Game #60 - Toronto Blue Jays (29-31) @ Baltimore Orioles (28-32) - game recap

 

Yohendrick Pinago hit a 3-run HR in a 9-5 loss to the Orioles

After a brutal come-from behind loss yesterday after another brutal Jeff Hoffman meltdown, the Blue Jays were looking to escape Baltimore with their 9th series win of the season. Spencer Miles got the start with Brandon Valenzuuela behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Charles McAdoo at 1B. Could the Blue Jays notch their 9th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Orioles opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd on a ground out hit by Colton Cowser that scored Pete Alonso
• The Orioles addeed a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Alonso singled scoring Gunnar Henderson
• A batter later, Samuel Bassalo doubled scoring Adley Rutschman
• Two batters later, Cowser hammered a 3-run bomb to right-center; also scoring Alonso and Basallo
• Spencer Miles pitching line: 3IP 5H 6R (all earned) 3BB 2K 70 pitches (47 for strikes)
• The Orioles added a run in the bottom of the 6th on a fielder's choice hiit by Taylor Ward that scored Cowser
• A batter later, Henderson doubled scoring Blaze Alexander
• A batter after that, Ward scored on a sac fly by Rutschman
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 7th on a fielder's choice hit by Charles McAdoo that scored Ernie Clement. Orioles 2B was charged with a throwing error on the play
• Kyle Bradish pitching line: 7IP 4H 1R (unearned) 3BB 4K 94 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 8th as Clement doubled scoring Nathan Lukes
• A batter later, Yohendrick Pinago hammered a 3-run bomb to right; also scoring Clement and Kazuma Okamoto
• Final score: Orioles  Blue Jays 5

My Take:

• The baseball gods have a way of humbling baseball players playing well. Today, it was Spencer Miles' turn. Miles was lit up for 6 runs on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 2 over 3 innings. He took 70 pitches to get 9 outs. Every pitcher is due for a stinker every now and then so hopefully this is just a one-off.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4 over the last 5 innings Hayden Juenger, making his big league debut, was responsible for all 3 runs given up by the bullpen. Mason Fluharty was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced, striking out the side in the bottom of thec 8th
• Offensively, Ernie Clement (2 runs scored, RBI) and Yohendrick Pinago (3-run HR) carried the day. Vlad should go back to hitting 3rd in the order because hitting 2nd isn't helping him.
• As if the injury situation couldn't get any kookier, Jesus Sanchez was forced to leave the game in the 6th after a fan threw a ball on the field, evidently misinterpreting a friendly chat as an invitation to play catch. Hopefully he won't miss more than a day or two.
• All three ABS challenges were successfully overturned with the Blue Jays overturning 2 ABS challenges and the Orioles overturning 1 ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 2-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays continue the road trip in Atlanta. The Blue Jays won the season series last year, outscoring the Braves 13-12. Ace Kevin Gausman starts for the Blue Jays. The Braves haven't set their rotation for the series yet.

Game #60 Toronto Blue Jays (29-30) @ Baltimore Orioles (27-32)

 

Game #59 - Toronto Blue Jays (29-30) @ Baltimore Orioles (27-32) - game recap

Kazuma Okamoto drove in a pair of runs in a losing effort as the Orioles came from behind to walk-off the Blue Jays 6-5

 

After eking out a win thanks to a pair of 2-run HR off the bats of Andres Gimenez and Charles McAdoo and a clutch 2-run double by Vlad, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 5 games and notch their 9th series win of the season. Austin Voth was DFA'd after yesterday's disastrous appearance and righty Hayden Juenger was added to the MLB roster. Trey Yesavage got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Nathan Lukes was in LF and Jesus Sanchez was in RF. Andres Gimenez was at SS and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 5 games and notch their 9th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Orioles opened the scoring in the bottom of the 4th as Gunnar Henderson singled scoring Jeremiah Jackson
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 5th as Jesus Sanchez doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 
• A batter later, Ernie Clement singled home Guerrero Jr.
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 5IP 2H 1R (earned) 7BB 4K 92 pitches (48 for strikes)
• Brandon Young pitching line: 6.2IP 7H 2R (both earned) 1BB 7K 86 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 8th as Kazuma Okamoto doubled scoring Nathan Lukes and Guerrero Jr 
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th as Gu-errero Jr. doubled scoring Lukes
• The Orioles got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Leody Taveras tripled scoring Coby Mayo
• A batter later, Jackson Holliday singled home Taveras
• Three batters later, Holliday was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Henderson
• A batter later, Colton Cowser was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Adley Rutschman
• A batter after that, Pete Alonso singled scoring Taylor Ward
• Final score: Orioles 6 Blue Jays 5

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage definitely didn't have his best stuff going for him, especially since he walked 7 batters on the day. He was able to make enough pitches to largely get of out jams unscathed and give the Blue Jays a much needed 5 innings with a bullpen game on tap tomorrow. Yesavage is likely still establishing a good rhythm after missing the first 6 weeks with injury.
• Oh boy did John Schneider ever overthink his choices to get the last 6 outs. First, he used closer Louis Varland to get the 3 outs in the 8th due to the perceived tougher part of the lineup that inning. Then he elected to bring in Jeff Hoffman in what had turned into a non-save situation because Vlad had a clutch hit to give the Blue Jays a 4-run cushion. Knowing Hoffman's issues in this scenarios, Schneider should have kept Connor Seobold throwing so the second Hoffman started showing signs of faltering, he could have been brought in with a 2 run lead to work with instead of the bases being loaded and facing a dangerous hitter in Adley Rutschman. How long will the Blue Jays keep trying to work with Hoffman? Austin Voth was DFA'd today after an equally ugly pitching line yesterday and he didn't blow a lead. Hoffman should have had the blown save attached to him today since the run was his responsibility. I don't care that he was out of the game. Seabold was put in an impossible situation by Hoffman that never should have happened.
• If there is a silver lining to this loss, Vlaf's bat is heating up and he's starting to drive the ball and come up with extra base hits. He's streaky like his father was but there's still time for him to develop into that dangerous power bat of Vladimir Guerrero Sr. Kazuma Okamoto continues to impress in his first year in North America with another clutch 2-RBI hit.
• Every Blue Jays starter except Andres Gimenez and Tyler Heineman had a hit. It's very likely Heineman will be out of a job once Alejandro Kirk returns from the fractured thumb in the coming weeks.
• Heineman was 1-2 in ABS challenges and Orioles 3B Coby Mayo was successful in the Orioles only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 2-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to escape Baltimore with their 9th series win of the season. It will be a bullpen day with Spencer Miles either starting or following someone like Adam Macko. The Orioles will counter with righty Kyle Bradish

Game #59 Toronto Blue Jays (29-29) @ Baltimore Orioles (26-32)

 

Game #58 - Toronto Blue Jays (29-29) @ Baltimore Orioles (26-32) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in a pair of runs and scored a run in a 6-5 comeback win over the Orioles

