Game #148 - Balrimore Orioles (72-76) @ Toronto Blue Jays (73-75) - game recap

 

Brett Bateman hit a 2-run HR, the first HR of his career, in s 7-4 loss to the Orioles

After an off-day/travel-day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened a week-long home stand as they welcome the Orioles as they opened the first of six crucial games against the orange birds. The Blue Jays have won 4 of the first 7 games of the season series, but the Orioles have outscored the Blue Jays 42-33. Jesus Sanchez was DFA'd and Rudy Martin Jr. was added to the MLB roster. Max Scherzer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup as DH after a day off Wednesday. Josh Smith was in LF, Brett Bateman was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend and second to last homestand of the season with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Orioles opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Dylan Beavers led off the game with a solo blast to right
• The Orioles added a run in the top of the 2nd as Heston Kjerstad singled scoring Gunnar Henderson
• A batter later, Colton Cowser doubled scoring Samuel Basallo and Christian Encarnacion-Strand
• A batter after that, Beavers singled scoring Kjerstad and Cowser
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 4th as Kazuma Okamoto whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 5IP 7H 6R (all earned) 1BB 3K 83 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 6th on a ground out by Andres Gimenez that scored Nathan Lukes
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5IP 6H 2R (both earned) 3BB 5K 95 pitches (64 for strikes)
• The Orioles added a run in the top of the 7th as Coby Mayo belted a solo jack to left
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom of the 9th as Brett Bateman hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Ernie Clement
• Rico Garcia got the last out for his 8th save of the season
• Final score: Orioles 7 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Tonight's start for veteran righty Max Scherzer gave up a home run to the first batter of the game. In the 2nd inning, the Orioles tacked on 5 more runs on 6 consecutive hits. He settled down after that and retired 12 of the last 13 batters he faced. The Blue Jays need Scherzer to pitch like it's 2019 when he was a key part of the Nationals world series win.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 9 over the last 4 innings. Brendon Little was the only reliever to retired every batter he faced
• Offensively, Kazuma Okamoto continues to make a strong case for rookie of the year, going deep for the 31st time this season. Brett Bateman hit the first long ball of his career in the 9th to put the Blue Jays within 3 runs, but that was as close as they would come. Vlad cannot get picked 1st base like that. Hr needs to pay attention to the 1st baseman behind him, who was sneaking over to cover the bag and receive the bullet from catcher Samuel Basallo. Ernie Clement better stop using other teammates bats - not only is it not making him a better hitter, but he's liable to break a bat. And for goodness sake, burn that home run jacket, the tean just looks goofy/unserious/unprofessional/cocky when they are celebrating a home run being down several runs
• The Blue Jays were 1-2 on ABS challenges and Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo was 2-2 on ABS challengee
• The Blue Jays were 1-10 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the WC race, the Blue Jays dropped a full game and are now 2 games back of the Guardians for the 3rd WC spot. The Rangers (leading their game) are 2.5 games back of the Guardians for the 3rd WC spot for the moment but will move into a tie with the Blue Jays and also be 2 games back of the 3rd WC spot. We're getting close to the WC race being a 3-team race, but the Twins (lost today) and Mariners (currently losing tonight's game) are 5.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Mariners will fall to 6 games back of the 3rd WC spot, putting a pretty big dagger in their playoff hopes. It's entirely possible both teams in the 2025 ALCS (Blue Jays and Mariners. This would be the 2nd time in 3 years that happened with the Guardians and Yankees missing the playoffs in 2025 after playing each other in the 2024 ALCS
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2 game skid and avoid their 19th series loss of the sesason. It will be a bullpen day with Spencer Arrighetti either starting or pitching in a bulk role. The Orioles will counter with righty Kyle Bradish

Game #148 Baltimore Orioles (71-76) v. Toronto Blue Jays (73-74)

