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| 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