After eking out a win on a bases loaded walk, the Blue Jays were trying to extend the win streak to 4 games. Adam Macko got the start in a bullpen day with Dylan Cease on the IL with a hamstring strainand Brandon Valenzuela was behind the plate. Myles Straw was in LF and Yohendrick Pinago was in RF. Ernie Clement got the start at SS with Charles McAdoo at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games?  Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• Adam Macko pitching line: 1.2IP 3H 0R 0BB 1K 30 pitches (20 for strikes)
• The Orioles opened the scoring in the button of the 3rd on a bases loaded walk by Adley Rutschman that forced in Jackson Holiday
• Two batters later, Taylor Ward scored on a sac fly by Samuel Basallo
• The Orioles added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Holiday hammered a solo bomb to right
• The Orioles added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Pete Alonso whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• A batter later, Basallo smacked a solo blast to the opposite field in left
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the top of the 7th as Kazuma Okamoto belted a 2-run jack to left also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Two batters later, Charles McAdoo whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right-center; also scoring Daulton Varsho
• Trevor Rogers pitching line: 6IP 6H 4R (all earned) 1BB 3K 84 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a pair or runs in the top of the 8th as Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring George Springer and Ernie Clement
• Brayden Fisher threw a perfect 9th for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Orioles 5

My Take:

• Adam Macko is reminding me a lot of Tim Mayza, who was an effective lefty and could be used in different situations. Ideally, you want Macko to come in as a reliever towards the middle of the game, but with the Blue Jays injury situation, they are going to have to resort to bullpen games at least another couple of weeks. The Blue Jays should have guys stretched out in the minor league system so they can be used as a traditional starter and eat up several innings. The brass in the minors should be monitoring things in the bigs and know when a pitcher might be headed to the IL and skip a starter for a potential call-up.
• At the other extreme is Austin Voth who was lit up for 5 runs on 5 hits while walking 4 and striking out none. Not sure the result would have been different if the Blue Jays had opted to use Voth as a traditional starter. Connor Seabold, Mason Fluharty and Fisher combined for 4 perfect innnings while striking out 2 to give the bats a chance to wake up. Fluharty was credited with the win and Fisher notched his first save of the season.
• After being stymied by Trevor Rogers for 6 innings, the Blue Jays finally got to him via a pair of 2-run HR, including a career first for Charles McAdoo. Vlad led the way offensively, driving in a pair and scoring once. Kazuma Okamoto extended his team lead in HR, going deep for the 12th time this season to put the Blue Jays on the board
• Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo was unsucceessful in the Orioles only ABS challenge and Valenzuela successfully overturned a ball call into s strike call in the Blue Jays lone ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 2-11 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 5 games and notch their 9th series win of the season. Trey Yesavage starts against Orioles righty Brandon Young 

Game #58 Toronto Blue Jays (28-29) @ Baltimore Orioles (26-31)

 

Game #57 - Toronto Blue Jays (28-29) @ Baltimore Orioles (26-31) - game recap

 

Patrick Corbin threw 5 solid innings in a 2-1 victory over the Orioles

After eking out a win yesterday thanks to Kazuma Okamoto going deep, the Blue Jays were looking extend the win streak to 3 games as they started a road trip in Baltimore against old friend Chris Bassitt. -The Blue Jays took the season series last year 7-6, but the Orioles outscored the Blue Jays 80-70. Lenyn Sosa was placed on the 10-day IL with a wrist contusion and Chase Lee was optioned to AAA-ball. Charles McAdoo had his contract selected to the MLB roster. Righty Lazio Estrada was transferred to the 60-Day IL. Patrick Corbin got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Nathan Lukes got the start in LF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Andres Gimenez belted a solo jack to right-center
• The Orioles tied it in the bottom of the 5th as Coby Mayo hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Patrick Corbin pitching line: 5IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 4K 80 pitches (49 for strikes)
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 2K 80 pitches (48 for strikes)\
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 8th on a bases loaded walk to Yohendrick Pinago that forced in George Springer
• Louis Varland got the last 4 outs for his 8th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Orioles 1

My Take:

• It was a pretty even pitcher's duel to start this important series with both Chris Bassitt and Patrick Corbin allowing a run on 4 hits while walking 1. Bassitt went an extra inning. Corbin threw an extra strike (49 vs. 48 for Bassitt; both threw 80 pitches) and got double the number of strikeouts (4 for Corbin and 2 for Bassitt. Corbin continues to give the Blue Jays a chance to win mostly every night - a great pickup by Ross Atkins
• The bullpen held the Orioles to 4 hits while walking none and striking out 4 over the last 4 innings. Oh boy, here's hoping Tyler Rogers isn't down more than a day or 2 after taking a comebacker off the ankle. The Blue Jays practically have a full roster on the IL already and Yimi Garcia, Joe Mantiply (who now needs athroscopic surgery on his knee, and Tommy Nance aren't close to returning. Louis Varland and Jeff Hoffman will have more on their shoulders while Rogers is down. Jeff Hoffman was credited with the win.
• When the offence isn't going consistently, you need to find other ways to manufacture runs. Tonight, the Blue Jays won on a bases loaded walk in the 8th inning. Andres Gimenez also moved into a tie for 2nd on the team in home runs by going deep for the 6th time this season. Some of  the guys who were raking last season like Ernie Clement, Vlad, George Springer and Daulton Varsho need to get the bats going soon, the calendar turns to June on Monday.
• Neither of the catchers were successful on ABS challenges with Adley Rutschmann going 0-2 and Brandon Valenzuela 0-1. At least Valenzuela was able to come up with a massive pick off to end the 8th inning
• The Blue Jays were 0-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 4 games. Lefty Trevor Rogers starts for the Orioles tonight. The Blue Jays haven't decided who will make the spot start for Dylan Cease, who's on the IL with a hamstring issue. It'll likely be one of Austin Voth or Chad Dallas.  John Schneider indicated earlier this week the spot start will likely be handled as a traditional start as opposed to an opener followed by a bulk reliever. The Blue Jays have a chance to get back to .500 for the first time since April 3rd.