Game #147 - Toronto Blue Jays (73-74) @ Athletics (59-88) - game recap

After a huge win yesterday thanks to 7 strong innings from Jose Soriano and a clutch base hit off the bat of Alejandro Kirk, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the winning streak to 2 games and notch their 22nd series win of the season. On yet another bullpen day, Brayden Fisher got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Charles McAdoo was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Brett Bateman was in RF. Alejandro Kirk got the half day off as DH. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 22nd series win of the season?  Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• Brayden Fisher pitching line: 1IP 0H 0H 0BB 1K 18 pitches (12 for strikes)
• The A's opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Henry Bolte belted a solo jack to left-center 
• The A's added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Tommy white scored on a wild pitch by Micheal Lorenzen
• Brady Basso pitching line: 4IP 3H 0R 2BB 4K 68 pitches (41 for strikes)
• Elvis Alvarado threw a scoreless 9th for his 6th save of the season. 
• Final score: A's 2 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Brayden Fisher threw a perfect 1st on yet another bullpen day.  It is very likely that the Blue Jays are going to end 2026 the way they started it  - with at least 1 bullpen day on the final week of the season. Trey Yesavage is trying to target the last week of the season to come off the IL, but he's coming off knee surgery and won't have the time to build back up to a starters capacity. Shane Bieber might be able to provide a bit more length but is likely done for the seaon. Cody Ponce won't be ready to return from ACL surgery unless the Blue jays go on another deep playoff run.  The bullpen is already running on fumes and you want to get them some rest so they can be effective in the playoffs. The Blue Jays may not have the luxury to do that.
• The bullpen gave up a further 2 runs on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4. Don't be surprised if Michael Lorenzen is optioned or DFA'd on Friday.  The Blue Jays can't afford to drop any games as they chase a wild card spot. Also not sure why Tyler Rogers and Louis Varland pitched today when the series against the Orioles is looming large and you want your top relievers well rested and at their best against a team that will no doubt relish deadline a huge blow to a division rivals playoff chances. 
• The offense didn't do much. The lack of speed of Alejandro Kirk stopped them from tying the game in the top of the 4th. Vlad killed 2 potential rallies with ground outs to end the inning. The Blue jays need Vlad to get his bat going and fast. Likewise for George Springer and Ernie Clement and the other bats in the lineup that have been inconsistent this season
• The Blue Jays were a perfect 3-3 on ABS challenge. The A's did not attempt an ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 2-4 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays dropped a half game and sit 1.5 games back of the Guardians, who have the opportunity to end the night with a 2 game cushion over the blue Jays if they beat Baltimore, who could fall to 5 games back of the Guardians for the 3rd WC spot with a loss. The Twins (lost today) are 5 games back of the 3rd WC spot and will gain or drop a half game depending on what the Guardians do tonight. The Rangers (lost today) are also 1.5 games back of the Guardians for the 3rd WC spot and will gain or drop a half game depending on what the Guardians do tonight.
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays open a crucial week long home stand starting Friday against the Orioles. The Blue jays have won 4 of the first 7 games in the season series, but the Orioles have outscored the Blue Jays 42-33. Chris Bassitt starts for the Orioles.  The Blue Jays haven't set their rotation for the series yet, but Max Scherzer could very well get the nod.

Game #146 Toronto Blue Jays (73-73) @ Athletics (58-88)

Game #146 Toronto Blue Jays (72-73) @ Athletics (58-87)

 

Game #145 Toronto Blue Jays (72-72) @ Athletics (57-87)

 

Game #144 - Toronto Blue Jays (72-72) @ Kansas City Royals (64-80) - game recap

 

