a double then uncorked a wild pitch that went into the dugout to allow the runner to score from 2nd base. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced
• Another game another pitiful effort from the offense. Nathan Lukes went deep in the 8th inning for 2 runs and that was it. Only 4 Blue Jays got hits and reached base and Vlad wasn't one of them - another 0-4 day. Maybe he needs a day off or perhaps a 10-day IL stint.
• The Blue Jays were a perfect 4-4 on ABS challenges with Alejandro Kirk getting 3 calls overturned. Rangers catcher Elias Diaz was 0-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 0-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays welcome the NY Mets and Bo Bichetter back to Toronto. The Mets swept the season series last year, outscooring the Blue Jays 10-3. Trey Yesavage starts against Mets lefty Sean Manaea

Game #84 - Texas Rangers (41-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-44)

 

Spell my last name correctly or I'll make fun of Dabs.

I gotta admit...this team is really hard to watch right now.

I thought we'd go at least 7-3 on this homestand but I was obviously wrong.

Losing always sucks but it's the way we're doing it...crappy starting pitching, lack of timely hitting, indifferent play...it's depressing.

Normally I'd be optimistic about the All Star break coming up but there's the matter of a pesky little nine game west coast trip to get out of the way first.

That might very well be the end of the season.

C'MON GUYS!!! GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER!!

On a positive note it's good for you soccer fans to at least have the World Cup to distract you from the Jays.

Sadly the thought of watching either makes me want to scoop my eyes out with a melon baller.

SPECIAL BEHIND THE SCENES ACTION!

   Actual footage of Hot Dog filling out the line up.

Game #83 Texas Rangers (41-42) Blue Jays (39-44) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk hit aa solo HR, his 50th career hit, in a 7-4 loss to the Rangers

After another loss due to an ugly start from Patrick Corbin, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 4-game skid anrd avoid their 12th series loss of  the season. Infielder Sean Keys was added to the MLB roster (and got the start at 1B with Vlad getting the half  day off as DH), Davis Schneider was optioned to AAA-ball, Jesus Sanchez was placed on the 10-day IL with an ankle sprain and Yohendrick Pinago was recalled from AAA-ball (and got the start in LF). Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays snap the 4-game skid and avoid their 12th series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights: 

• The Rangers opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Jake Burger singled scoring Brandon Nimmo
• The Rangers added a run in the top of the 5th as Burger singled scoring Josh Jung
• Two batters later, Alejandro Osuna singled scoring Nimmo and Burger 
• A batter later,  Elias Diaz doubled scoring Ezequiel Duran and Osuna
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 4.2IP 4H 4R (all earned) 5BB 10K 107 pitches (62 for strikes)
• Cal Quantrill pitching line: 4IP 2H 0R 1BB 5K 55 pitches (36 for strikes)
• The Blue jays got a pair back in the bottom half of the inning as Yohendrick Pinago hammered a 2-run run bomb to right-center; also scoring Ernie Clement
• The Rangers added a run in the top of the 6th as Corey Seager smacked a solo blast to right-center and into the Rangers bullpen
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Alejandro Kirk belted s solo jack to left
• Four batters later, Andres Gimenez singled scoring Sean Keys
• Tyler Alexander threw a perfect 9th for his 3rd save of the season
• Final score: Rangers 7 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Dylan Cease battled through 4.2 innings, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits while walking 5 and striking out 10. Not a great 1st inning, walking 3 batters, but at least he was able to limit the damage to 1 run. Not so much in the 5th when the Rangers scored 5 times in the inning, three of which were charged to Cease. Good sign he was racking up the strikeouts. Locate the ball a bit more and maybe he prevents a few baserunners.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on 7 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3 over the last 4.1 innnings. Mason Fluharty was only able to retire one batter and Brayden Fisher was taken deep the next inning to put the game out of reach. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced.
• What to do with Vlad. 0-5 today and not hustling to first meant a double play that could havve been prevented had he run with a bit of effort. He should definitely be moved down the order and maybe get a day off tomorrow. Alejandro Kirk (solo HR) and Yohendrick Pinago (2-run HR) did the damage offensively
• Alejandro Kirk was 3-1 on ABS challenges and Rangers catcher Elias Diaz was 2-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 2-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 5 game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd time this season. Shane Bieber starts against Rangers righty Kumar Rocker

Game #83 - Texas Rangers (40-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-43)

 

Best stuff in the organization...

