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| Vladimir Guerrero Jr,. drove in the Blue Jays only run in a 5-1 loss to the Rays |
After dropping the finale of the series yesterday due to a late rally falling short and a bad outing from reliever Brayden Fisher, the Blue Jays continued the road trip in Tampa Bay. The Rays won last year's season series 7-6, outscoring the Blue Jays 58-48. Eric Lauer got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Daulton Varsho got the half day off as DH with Myles Straw in CF. Could the Blue Jays start the week with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Rays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Ryan Vilade drilled a 3-run jack to left-center; also scoring Chandler Simpson and Junior Caminero
- The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 3rd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Yohendrick Pinago
- Eric Lauer pitching line: 4.1IP 5H 3R (all earned) 1BB 2K 61 pitches (44 for strikes)
- Nick Martinez pitching line: 5IP 5H 1R (earned) 1BB 4K 71 pitches (51 for strikes)
- The Rays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 6th as Taylor Walls singled scoring Jonathan Aranda and Ben Williamson
- Bryan Baker got the last out for his 9th save of the season
- Final score: Rays 5 Blue Jays 1
- Eric Lauer battled through 4 innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. There's no doubt he regrets making the comment about not liking the idea of an opener pitching in front of him. He did himself no favors on that front when he gave up three runs on one swing in the 1st inning to put his team in a 3-0 hole after 1 inning. At this point, he might be asked to be the long man until Shane Bieber returns from injury, but at this point, I'd just release him because he hasn't done enough to demonstrate he can be trusted even in that lower leverage role and the Blue Jays have plenty of lefties in the bullpen at the moment anyway.
- The bullpen gave up a pair of runs, both charged to Spencer Miles, on 6 hits while walking none and striking out 3 over the last 3.2 innings. None of the relievers was able to retire every batter they faced today, but at least most of the high leverage guys, except maybe Mason Fluharty were not used today.
- Offensively, Vlad drove in the only run on the night with a clutch single in the 3rd inning. They have their opportunities with everyone but Daulton Varsho getting at least a hit, but they weren't able to get the hits with runners in scoring position. Overall, their approach at the plate hasn't been as giood as last year, chasing pitches they weren't a year ago\
- The Rays were 0-1 on ABS challenges and Jesus Sanchez successfully overturned the Blue Jays only ABS challenge
- The Blue Jays were 1-8 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2-game skid and even the series. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Rays righty Drew Rasmussen