Josh Smith hit a solo HR in a 6-1 loss to the Royals 

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After a huge win thanks to a clutch base hit off the bat of Kazuma Okamoto, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games, complete their second series sweep of the season and notch their 21st season series win of the season. Spencer Arrighetti got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Sean Keys at 1B. Josh Smith got the start at 2B.. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games, complete their second series sweep of the season and notch their 21st season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Royals opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vinnie Pasquantino belted a 3-run jack to right-center; slso scoring John Rave and Bobby Witt Jr.
• The Royals added a pair of runs in the top of the 3rd as Salvador Perez whacked a 2-run blast to left-center; also scoring Witt Jr.
• The Royals added a run in the top of the 5th as Nick Loftin singled scoring Pasquantino
• Spencer Arrighetti pitching line: 4.2IP 6H 6R (all earned) 3BB 3K 91 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Josh Smith smacked a solo blast to right
• Randy Dobnak pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 0BB 3K 83 pitches (53 for strikes)
• Final score: Royals 6 Blue Jays 1

My Take:-

• Spencer Arrighetti battled through 4.2 innings, giving up 6 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3. He was taken deep 3 times. At least he was able to pitch into the 5th inning to somewhat save the bullpen. No chance he's a part of any postseason rotation or even a bullpen arm.
• The bullpen threw 3.1 scoreless innings, givng up a hit, walking 4 and striking out 5. Nice to see Ricky Tiedemann finally making it to the big leagues after fighting his body to stay healthy for several seasons. He's got a few kinks to work out, but he is showing he can get big-league hitters out. He just needs to work on his command a bit.
• Offensively, Josh Smith broke the shutout bid by going deep to right. Bats were back to being ice cold today
• The Blue Jays were 3-1 on ABS challenges and the Royals were 1-1 on ABS challenges.
• The Blue Jays were 0-4 with runners in scoring position.
• In terms of the wild card race, the Guardians are back to being in sole possession of the 3rd WC spot (with the Blue Jays a game back) after their walk-off win today. The Rangers, who are leading their game against the Rays, are 2.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot and will gain a half game if they hold on and win and drop a half game if they lose. The Orioles (lost today) are 4 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Twins (play the White Sox later today) are also 4 games back of the 3rd WC spot for the moment, but will gain a  half game with a win and drop a half game if they lose. The Mariners (leading their game) are 6.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot for the moment and will gain a half game if they hold on and win and drop a half game if they lose.
• Up next, the Blue Jays continue the road trip against the Athletics. The Blue Jay swept the Athletics in Toronto to open the 2026 series, outscoring the A's 16-11. Ace Dylan Cease starts against A's lefty Jacob Lopez.

Game #144 Toronto Blue Jays (72-71) @ Kansas City Royals (63-80)

 

Game #143 - Toronto Blue Jays (72-71) @ Kansas City Royals (63-80) - game recap

Kazuma Okamoto drove in a pair of runs as the Blue Jays hung on to edge the Royals 4-3

 

After a huge win over the Royals thanks to some nice work from the bullpen after Jameson Taillon, who was put right back on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation, left the game after 2 innings, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 21st series win of the season. Ricky Tiedemann was recalled from AAA-ball. Max Scherzer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Andres Gimenez was at SS and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could theBlue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 21st series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Royals 3B Josh Rojas was charged with a throwing error on the play.
• A batter later, Nathan Lukes singled home Kirk 
• The Royals got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Jac Caglianone singled scoring Carter Jensen
• A batter later, Salvador Perez singled scoring Bobby Witt Jr.
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 3rd as Kazuma Okamoto doubled scoring Lukes. Okamoto was thrown out at 3B trying to stretch the double into a triple
• The Royals tied it in the bottom of the 4th as John Rave whacked a solo blast to right
• Seth Lugo pitching line: 5IP 8H 3R (all earned 2BB 4K 95 pitches (61 for strikes)
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 5.2IP 5H 3R (all earned) 1BB 2K 76 pitches (50 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 7th as Okamoto singled scoring George Springer
• Louis Varland threw a perfect 9th for his 33rd save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Royals 3

My Take:

• Max Scherzer battled through 5.2 innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2. The opening inning snowballed on Scherzer after he hit the first batter he faced on his first pitch of the game and the Royals erased the 2-run lead the offense gave him before he took to the mound. He did settle down after that and retired 15 of the last 17 batters he faced. At this point, I'd put Scherzer in the plsyoff rotation.
• The bullpen held the Royals to 2 hits and a walk whike striking out 3 over the last 3.1 innings. Mason Fluharty was credited with the win. Paul Sewald and Louis Varland both retired every batter e faced. Varland coulds be a dark horse in the Cy Young voting. He's had a phenomenol season so far and has been virtually lights out in save opportunities.
• For the second day in a row, the offense jumpred all over the starting pitcher. Kazuma Okamoto (2RBI) and Nathan Lukes (RBI, run scored) carried the day 
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but George Springer had a hit
• The Blue Jays were unsuccessful on both ABS challenges and the Royals were unsucceful on their lone ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 2-11 with runners in scoring position
• Anotheer huge accomplishment: getting above .500 for the first time since April 3rd.
• In terms of the wild card race, with the win, the Blue Jays moved into possession of the 3rd WC spot thanks to the Guardians also losing and the Blue Jays holding the tiebreaker over the Guardians after winning the season series against them. The Rangers (lost today)  are 2 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Orioles (lost today) are 3 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Twins (won today) are 3.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Mariners are 5.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot for the moment, but are losing to the A's and will drop a half game if the score remains the same or gain a half game if they come back and win. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the winning streak to 5 games, complete their second series sweep of the season and notch their 11th season series win of the season. It will be an all-too familiar bullpwn game with Spencer Arrighetti getting the start. The Royals will counter with righty Randy Dobnak.

Game #143 Toronto Blue Jays (71-71) @ Kansas City Royals (63-79)

 

Game #142 - Toronto Blue Jays (71-71) @ Kansas City Royals (63-79) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk drove in a pair of runs and scored a run in a 9-2 victory over the Royals

After a huge win yesterday over the Guardians thanks to a 4-run 5th inning rally to secure the tiebreaker over the Guardians, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games as they continued the road trip in Kansas City. The Royals won the series in Toronto a week ago, outscoring the Blue Jays 18-8. Jameson Taillon was activated off the 15-day IL (and got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate) and Ricky Tiedemann was optioned to AAA-ball. Myles Straw was in LF. Kazuma Okamoto was back in the lineup at the hot corner after the complete day off yesterday, Ernie Clement was at SS and Charles McAdoo was at 2B. 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 1st as Alejandro Kirk single scoring Brett Bateman
• A batter later, Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr,
• Two batters later, Ernie Clement doubled scoring Kirk and Charles McAdoo
• The Royals  got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Bobby Witt Jr. whacked a solo blast to left
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 2nd as Kirk doubled scoring Myles Staw
• Jameson Taillon pitching line: 2IP 2H 1R (earned) 0BB 29 pitches (18 for strikes)
• Daniel Lynch IV pitching line: 5IP 7H 5R (all earned) 1BB 0K 70 pitches (46 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th on a sac bunt by Straw that scored Clement
• Two batters later, George Springer doubled scoring Nathan Lukes and Bateman
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th as Sean Keys hammered a solo bomb to right
• The Royals got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Vinnie Pasquantino belted a solo jack to right
• Final score: Blue Jays  9 Royals 2

My Take:

• Unforttunate start for Jameson Taillon who looks like he's headed right back on the IL after reinjuring his right elbow 29 pitches into his start tonight, His season is all but over, and maybe should have been over before tonight, or perhaps he should have done one more rehab game before being activated. It's insane that a whole roster (and then some) has been on the IL. Medical team needs to be reviewed in the off-season
• The bullpwn gave up a run on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4 ov.r the last 7 innings. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced.
• Offensively, the Blue Jays ad a 4-run rally in the 1st and a 3-run rally in the 2nd. George Springer (2 RBI) Ernie Clement (2RBI, run scored), Alejandro Kirk (2RBI, run scored) snd Brett Batemsn (2 runs scored) led the way. Nice to see a team effort offensively.
• Both teams were a perfect 2-2 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 6-13 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the WC race, the Blue Jays are a game back of the Guardans, who swept the double header vs. the Tigers today, for the 3rd WC spot. The Rangers (lost today) are 1.5 gsmes back of the 3rd WC spot. The Orioles (lost today) are 2 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Mariners, who are in s 5-5 tie with the A's in their game tonight, are 5.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot, and will gain a half game if they win and lose a hsalf game if they lose. Finally, the Twins (lost tonight) are 4.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot.
• Up next, the Blue Jaus try to extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 22nd series win of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Royals righty Seth Lugo

Game #142 Toronto Blue Jays (70-71) @ Kansas City Royals (63-78)

 

Game #141 - Toronto Blue Jays (70-71) @ Cleveland Guardians (70-70) - game recap

 

After a huge shutout win yesterday thanks to a 5RBI effort from Vlad and 6 shutout innings from Dylan Cease, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games, notch their 21st series win of the season and 9th seaon series win of the season and nab the tiebreaker over Cleveland by winning the season series. Jose Soriano got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF. Josh Smith was at the hot corner and Sean Keys served as DH. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games, notch their 21st series win of the season and 9th seaon series win of the season and nab the tiebreaker over Cleveland by winning the season series? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Guardians opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Angel Genao singled scoring Jo Adell 
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 4th as Sean Keys singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Blue jays took the lead in the top of the 5th as Nathan Lukes doubled scoring Brandon Valenzuela and Ernie Clement
• A batter later, Brett Bateman scored on a sac fly by Guerrero Jr.
• A batter after that, Jesus Sanchez singled scoring Lukes
• Tanner Bibee pitching line: 4IP 4H 5R (all earned) 5BB 4K 89 pitched (49 for strikes)
• The Guardians got a pair back in the bottom half of the inning as Austin Hedges singled scoring Adell and Genao
• Jose Soriano pitching line: 4.2IP 6H 3R (all earned) 3BB 2K 98 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of i the 9th as Clement singled scoring Josh Smith
• Louis Varland threw a scoreless 9th for his 32nd save of the season. 
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Guardians 3

My Take:

• Jose Soriano battled through 4.2 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hours while walking 3 and striking out 2. Not the most efficient start, but he limited the damage on the scoreboard for the most pari. Soriano has emerged as a solid trade deadline pickup by the Blue Jays and will be a great addition to a postseason rotation .
• The bullpen threw 4.1 scoreless innings, giving up 2 hits, walking 2 and striking out 4. Spencer Miles, who retired every batter he faced, was credited with the win. Louis Varland, who has a shot at becoming the second Blue Jays pitcher with at least 40 saves (there aren't enough games remaining for Varland to challenge Duane Ward&, who notched 45 saves in 1993), locked down his 32 save of the season. He should get another 5-8 chances at saves given the number of games left and strength of the remaining schedule. You figure the team will make sure he is available in at least 2 games in the important series left in the season: vs the Tigers, vs.  The Rangers, vs the Orioles x2..
• Offensively, a 4-run rally in the 5th carried the day. Nathan Lukes (2RBI, run scored), Ernie Clement (RBI, run scored). It feels like the offense has rediscovered the attitude that they are never out of games.  
• Key stat of the day: the Blue Jays notched their 32nd comeback win of the season today.  Last year, the Blue Jays had 49 comeback win. The 2 world series teams had 40 and 44 comeback wins. The 1987 team, who infamously misses out on the playoffs on the very last day off the season, has the record of 50 comeback wins in a season. 
• The Blue jays were 5-1 on ABS challenges. The Guardians did not attempt an ABS challenge. 
• The Blue jays were 5-14 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, this win over the Guardians was huge for more than one reason. First, the Blue Jays are just a half game behind the Guardians for the 3rd WC spot.  Second, and more importantly, the Blue Jays secured the tiebreaker with the season series win, meaning if the Guardians and Blue Jays finish the season with the same record, the Blue Jays would make the playoffs. For the moment, the Rangers and Orioles are a game back but both could be tied with the Blue Jays and also be a half game back of the Guardians for the 3rd WC spot. The Rangers have the tie breaker over the Blue jays in the event the two teams are tied for the 3rd WC spot after sweeping the Blue Jays in Toronto at the end of June.  The idle Twins are 3 games back of the Guardians for the 3rd WC spot and the Mariners, who take on the A's later tonight, are 4 games back of the 3rd WC spot, but would gain a half game with a win. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays continue the road trip in Kansas City, where they will try to exact some revenge on a Royals team that took the series in Toronto a week ago, outscoring the Blue Jays 18-8. Jameson Taillon is expected to come off the 15-day IL to start for the Blue Jays. The Royals will counter with lefty Daniel Lynch IV.