Game #57 Toronto Blue Jays (27-29) @ Baltimore Orioles (26-30)

 

Game #56 - Miami Marlins (26-31) @ Toronto Blue Jays (27-29) - game recap

 

After a win thanks to a 6-run 6th inning capped by a Jesus Sanchez grand slam?, the Blue Jays were looking to make it 2 straight wins and notch their 7th series win and 2nd season series win of the season. Tanner Andrews was optioned to AAA-ball and lefty Aaron Voth was added to the big league roster. Alejandro Kirk was transferred to the 60 day IL. The Blue Jays also acquired righty Connor SeaWorld from the Tigers for minor league lefty Juanmi Vasquez.  Jose Berrios was transferred to the 60-day IL. Kevin Gausman got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate.  George Springer got the full day off with Jesus Sanchez serving as DH. Vlad was back in the lineup after missing a couple of days after getting drilled in the elbow by a pitch in the right elbow. Nathan Lukes got the start in RF. Could the Blue Jaysmake it 2 straight wins and notch their 7th series win and 2nd season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Marlins opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Otto Lopez singled scoring Xavier Edwards
• Eury Perez pitching line: 4IP 3H 0R 0BB 9K 73 pitches (48 for strikes)
• The Blue jays tied it up in the bottom of the 5th as Nathan Lukes doubled scoring Tyler Heineman
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5IP 6H 1R (earned) 2BB 5K 95 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue jays took the lead in the bottom of the 6th as Kazuma Okamoto whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-field and into the Marlins bullpen 
• Tyler Rogers pitched a perfect 9th for his 2nd save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Marlins 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 5 innings, giving up s run on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 5. He was working his way in and out of jams most of the day. Also not his most efficient outing, needing almost 100 pitches to get 15 outs. He seems to be having a regression year. Hopefully his trajectory doesn't continue in this path.
• The bullpen threw 4 scoreless innings, scattering 5 hits, walking none and striking out 3. I've said all along that Tyler Rogers should be the closer.  He's been the Blue Jays best pitcher and doesn't mess around when he's on the mound. Jeff Hoffman, who went 2 innings, was credited with the win. 
• The offense did just enough to win the day. Nathan Lukes came through with a clutch hit in the 5th and Kazuma Okamoto went deep to the opposite field in right-center. Despite a sore elbow, Vlad was the most effective hitter with 2 hits and drawing a walk. Heck he even managed to steal a base
• The Marlins were successful in the only ABS challenge of the day. 
• The Blue jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays head to Baltimore to face their division rivals in the Orioles for the first time this season. The Blue jays took the season series last year 7-6, but the Orioles outscored the Blue Jays 80-70. Patrick Corbin starts against Orioles righty and old friend Chris Bassitt. 

Game #56 Miami Marlins (26-30) v. Toronto Blue Jays (26-29)

 

Game #55 - Miami Marlins (26-30) @ Toronto Blue Jays (26-29) - game recap

 

Jesus Sanchez hit his first career grand slam in an 8-1 rout of the Marlins

After an ugly loss due to some sloppy defense, a bad day for the pitchers and the inept offense, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2-game skid and avoid their 9th series loss and 4th season series loss of the season. It was bullpen day with Brayden Fisher first man on the bump and Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate.  Vlad remained out with a sore elbow from a hit by pitch Sunday so Lenyn Sosa got another start at 1B. Daulton Varsho was back in CF after a complete day off yesterday.  Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid and avoid their 9th series loss and 4th season series loss of the season? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• Brayden Fisher pitching line: 1IP 1H 0R 0BB 1K 12 pitches (9 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Ernie Clement whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Daulton Varsho
• The Marlins got one back in the top of the 5th as Heiberto Hernandez singled scoring Jakob Marsee
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Yohendrick Pinago belted a solo jack to straightaway center\
• Five batters later, George Springer singled scoring Brandon Valenzuela 
• Two batters later, Jesus Sanchez hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in right; also scoring Lenyn Sosa, George Springer and Varsho
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 Marlins 1

My Take:

• Brayden Fisher did his part in getting through the 1st inning, allowing a hit, walking none and striking out 1 on 12 pitches. Still not a huge fan of the use of the opener for  several reasons. Firs, pitchers are very much creatures of habit and there are definitely different routines they do to get themselves ready for a game. Also you burn a reliever right away that could have been used in a different way. Third, what happens if the reliever can't get through the 1st inning and now your bulk guy has to come into the game to escape the jam or, as the Blue Jays are facing, there are 2 spots in the rotation and you only have 3 reliable healthy starters. There are already so many injuries to pitchers and you really need 5 traditional starters that can eat innings as opposed to a bullpen game. 
• The rest of the bullpen held the Marlins to a run on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3 over the last 8 innings. Spencer Miles was credited with the win and Adam Macko and Yariel Rodriguez both retired every batter they faced
• The bats came through big time starting with Ernie Clement going deep and capped off with Jesus Sanchez crushing a grand slam. From top to bottom the lineup raked tonight. They say hitting is contagious and hopefully this is the start of the offence busting out 
• Every Blue Jays starter except Andres Gimenez and Lenyn Sosa had a hit and all but Gimenez either scored a run or drove in a run
• And the injury bug keeps on biting the Blue Jays in the butt. This time Spencer Miles was hit in the leg by a comebacker and four Blue Jays were hit by pitches. Everyone was able to finish the game, but the ice packs will be used plenty tonight
• The Marlins were a perfect 3-0 on ABS challenges and Brandon Valenzuela was unsuccessful on the Blue Jays only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 3-8 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the rubber match of this series as the Blue Jays try to extend the winning streak to 2 games and notch their 8th series win and 3rd season series win of the season. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Marlins righty Eury Perez

Game #55 Miami Marlins (26-29) v. Toronto Blue Jays (25-29)

Game #54 Miami Marlins (25-29) v. Toronto Blue Jays (25-28)

 

Game #53 - Pittsburgh Pirates (27-26) @ Toronto Blue Jays (25-28) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement drove in the Blue Jays only run in a 4-1 loss to the Pirates

After a huge win on the backs of a 3-run rally in the 6th and a fine effort from starter Patrick Corbin, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 5 games and complete their 2nd sweep of the season and first season series sweep of the season. Dylan Cease got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Kazuma Okamoto was back at the hot corner after the complete day off yesterday and Ernie Clement was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 5 games and complete their 2nd series sweep and 1st season series sweep of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Pirates took the lead in the top of the 1st as Spencer Horwitz led off the game with a solo bomb to the 3rd deck in right
• The Pirates added a run in the top of the 2nd as Oneil Cruz hammered a solo bomb to the 3rd deck in right
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 4th as Ernie Clement singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 4.2IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 8K 76 pitches (49 for strikes) - left with a hamstrain strain
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left the game in the bottom of  the 5th after getting drilled in the right elbow by a pitch
• The Pirates added a pair of runs in the top of the 6th as Esmerlyn Valdez whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right
• Mitch Keller pitching line: 6IP  4H 1R (earned) 3BB 5K 101 pitches (62 for strikes)
• Gregory Soto pitched a scoreless 9th for his 5th save of the season
• Final score: Pirates 4 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Dylan Cease gave up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 8.  He was taken deep twice, but was otherwise solid. The bigger concern is that he left the game with hamstring tightness. The Blue Jays can ill afford to lose Cease for even one start.
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 2 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4 over the last 4.1 innings. Yariel Rodriguez had a bounceback appearance after a couple of rough outings. Brayden Fisher also had a clean inning.
• Offensively, Ernie Clement drove in the Blue Jays only run. Here's hoping Vlad doesn't miss more than a game.
• The Pirates were 2-1 on ABS challenges and the Blue Jays did not have an ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 1-12 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the home stand continues as the Blue Jays welcome the Marlins to town. The Marlins took the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 15-13. Trey Yesavage starts against Marlins righty Janson Junk