This team is maddening as all hell. 

From .500 to a four game losing streak.

I've chilled on the .500 thing....let's get out of 1st without giving up 3 or more runs....baby steps.

As you can see they've called up Dab's flavour of the second: Sean Keys.

Pinango is back and whipping boy Sanchez is on the IL.

Hot Dog Jr. has been optioned back to AAA.

And now some sad news to report...

If you've read the game re-cap thread you'll see that beloved poster IAO has left us permanently and will never....hhmmm??....what's that?

FFS..

And since we've never determined IAO's gender conclusively...

Lastly, I'll leave you with some solid advice for the Jays...

Game #82 - Texas Rangerss (40-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-43) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a 2-run double in a 5-4 loss to the Rangers

After a loss due to an ugly start from ace Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and snap the 3-game skid. Lefty Adam Macko was recalled from AAA-ball and righty Simeon Woods Richardson was DFA'd. Patrck Corbin got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF and Daulton Varsho was in CF. Andres Gimenez was at SS and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B.

Game Highlights:

• The Rangers opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Brandon Nimmo doubled scoring Wyatt Langford
• Two batters later, Justin Foscue singled scoring Josh Jung
• A batter later, Ezequiel Duran singled home Nimmo
• The Rangers added a pair of runs in the top of the 3rd as Fosque hammered a 2-run bomb to the 3rd deck in right; also scoring Jake Burger
• Patrick Corbin pitching line: 4.1IP 7H 5R (all earned) 1BB 5K 94 pitches (57 for strikes)
• Nathan Eovaldi pitching line: 7IP 5H 0R 1BB 9K 92 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Blue jays got a pair back in the bottom of the 9th as Vladimir Gurrero Jr. doubled scoring Andres Gimenez and George Springe 
• A batter later, Kazuma Okamoto hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also snoring Guerrero Jr
• Jacob Latz threw a scoreless 9th for his 16th save of the season
• Final score: Rangers 5 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Patrick Corbin battled through 4.1 innings, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. Corbin put the Blue Jays behind instantly, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits and a hit batter in the opening inning. Justin Fosque took him deep for 2 more runs against in the 3rd inning. He is likely the move when Max Scherzer returns. Perhaps they need to use him as a bulk reliever like they did with Eric Lauer.
• The bullpen threw 4.2 scoreless innings, giving up 2 hits, walking 2 and striking out 5. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced. You have to wonder if the Blue Jays consider swapping Corbin and Spencer Miles in 5 days. Corbin is simply not consistently getting batters out and Miles has done well as a fifth starter/platoon guy. The team needs to do something with the rotation being so inconsistent, other than Dylan Cease.
• For the second straight night, a late game rally by the offense fell short a run. Vlad (2-run double) and Kazuma Okamoto (2-run HR) did the damage. I can see hitting coach David Popkins being a scapegoat if the Blue Jays miss the playoffs
• The Rangers were 1-2 on ABS challenges and Blue Jays catcher Brandon Valenzuela was unsuccessful on both ABS challenges he attempted
• The Blue Jays were 2-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 4-game skid and avoid losing their 12th series of the season. Dylan Cease starts against Rangers righty Cal Quantrill

Game #82 - Texas Rangers (39-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-42)

 

What Blue Jays record do I hold?

Two steps forward eight steps back.

Let's try to get above .500 before the end of this homestand....plz??

Adam Macko is back and SWR is DFA'd...baseball is a funny sport.

On the bright side at least Sanchez isn't in the.....oh...shit.