Game #141 Toronto Blue Jays (69-71) @ Cleveland Guardians (70-69)

 

Game #140 - Toronto Blue Jays (69-71) @ Cleveland Guardians (70-69) - game recap

Vladimir Guerrero had 5 RBI, including a 3-run HR and finished a triple shy pf the cycle in an 11-0 shutout win over the Guardians

After dropping yesterday's opening game against the Guardians thanks to nothing from the offense and the bullpen not throwing a shutout, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and avoid their 20th series loss of the season. Ace Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate.  The rest of the lineup was the same as last night. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 20th series loss of the season?  Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr.  doubled scoring Brett Bateman
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 2nd on a fielder's choice hit by George Springer that scored Andres Gimenez and Myles Straw. Guardians SS Angel Genao was charged with a throwing error on the play
• A batter later, Guerrero Jr. hammered a 3-run bomb to left; also scoring Bateman and Springer
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Straw doubled scoring Ernie Clement 
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as Springer doubled scoring Straw
• A batter later, Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Bateman
• Joey Cantillo pitching line: 5.1IP 9H 9R (4 earned) 2BB 6K 102 pitches (66 for strikes)
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 6IP 4H 0R 0BB 4K 83 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Josh Smith belted a solo jack to right-center 
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th as Nathan Lukes singled scoring Sean Keys
• Final score: Blue Jays 11 Guardians 0 

My Take:

• Dylan Cease threw 6 shutout innings, scattering 4 hits, walking none and striking out 4. Maybe a bit of a surprise they pulled him with so few pitches thrown, especially a day after the bullpen day.i would have let Cease go one more inning - he still likely would have been under a hundred pitches and there would be more flexibility the remainder of the bullpen on terms of availability in the bullpen. 
• The bullpen threw 3 scoreless inningsb, giving up 2 hits, walking none and striking out five. Brendon Little and Paul Sewald retired every batter they faced. The best part about the score: Louis Varland, Mason Fluharty and Tyler Rogers will be fully rested for the big game tomorrow.
• The offense, led by Vlad (5RBI, including a 3-run HR and finished a triple shy of the cycle), Myles Straw (2 runs scored, RBI), George Springer (run scored RBI) and Josh Smith (solo HR). They even got to face a position player pitching in the 9th. Big night for Vlad, hopefully it's the start of a hot streak after a horrible season for a  player getting paid top dollar.
• The Guardians were 2-1 on ABS challenges and Alejandro Kirk successfully overturned the Blue Jays only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 7-15 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays are 1.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Rangers and Orioles, who both lost today, are also 1.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Twins (curreently tied in their game tonight) are 3 games back of the  3rd WC spot, but will be 2.5 games back if they win and 3.5 games back if they lose. Finally, the Mariners (won today) are 4.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot. 
• Up next: pretty simple, extend the win streak to 2 games, notch their 21st series win and 11th season series win, get within a half game of the Gurdiians for the 3rd WC spot and get that all important tiebreaker for winning the season series. Lose and the Guardians likely hold the tiebreaker for havng the better interdivision record. Jose Soriano starts against Guardians righty Tanner Bibee