Game #53 Pittsburgh Pirates (26-26) v. Toronto Blue Jays (25-27)

 

Game #52 - Pittsburgh Pirates (26-26) @ Toronto Blue Jays (25-27) - game recap

 

Patrick Corbin threw 6 solid innings in a 5-2 viictory over the Pirates

After a win thanks to a strong start by Kevin Gausman and 2 RBI efforts from George Springer and Yohendrick Pinago, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 7th series win of the season. Patrick Corbin got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Ernie Clement was aat the hot corner and Lenyn Sosa was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 7th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as George Springer led off with a solo bomb to the second deck in left
• The Pirates tied it in the bottom of the 6th as Marcell Ozuna doubled scoring Bryan Reynolds
• The Blue Jays retiook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Jesus Sanchez doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• A batter later, Ernie Clement singled scoring Ernie Clement
• A batter after that, Sanchez scored on a ground out hit by Andres Gimenez
• Paul Skenes pitching line: 5IP 9H 4R (all earned) 1BB 2K 98 pitches (62 for strikes)
• Patrick Corbin pitching line: 6IP 5H 1R (earned) 0BB 7K 84 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Tyler Heinema whacked a solo blast to right
• The Pirates got one back on a ground out hit by Ozuna that scored Konnor Griffin
• Jeff hoffman threw a perfect 9th for his 5th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Pirates 2

My Take:

• Patrick Corbin fired 6 solid innings, giving up a run on 5 hits while walking none and striking out 7. Corbin retired 13 in a row at one point. He was a very smart signing when the Blue Jays ran into injury trouble in the rotation and Eric Lauer could not find his form from 2025. The veteran lefty has kept the Blue Jays in games and given the offence a chance to come through.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 walks while striking out 5 over the last 3 innings. Yariel Rodriguez is struggling to find his form the last couple outings. Jeff Hoffman has found his and has looked fantastic in locking up 2 straight saves. He might get his closer role back soon.
• The offence is slowlly heating up at the right time. George Springer got things started with his 65th career leadoff home run, putting him 16 behind the late legendary Rickey Henderson, who had 81 career leadoff home runs. The Blue Jays had a three run rally in the 6th inning with Jesus Sanchez scoring a run and driving in a run and Tyler Heineman went deep in the 8th for a crucial insurance run. Yohendrick Pinago is doing everything he can to force management to make a tough choice in the coming days when Nathan Lukes and Addison Barger return from the IL. Lukes should be ready by the next series and Barger shouldn't be far behind him.
• The Pirates successfull overturned their only ABS challenge and Tyler Heineman was 1-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 2-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 4 games and complete their 2nd series sweep of the season. Dylan Cease starts against Pirates righty Mitch Keller

Game #52 Pittsburgh Pirates (26-25) v. Toronto Blue Jays (24-27)

 

Game #51 - Pittsburgh Pirates (26-25) @ Toronto Blue Jays (24-27) - game recap

 

Ace Kevin Gausman threw 6.2 strong innings in a 6-2 comeback win over the Pirates

After eking out win yesterday thanks to some fine work from the bullpen to escape NY with a series split, the Blue Jays opened a week long home stand against the Pirates, who won the seson series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays with both teams scoring 10 runs. Ace Kevin Gausman got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Yohendrick Pinago was in LF and Jesus Sa nchez was in RF. Andres Gimenez was back at SS with Ernie Clement getting the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Pirates opened the scoring in the top of the 1st on a sac fly by Spencer Horwitz that scored Brandon Lowe
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 3rd on a throwing error by Horwitz on a fielder's choice hit by Daulton Varsho that scored George Springer
• Two batters later, Yohendrick Pinago doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Varsho
• Bubba Chandler pitching line: 5IP 2H 3R (1 earned) 2BB 11K 99 pitches (63 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6.2IP 6H 1R (earned) 1BB 8K 94 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Pirates got one back in the top of the 8th on a ground out hit by Bryan Reynolds that scored Lowe
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Jesus Sanchez doubled scoring Ernie Clement\
• Three batters later, Myles Straw and Brandon Valenzuela scored on a ground-rule double by George Springer
• Louis Varland pithed 2 perfect innings for his 7th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Pirates 2

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman fired 6.2 strong shutout innings. This was vintage Kevin Gausman. The veteran ace racked up thr strikes while also needing an efficient 94 pitches to get 20 outs. He'll be relied on to go deep in games with the Blue Jays expected to be extremely cautious with Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber. Max Scherzer also can't be relied on to go deep in games either due to age and injury.
• The bullpen gave up a run on a hit while walking 1 and striking out 3. Louis Varland did a fantastic job bailing out Mason Fluharty.
• The offense had a good night. George Springer drove in a pair on a ground rule double and Yohendrick Pinago drove in a pair. There's no way Pinago should be optioned over Davis Schneider
• The Pirates were 0-2 on ABS challnges and Brandon Valenzuela was 1-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 3-14 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the winning streak to 4 games and to notch their 7th series win of the season. Patrick Corbin starts against Pirates ace and righty Paul Skenes

Game #51 Pittsburgh Pirates (26-24) v. Toronto Blue Jays (23-27)

 

Game #50 - Toronto Blue Jays (23-27) @ New York Yankees (30-21) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a solo home run in a 2-0 shutout win over the Yankees

After eking out a win yesterday thanks to some small ball in the 7th and an excellent start from Trey Yesavage, the Blue Jays were looking to make it 2 straight wins and earn the series split. It was bullpen day with Brayden Fisher as the opener and Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. Ernie Clement was at SS with Lenyn Sosa getting the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and earn the series split?  Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays took the lead in the top of the 1st as Daulton Varsho doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr 
• Brayden Fisher pitching line: 1.1IP 0H 0R 1BB 4K 23 pitches (15 for strikes)
• Carlos Rodon pitching line: 5IP 3H 1R (earned) 3BB 7K 94 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 7th as George Springer smacked a solo blast to left
• Jeff Hoffman pitched a perfect 9th for his 4th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Yankees 0

My Take:

• Brayden Fisher did his job, allowing a walk and striking out the other 4 batters he faced.  The Blue jays will have to go through this process another 2-3 times with Shane Bieber nearing the start of a rehab assignment, although the Blue jays will certainly be careful using him given he will have missed the first two months of the season and was coming off Tommy John surgery last season. Max Scherzer hasn't been great but maybe his effectiveness is better healthy. Either way, these bullpen games should end soon
• There were some fine performances from the bullpen. Spencer Miles fired 4.1 innings, holding a dangerous Yankees lineup to 2 hits and a walk while striking out 6. Jeff Hoffman retired the side in order in his first savve opportunity in a month on just 12 pitches and rookie Adam Macko hasn't looked out of place in the bigs and struck out Ben Rice to end his day.
• If there's any Blue Jays player that needed a big hit it is George Springer. After turning back the clock last season, Springer has been unable to replicate his work in 2025. No question the broken toe he's been playing through has impacted him at the plate. He went deep in the 7th to give the Blue Jays a huge insurace run. Vlad should move back to his familiar 3rd spot in the batting order.
• Both catchers (Valenzuela and Yankees backsop JC Escarra successfully overturned their teams only ABS challenge.
• The Blue Jays were 1-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays open a home stand against the Pirates, who won the seson series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays with both teams scoring 10 runs. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Pirates righty Bubba Chandler