Game #140 Toronto Blue Jays (68-71) @ Cleveland Guardians (70-68)

- Game #139 - Toronto Blue Jays (68-71) @ Cleveland Guardians (70-68) - game recap

 

Kazuma Okamoto scored the Blue Jays only run with some heads-up base runnings in a 6-1 come-from-behind loss to the Guardians

After an off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays hit the road for the second last time this season as they landed in Cleveland with a massive opportunity to snag the 3rd WC spot. The Blue Jays took the series in Toronto back at the end of April, outscoring the Guardians 15-13. Ricky Tiedemann and Sean Keys were recalled from AAA-ball as the September call-ups with the annual September roster expansion. Lefty Joe Mantiply was reinstated from the 60-day IL and utility man Josh Smith was reinstated from the 10-day IL. Daz Cameron was DFA'd. Simeon Woods Richardson cleared waivers and eleted free agency. Spencer Miles got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Ernie Clement was back in the lineup at 2B after the full day off Sunday.  Could the Blue Jays extend the winning streak to 4 games? Here is tonight's game recap

Game Highlights:

• Spencer Miles pitching line: 1IP 1H 0R 0BB 0K 16 pitches (12 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 5th on a wild pitch by ¹Gavin Williams that scored Kazuma Okamoto 
• The Guardians took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Patrick Bailey hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Angel Martinez 
• The Guardians added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 7th as Angel Genoa hammered a 2-run bomb to left; also scoring Martinez
• Gavin Williams pitching line: 7IP 2H 1R (unearned) 1BB 13K 97 pitches (64 for strikes)
• The Guardians added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 8th as Martinez belted a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Petey Halpin 
• Final score: Guardians 6 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Stop me if you heard this one before: the Blue Jays had a bullpen game again today with Spencer Miles opening the game on the bump. It seems like every turn through the rotation has needed at least one bullpen game due to injury and performance (mostly injury). Miles has been a bulk pitcher and an opener in these scenarios and today, he got the ball first, giving up a hit in the 1 inning of work. The FO needs to address this in the  off-season and the Blue Jays should have a minimum of 6-7 pitchers built up to handle a starter's role.
• The rest of the bullpen gave up 6 runs on7 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3 over the last 7 innings. Spencer Arrighetti, Joe Mantiply and Michael Lorenzen all gave up 2-run HRs. The first one was back-breaking and demoralizing since the Blue Jays manufactured their only run in the top half of the 5th inning 
• Speaking of the offense, they were stymied by the Guardians pitching all night. They manufactured their only run only because Guardians catcher Patrick Bailey made a horrible decision to try and gun down Kazuma Okamoto on a pitch that was ball 4 and then Bailey was unable to corrall a nasty splitter for a wild pitch (and unearned run). Nobody reached base more than once
• Both catchers were 0-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the WC race, the Blue Jays fell to 2.5 games back of the Guardians for the 3rd WC spot. The Orioles (losing in their game vs. the Rockies) are 1 game back of the 3rd WC spot for the moment, but will be 1.5 games back if the score holds and will be a half game back of the 3rd WC spot if they win. The Texas Rangers (ahead in their game vs. the A's) are 2 games back of the 3rd WC spot for the moment, but will be 1.5 games back if the score holds and will be 2.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot if they lose.  The Twins (won today) are 3.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot and the Mariners ((won today) are 5.5 games back of the 3rd WC. I am eliminating the Tigers, who are 7.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot, from the WC race updates because they have to much ground to make up and too many teams to overtake.
• Up next, The Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 20th series loss of the season/ Ace Dylan Cease starts against Guardians lefty Joey Cantillo

Game #139 Toronto Blue Jays (68-70) @ Cleveland Guardians (69-68)