Game #50 Toronto Blue Jays (22-27) @ New York Yankees (30-20)

 

Game #49 Toronto Blue Jays (21-27) @ New York Yankees (30-19)

 

Game #48 - Toronto Blue Jays (21-27) @ New York Yankees (30-19) - game recap

 

Andres Gimenez drove in a run and scored a run in a 5-4 come-from-behind loss to the Yankees

After a heartbreaking loss yesterday due to a rough inning from Yariel Rodriguez and a last minute rally falling short, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Lefty Joe Mantiply was placed on the 15 day IL with left knee inflammation. Righty Chase Lee was recalled from AAA-ball. Dylan Cease got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate Yohendrick Pinago was in LF and Jesus Sanchez was in RF. Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Andres Gimenez was at SS. Could the Blue Jays even the series? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Yohendrick Pinago singled scoring Daulton Varsho
• A batter later, Jesus Sanchez singled scoring Kazuma Okamoto
• Two batters later, Andres Gimenez singled home Pinago
• The Yankees tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Ryan McMahon whacked a 3-run blast to the opposite field in left; also scoring Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. 
• The Yankees took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Ben Rice belted a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Trent Grisham
• Will Warren pitching line: 5IP 6H 3R (all earned) 1BB 3K 86 strikes (54 for strikes)
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 5IP 4H 5R (all earned) 4BB 9K 100 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th on a sac fly by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that scored Gimenez
• Camilo Doval got the last three outs for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 5 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Dylan Cease battled through 5 innings giving up 5 runs on 4 hits while walking 4 and striking out 9. Real tough 4th inning for him giving up the 3-run lead on one bad pitch and a further 2 runs an inning later. Certainly didn't have his best stuff going and he was fairly inefficient. He'll bounce back
• The bullpen threw 3 shutout innings, giving up 2 hits, walking 2 and striking 3. Louis Varland retired every batter he faced.
• The offense came up a run short on a 9th inning rally for the second straight day. Daulton Varsho got 4 hits and scored a run. Andres Gimenez and Yohendrick Pinago both scored a run and drove in a run.
• The Yankees were 1-1 on ABS challenges and Kazuma Okamoto was unsuccessful in the Blue Jays only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 4-11 with runners in scoring position. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2-game skid and avoid theitr 11th series loss of the season. Trey Yesavage starts against Yankees righty Cam Schlittler 

Game #48 Toronto Blue Jays (21-26) @ New York Yankees (29-19)

 

Game #47 - Toronto Blue Jays (21-26) @ New York Yankees (29-19) - game recap

Ernie Clement hit a 3-run HR, drove in 4 runs and scored twice in a losing effort as the Yankees came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 7-6

After a huge road series win thanks to the bats of Vlad and Daulton Varsho and 6 shutout innings from ace Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to three games as they faced their division rivals, the NY Yankees for the first time this season in a rematch of last year's ALDS. The Blue Jays took the season series 8-5 last year, outscoring the Yankees 70-59. Patrick Corbin got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. George Springer and Kazuma Okamoto were both in the lineup after complete days off yesterday. Ernie Clement was at SS and Lenyn Sosa was at 2B. Davis Schneider got the start in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• George Springer got his 1500th hit with a leadoff single in the 1st inning\
• The Yankees opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Paul Goldschmidt whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 4th as Ernie Clement whacked a 3-run blast to left-center; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Kazuma Okamoto
• The Yankees got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by JC Escarra that scored Anthony Volpe
• A batter later, Goldschmidt doubled scoring Max Schuemann
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 5th as George Springer smacked a solo blast to left-center and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Patrick Corbin pitching line: 4IP 6H 3R (all earned) 3BB 3K 79 pitches (47 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th on a fielder's choice hit by Clement that scored Lenyn Sosa
• Ryan Weathers pitching line: 5.1IP 7H 5R (all earned) 0BB 7K 90 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Yankees tied it in the bottom of the 7th as Cody Bellinger hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Aaron Judge
• Two batters later, Jazz Chisholm Jr. smacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in left and off the left foul pole; also scoring Trent Grisham
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th as Jesus Sanchez doubled scoring Clement
• David Bednar got the last 3 outs for his 11th save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 7 Blue Jays 6

My Take:

• Patrick Corbin battled through 4 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3. The team needed a shutdown inning from him after taking the lead in the top of the 4th but couldn't get it done in a bizarre inning that saw Davis Schneider drop a fly ball, Brandon Valenzuela commit a fielding error and later missing a tag. Corbin could not have had a worst start to the game, getting taken deep on the first pitch he threw to leadoff man Paul Goldschmidt. At least the offense was able to bail him out at the end so he got a no-decision
• As for the bullpen, rookie Canadian Adam Macko did his job, retiring all three batters he faced. Veteran Yariel Rodriguez, not so much. Just recalled, YRod was taken deep twice and gave up 4 runs and retired just one batter. At least Jeff Hoffman rebounded from a few tough outings and got out of the mess YRod created.
• It was the Ernie Clement show tonight. Erndog, who has the bizarre ritual of using his teammates bats when his aren't working, hit a huge 3-run HR to give the Blue Jays a brief lead, drove in 4 overall and scored twice. Davis Schneider had a rough day at the office, striking out twice, but at least he was successful in his ABS challenge. At the end of the day, the big bats haven't come through at the crucial times on too many nights. Springer struck out swinging and Vlad followed that up by grounding out to end the game.
• Both teams were 1-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 1-9 with runners in scoring position - not good enough
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Dylan Cease starts against Yankees righty Will Warren

Game #47 Toronto Blue Jays (21-25) @ New York Yankees (28-19)

 

Game #46 - Toronto Blue Jays (21-25) @ Detroit Tigers (20-27) - game recap

 

Kevin Gausman threw six shutout innings in a 4-1 win over the Tigers.

After a huge win yesterday thanks to a clutch hit off the bat of Daulton Varsho, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 6th series win of the season. Tommy Nance was placed on the 15 day IL with right forearm tightness. Lefty Adam Macko was recalled from AAA-ball. Ace Kevin Gausman got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Lenyn Sosa at 1B. Kazuma Okamoto got the complete day off with Ernie Clement at the hot corner and Davis Schneider at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and notch their 6th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. belted a solo jack to left
• Two batters later, Daulton Varsho scored on a wild pitch by Jack Flaherty
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Varsho tripled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• A batter later, Varsho scored on a sac fly by Jesus Sanchez
• Jack Flaherty pitching line: 6IP 5H 4R (all earned) 0BB 4K 90 pitches (62 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 4H 0R 0BB 5K 97 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Tigers got one back in the bottom of the 8th on a fielder's choice hit by Jahmal Jones that scored Wenceel Perez
• Tyler Rogers pitched a scoreless 9th for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Tigers 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman fired 6 shutout innings, scattering 4 hits, walking none and striking out 5. He retired 7 in a row at one point. Gausman has regressed a bit in terms of his effectiveness, perhaps starting to show his age? Nonetheless, Gausman got a very big 18 outs to save the bullpen for a huge series starting tomorrow at Yankee stadium
• The bullpen gave up a run on 2 hits while walking 2 and strikinng out 2 over the last 3 innings. Tyler Rogers and Joe Mantiply struggled to find the strike zone and Rogers almost certainly won't pitch tomorrow night since he had a tough inning and pitched Saturday.Here's hoping no other relievers require an IL stint since Schneider mentioned a couple of relievers being banged up.
• Boy did Vlad need that home run to open the scoring. He scored twice, including the home run. Daulton Varsho also had a solid day with 2 runs scored and an RBI. Lenyn Sosa and Davis Schneider probably won't be on the big league squad much longer once Addison Barger and Nathan Lukes come back.
• Lots of ABS challenges today. The Blue Jays were 2-1 and the Tigers were 1-2 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 1-3 with runners in scoring position.
• Up next, the Blue Jays continue the road trip in NY in a rematch of last year's ALDS. The Blue Jays took the season series 8-5 last year, outscoring the Yankees 70-59. Patrick Corbin starts against Yankees lefty Ryan Weathers.

Game #46 Toronto Blue Jays (20-25) @ Detroit Tigers (20-26)

 

Game #45 - Toronto Blue Jays (20-25) @ Detroit Tigers (20-26) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho had a clutch RBI base hit in the 10th to lead the Blue Jays to a clutch 2-1 extra innings comeback win over the Tigers

After a loss to the Tigers last night due to Jeff Hoffman being unable to get the game to extra innings, The Blue Jays were looking to even the series and avoid their 10th series loss of the season. It was a bullpen day with Mason Fluharty getting the start and Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Lenyn Sosa got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 10th series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights: 

• Mason Fluharty pitching line: 1.1IP 1H 0R 0BB 3K 18 pitches (13 for strikes)
• The Tigers opened the scoring in the bottom of the 6th as Adam Vireling whacked a solo shot to left and into the Tigers bullpen
• Casey Mize pitching line: 6IP 2H 0R 0BB 4K 71 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 7th as Yohendrick Pinago smackeda solo blast to right
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 10th as Daulton Varsho singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Tigers 1 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Mason Fluharty did his part in today's bullpen game, pounding the strike zone, racking up 3 strikeouts and only allowing one hit. For at least the next month, the Blue Jays will have to cobble things together after the news that Jose Berrios will undergo elbow surgery next Wednesday putting him out a minimum 2 months and could be 12-18 months due to possible ligament damage. Shane Bieber, if no setbacks, could be back in the rotation sometime in June.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 11 over the last 8.2 innings. Louis Varland has slid into the closer/highest leverage role quite nicely. Got into a bit of trouble in the 9th but pitched his way out of it. Spencer Miles should be stretched out to a tranditional starters role.
• The offence is still very much ice cold. Yohendrick Pinago, who should not have been optioned to AAA-ball when Addison Barger returned from the IL for a game, knocked one out in the 7th to tie the game. Daulton Varsho drove in Vlad in the 10th inning and that was just enough to get the win. Vlad just looks lost at the plate.
• The Tigers were a perfect 2-0 on ABS challenges and the Blue Jays were 1-1 on ABS challenges. You know things are going bad for Davis Schneider when he loses an ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 1-5 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try for 2 straight wins and to notch their 6th series win of the season. It will be a battle of the aces as Kevin Gausman takes on Tigers righty Jack Flaherty (that was a mistake in yesterday's recap, scrolled too far forward on mlb.com.

Game #45 - Toronto Blue Jays (19-25) @ Detroit Tigers (20-25)

 

Game #44 - Toronto Blue Jays (19-25) @ Detroit Tigers (20-25) - game recap

 

Andres Gimenez drove in the only 2 Blue Jays runs in a losing effort as the Tigers came from behind to walk off the Blue Jays 3-2

After an off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened a weekend series in Detroit. The Blue Jays took the season series last year, outscoring the Tigers 35-26. Trey Yesavage got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as Wednesday's walk-off win. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Andres Gimenez doubled scoring Kazuma Okamoto and Ernie Clement 
• Brendan Hanifee pitching line: 1IP 1H 1R (earned) 0BB 1K 14 pitches (11 for strikes)
• The Tigers got one back in the bottom of the 3rd of a wild pitch by Trey Yesavage that scored Kevin McGonigle
• The Tigers tied it in the bottom of the 6th as Riley Greene doubled scoring Dillon Dingler
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 6IP 4H 2R (both earned) 3BB 6K 88 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Tigers walked it off in the bottom of the 9th as Spencer Torkelson singled scoring Matt Vierling
• Final score: Tigers 3 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage fired 6 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 4 hiis while walking 3 and striking out 6. He's still trying to work his way into mid-season form with his command being iffy. Yesavage uncorked 3 wild pitches and wasn't as efficient as he could have been.  The Blue jays are going to be very careful with his work load and you won't see him pushing 100 pitches very often. He's getting better every start though, so progress
• The bullpen gave up 1 run on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 3 over the last 2.2 innings. Jeff Hoffman has proven the last couple of outings that he should not be handed the closer's role again. Daulton Varsho saved his butt on Wednesday with a walk-off grand slam after Hoffman gave up a pair of runs in the top half of the inning. Tonight, he had to get through the inning to send the game to extra innings. His velocity was solid tonight, but his command hasn't been good enough. He could be Pete Walker's next pet project.
• Offensively, Andres hit a clutch 2-run double in the 2nd, but the bats weren't able to do much after that on a bullpen game for the Tigers. Vlad and Kazuma Okamoto both made poor decisions to swing on 3-0 counts. Vlad should have known better, but he is pressing hard to prove he's worth the $500 million investment the team has made in him.
• Brandon Valenzuela is going to need a big ice pack after getting dinged a few times by wild pitches. Maybe Tyler Heineman will get an extra start if Valenzuela wakes up sore in the morning.
• The Tigers were 1-1 on ABS challenges and Ernie Clement was unsuccessful in the Blue Jays only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 1-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 10th series loss of the season. It will be a bullpen day in the truest sense of the word with Eric Lauer DFA'd the day after his last ugly appearance. Mason Fluharty will be the first man up with Yariel Rodriguez expected to pitch some innings too. The Tigers will counter with righty Jack Flaherty

Game #44 - Toronto Blue Jays (19-24) @ Detroit Tigers (19-25) AppleTV Exclusive

 

Game #43 - Tampa Bay Rays (28-14) @ Toronto Blue Jays (19-24) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho hit a walk off grand slam as the Blue Jays came from behind to defeat the Rays 5-3 in extra innings

After an extra innings loss yesterday due to Brayden Fisher giving up runs in the 10th inning, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 3 game skid and avoid being swept for the 3rd time this season and 2nd straight time vs. the Rays. Dylan Cease got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Yohendrick Pinago was in LF and Jesus Sanchez was in RF. Andres Gimenez was back at SS after the complete day off yesterday with Ernie Clement at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3 game skid and avoid being swept for the 3rd time this season and 2nd straight time vs. the Rays? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Griffin Jax pitching line: 5IP 4H 0R 4BB 1K 66 pitches (38 for strikes)
• The Rays opened the scoring in the top of the 7th as Richie Palacios singled scoring Jonathan Aranda
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 7IP 3H 1R (earned) 3BB 9K 99 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 8th on a sac fly by Kazuma Okamoto that scored George Springer
• The Mets retook the lead in the top of the 10th as Ben Williamson singled scoring Chandler Simpson
• Two batters later, Yandy Diaz singled home Diaz
• The Blue Jays won iit in the bottom half of the inning on a walk off grand slam to the opposite field in left and into the Blue Jays bullpen by Daulton Varsho; also scoring Springer, Okamoto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Rays 3 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Dylan Cease fired 7 strong innings, giving up a run on 3 hits while walking 3 and striking out 9. He's turned into an excellent off-season signing and has been giving the Blue Jays a chance to win every game. He retired the first 10 batters he faced.
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 3 over the last 3 innings. Jeff Hoffman proved he still can't handle a high leverage situation with the game on the line. He allowed two runs in the 10th inning. Mason Fluharty retired the only batter he faced
• The offense faced the same scenario as last night: down 2 runs in the bottom of the 10th. This time they took full advantage of a pitcher  that is not good and loaded the bases before Daulton Varsho walked it off with a grand slam. Kazuma Okamoto drove in the other Blue Jays run with a sac fly
• Rays catcher Hunter Feduccia was 2-2 on ABS challenges. The Blue Jays catchers Brandon Valenzuela and Tyler Heineman both successully overturned one ABS challenge each
• The Blue Jays were 1-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day/travel day tomorrow, the Blue Jays commence a road trip in Detroit. The Blue Jays took the season series last year, outscoring the Tigers 35-26. Trey Yesavage gets the start. The Tigers have not set their rotation for the series yet

Game #43 - Tampa Bay Rays (28-13) @ Toronto Blue Jays (18-24)

 

Game #42 - Tampa Bay Rays (28-13) @ Toronto Blue Jays (18-24) - game recap

 

George Springer scored twice and drove in a run in a 7-6 extra innings loss to the Rays

After dropping yesterday's game due to a poor start by ace Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2-game skid and avoid their 9th series loss of the season. Patrick Corbin got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. Ernie Clement got the start at SS with Lenyn Sosa at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid and avoid their 9th series loss of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game  Highlights:

• The Rays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Jonny DeLuca doubled scoring Jonathan Aranda
• The Rays added a pair of runs in the top of the 3rd as Cedric Mullins singled scoring Junior Caminero and Ben Williamson
• Patrick Corbin pitching line: 4.1IP 9H 3R (all earned) 1BB 1K 86 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Rays added a run in the top of the 6th on a wild pitch by Tommy Nance that scored Taylor Wall. Home plate umpire Chris Segal was drilled in the knee by the pitch, but stayed in the game after being checked out by Blue Jays trainer Jose Minstrel
• Shane McClannahan pitching line: 5IP 1H 0R 1BB 7K 80 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Rays added a run in the top of the 7th as Ryan Viladed drilled a solo blast off the basing of the second deck in left
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Jesus Sanchez doubled scoring Ernie Clement
• Two batters later, George Springer singled scoring Sanchez
• A batter later, Yohendrick Pinago doubled scoring Brandon Valenzuela and Springer
• A batter later, Pinago scored on a fielding error by Caminero on a ball hit by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Rays retook the lead in the top of the 10th as Wall singled scoring Mullins
• A batter later, Wall scored on a sac fly by Aranda
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by Guerrero Jr. that scored:Springer
• Garrett Clevenger got the last 3 outs for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Rays 7 Blue Jays 6 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Patrick Corbin battled through 4.1 innings, giving up 3 runs on 9 hits while walking 1 and striking out 1. He was working his way in and out of jams all night. He'll be in the rotation for a while after Eric Lauer was DFA'd and with Jose Berrios suffering a setback of some sort and Shane Bieber still a few weeks away (barring any setbacks).\
• The bullpen gave up 4 runs on 4 hits while walking 5 and striking 7 over the last 5.2 innings. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced and Brayden Fisher 
• Offensively, the bats woke up after being stymied by Shane McClanahan with a 5 run rally in the 6th. Yohendrick Pinago, who barely got off the plane after being opioned back to AAA-ball before being recalled again after Addison Barger hurt himself his first game back, drove in 2 runs, Jesus Sanchez each drove in a run and scored a run and George Springer scored twice and drove in a run.
• Both teams were 1-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 2-8 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 3 game skid and avoid being swept forthe 3rd time, and 2nd straight time vs. the Rays, this season. Dylan Cease starts against Rays righty Griffin Jax.

Game #42 - Tampa Bay Rays (27-13) @ Toronto Blue Jays (18-23)

 

Game #41 - Tampa Bay Rays (26-13) @ Toronto Blue Jays (18-22)

 

Game #40 - LA Angels (16-25) @ Toronto Blue Jays (18-22) - game recap

 

Kazuma Okamoto drove in the Blue Jays only run in a 6-1 comeback loss to the Angels

First off, happy mother's day to all the ladues that are on JITH. After a blowout win yesterday thanks to a huge 7-run 5th inning, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 2nd sweep of the season. Spencer Myles got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Addison Barger was a late scratch with elbow soreness. Myles Straw was in LF and Jesus Sanchez was in RF. George Springer got the complete day off to rest his fractured tor. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Lenyn Sosa at 1B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 2nd sweep oof the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Kazuma Okamoto doubled scoring Daulton Varsho
• Spencer Miles piching line: 3IP 2H 0R 0BB 2K 38 pitches (28 for strikes)
• The Angels took the lead in the top of the 5th as Oswald Peraza belted a 2-run jack to the second deck in left; also scoring Nolan Schaunel
• Five batters later, Vaughn Grissom doubled scoring Mike Trout and Zach Neto
• The Angels added a run in the top of the 6th as Jo Adell smashed a solo blast to the second deck to the opposite field in right
• Jose Soriano pitching line: 7.2IP 5H 1R (earned) 1BB 7K 103 pitches (69 for strikes)
• The Angels added a run in the top of the 9th as Adell hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in left-center
• Final score: Angels 6 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Spencer Miles fired 3 shutout innings, giving up 2 hits while walking none and striking out 2. The Blue Jays should and maybe are trying to stretch Spencer Miles out to be a starter. He did well today and certainly would make fans less nervous every 5th day.
• Then there's the enigma that is Eric Lauer. Three home runs allowed on the day, 4 runs allowed in his first inning of work, 2 runs on the board before recording an out and worst of all 6 balls on his first 7 pitches - including walking a left-handed batter. Lauer also retired eight in a row today, proving he has the ability to get outs at the big league level. Lauer's days could be numbered if the Blue Jays turn Spencer Miles into a starter.
• The offence was Kazuma Okamoto driving in a run in the 1st inning and then managing to load the bases on 3 hits, 2 that never left the infield. Not good enough 
• The Angels were 2-1 on ABS challenges and the Blue Jays were 0-1 on their lone ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 2-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays face the Rays team that swept them a week ago, outscoring the Blue Jays 12-4. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Rays righty Drew Rasmussen

Game #40 - Los Angeles Angels (15-25) @ Toronto Blue Jays (18-21)

 

Game #39 - LA Angels (15-25) @ Toronto Blue Jays (18-21) - game recap

 

Brandon Valenzuela hit a 3-HR in a 14-1 rout over the Angels

After eking out a win thanks to a strong start from Dylan Cease, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 game and notch their 5th series win of the season and 1st season series win of the season. Addison Barger was activated off the 10-day IL (he got the start in RF) and Yohendrick Pinago was optioned to AAA-ball. Trey Yesavage got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Jesus Sanches was in LF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 game and notch their 5th series win of the season and 1st season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 4th on a sac fly by Andres Gimenez that scored Jesus Sanchez
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 4IP 4H 0R 2BB 6K 87 pitches (57 for strikes)\
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Addison Barger
• A batter later, Sanchez singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• A batter after that, Okamoto scored on a throwing error by Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz on a ball hit by Daulton Varsho
• A batter later, Ernie Clement singled home Sanchez
• Two batters later, Brandon Valenzuela belted a 3-run jack to the second deck in left; also scoring Varsho and Clement
• Jack Kochanowicz pitching line: 4IP 9H 7R (6 earned) 2BB 0K 84 pitches (49 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Clement whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Three batters later, Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Valenzuela
• The Angels got one back in the top of the 8th as Adam Frazier doubled scoring Bryce Teodosio
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Sanchez hammered a solo bomb to the 3rd deck in right
• Four batters later, Valenzuela doubled scoring Varsho
• A batter later, Clement scored on a ground out hit by Tyler Heineman
• Two batters later, Davis Schneider singled home Valenzuela 
• Final score: Blue Jays 14 Angels 1

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage battled through 4 shutout innings, scattering 4 hits, walking 2 and striking out 6. He's been quite inefficient the last 2 starts. Certainly, he is learning how difficult it is to get these big league hitters out that won't chase as much as those in the minor leagues. Yesavage needs to learn to pitch to contact if he want to pitch longer in games. It'll be interesting to see who catches him next since reportedly he likes working with Tyler Heineman, who has been in manager John Schneider's dog house.
• The bullpen had mixed results today with Mason Fluharty, Brayden Fisher and Joe Mantiply combining for 2 strikeouts in three perfect innings. Tommy Nance and Tyler Rogers gave up three hits each and the Angels scored their only run off Rogers. Perhaps there is some overuse issues going on with Rogers, who was virtually unhittable in April. Fluharty was credited with the win.
• It was a team effort offensively with Brandon Valenzuela (3-run HR, 4RBI, 3 runs scored), Jesus Sanchez (2RBI, 3 runs scored, solo HR), Ernie Clement (2RBI, 3 runs scored, solo HR), and Daulton Varsho (2 runs scored) leading the charge
• Every Blue Jays starter reacher base at least once and all but Andres Gimenez and Addison Barger had a hit. Every Blue Jays starter except George Springer either scored a run or drove in a run
• Angels 2B Vaughn Grissom successfully overturned the only ABS challenge today
• The Blue Jays were 8-22 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 2nd sweep of the season. Eric Lauer starts against Angels righty Jose Soriano

Game #39 - Los Angeles Angels (15-24) @ Toronto Blue Jays (17-21)

 

Game #38 - Los Angeles Angels (15-23) @ Toronto Blue Jays (16-21)

 

Game #37 - Toronto Blue Jays (16-21) @ Tampa Bay Rays (24-12) - game recap

 

After dropping yesterday's game due to Tyler Rogers blowing the save, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 3 game skid and avoid getting swept for the 2nd time this season.  Patrick Corbin got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate.  Vlad was back in the lineup at 1b after the complete day off yesterday. Davis Schneider was in LF and Yohendrick Pinago was in RF. Ernie Clement was at SS and Lenyn Sosa got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd time this season?  Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Rays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 4th as Jonny DeLuca doubled scoring Jonathan Aranda
• Two batters later, Chandler Simpson singled home DeLuca
• Shane McClanahan pitching line: 5.2IP 2H 0R 1BB 4K 69 pitches (47 for strikes)
• Patrick Corbin pitching line: 5.1IP 5H 2R (both earned) 2BB 1K 61 pitches (37 for strikes)
• The Rays added a run in the bottom of the 8th on a fielder's choice hit by  LeDuca that scored Cedric Mullins.  Ernie Clement was charged with a throwing error on the play 
• Ian Seymour threw a perfect 9th for his 1st save of the season
• Final score Rays 3 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Patrick Corbin fired 5.1 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 1. Patrick Corbin continues to consistently give the Blue Jays a chance to win. He pitched his way out of s tough jam in the 1st inning and held the Rays off the scoreboard other than the 4th inning. Given the injury situation with Jose Berrios (who suffered a setback his last rehab start), Max Scherzer (who isn't bouncing back from the forearm strain the way he would like) and Shane Bieber, who might be back in June if no setbacks, Corbin should be in the rotation for a while with the struggling Eric Lauer likely to be the first pitcher to be replaced in the rotation once the injured bodies start coming back. 
• The bullpen gave up an unearned run on a hit and 3 walks while striking out 2 over the last 2.2 innings.  Mason Fluharty retired every batter he faced. 
• The feeble offense continues to putter along. They managed just 5 total baserunners today.  Myles Straw got half the hits (2) on the day. Davis c Schneider, a likely candidate to be optioned once Addison Barger comes back, remains ice cold. I think the team is really missing Don Mattingly.
• Ernie Clement successfully overturned the Blue Jays only ABS challenge and Rays catcher Nick Fortes was 2-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 0-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off day tomorrow, the Blue Jays open a week long homestand as they take on the Angels.  The Blue jays took the series in LA/Anaheim, outscoring the Angels 12-11. Dylan Cease starts against Angels lefty Reid Detmers