Game #21- Toronto Blue Jays (8-13) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (13-9) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes drove in 3 runs and scored a run in a 10-4 victory over the Diamondacks

After another loss due to Jeff Hoffman giving up a grand slam, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 4-game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd time (first in a season series). Ace Kevin Gausman got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's loss. Could the Blue Jays snap the 4-game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd time (first in a season series)? Here is today's game recap

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Nathan Lukes and Ernie Clement
• Two batters later, Eloy Jimenez singled scoring Guerrero Jr
• Two batters later Kazuma Okamoto doubled scoring Jesus Sanchez and Jimenez
• Three batters later, Lukes doubled home Andres Gimenez, Okamoto and Myles Straw 
• Ryne Nelson pitching line 0.1IP 8H 8R (all earned) 1BB 1K 30 pitches (19 for strikes)
• The Diamondbacks got one back in the bottom of the 2nd as James McCann singled scoring Adrian Del Castillo
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Okamoto whacked a solo blast to left-center
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th on a sac fly by Gimenez that scored Guerrero Jr.
• The Diamondbacks got one back in the button of the 6th as Del Castillo doubled scoring Lourdes Gurriel Jr 
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 7H 2R (both earned) 1BB 4K 86 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Diamondbacks got a pair back in the bottom of the 7th as Jorge Barrosa smacked a 2-run blast to left and into the Diamondbacks bullpen; also scoring Ketel Marte
• Final score: Blue Jays 10 Diamondbacks 4

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman fired 6 solid innings giving up a pair of runs on 7 his while walking 1 and striking 4. For once, Gausman didn't have to be cy young today. He retired 5 in a row at one point and made the pitches he had to to escape the jams he got into. It must have been nice to be able to work with a sizable lead knowing a mistake pitch wouldn't be catastrophic.
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 3 hits (both runs were charged to Mason Fluharty who was taken deep by Jorge Barrosa) while walking none and striking out 1 over the last 3 innings. Tommy Nance retired every batter he faced.
• Offensively, the bats exploded in the 1st inning like a shaken pop bottle, scoring 8 times, including a bases clearing double from Nathan Lukes, who has received a lot of criticism for early season struggles from fans. Lukes got 2 hits in the inning and Dbacks starters Ryne Nelson until the 9th batter of the inning and Lukes knocked him out of the game with the double a batter later. Vlad and Kazuma Okamoto, who later went deep, knocked in 2 runs each in that 1st inning. The trick will be replicating that result tomorrow in LA.
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once, all but Myles Straw had a hit and all but Brandon Valenzuela either scored a run or drove in a run.
• The Dbacks, and in particular catcher James McCann, were a perfect 2-2 in overturning ABS challenges. The Blue Jays were 0-2 with a ball confirmed on a challenge by catcher Brandon Valenzuela and a strike confirmed on a challenge by Myles Straw
• The Blue Jays were 5-13 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays head to LA to take on the Angels in the last stop of the road trip. The Blue Jays took the season series last year with both teams scoring 26 runs. Dylan Cease starts against Angels lefty Reid Detmers

Game #20- Toronto Blue Jays (7-13) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (13-8) - game recap

M-ax Scherzer threw 6 solid innings in a 6-2 loss to the Diamondbacks

After a hybrid bullpen day with Eric Lauer as the bulk inning guy went south, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 3-game skid and avoid losing their 6th straight series and 3rd straight season series. Max Scherzer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF, Myles Straw was in RF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and avoid losing their 6th straight series and 3rd straight season series? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Jesus Sanchez singled scoring Nathan Lukes
• The Diamondbacks tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Geraldo Perdomo singled scoring Corbin Carroll
• The Diamondbacks took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Alek Thomas doubled scoring Jose Fernandez
• The Blue jaysFinal score:  tied it in the top of the 6th as Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Eloy Jimenez
• Zac Gallen pitching line: 5.2IP 9H 2R (both earned) 0BB 3K 88 pitches (63 for strikes
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 6IP 5H 2R (both earned) 1BB 1K 74 pitches (50 for strikes)
• The Diamondbacks retook the lead in the bottom of the 8th on a grand slam to the opposite field in left-center by Carroll that also scored Ildemaro Vargas, Thomas and Ketel Marte 
• Final score: Diamondbacks 6 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Max Scherzer fired 6 strong innings, giving up a pair of runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 1. He retired 8 in a row at one point and the drizzled veteran made pitches when he had to. The Blue jays should considering keeping him in the rotation even when everyone is healthy because he adds so much valuable knowledge in the dugout and tonight he showed he can still contribute meaningfully. Next start, Scherzer should reach the 3500 strikeout milestone. 
• The bullpen gave up 4 runs on 3 hits and a walk (all against Jeff Hoffman, who is apparently being moved out of the closer role, at least temporarily) and striking out 2. The Blue Jays should give Tyler Rogers, who has been fantastic so far this season, as crack at cloring games.
• The offense continues to sputter along. Nathan Lukes had a good night in the leadoff spot with 3 hits and he scored the Blue Jays first run.
• The Blue Jays had their chances, as evidenced by every starter except Andres Gimenez and Tyler Heineman with at least 1 hit.
• There were no ABS challenges for the second straight day, but the Blue Jays successfully overturned 2 calls in the field. When you are struggling as a team, you need to challenge every call you can.
• The Blue Jays were 2-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 4-game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd time (1st in a season series). Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Diamondbaacks righty Ryne Nelson

Game #19- Toronto Blue Jays (7-12) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (12-8) - game recap

 

Myles Straw scored twice, including a solo HR in a losing effort as the Diamondbacks came from behind to double up the Blue Jays 6-3

After dropping a 5th straight series and 2nd straight season series, the Blue Jays were looking to start the weekend with a win and snap a 2-game skid. They began a weekend series against the Diamondbacks tonight. The Blue Jays took the season series last year, outscoring the Diamondbacks 18-14. Brayden Fisher got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after the half day off as DH yesterday (Lenyn Sosa served as DH tonight). Kazuma Okamoto was back at the hot corner and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Brandon Fisher pitching line: 1IP 1H 0R 0BB 0K 11 pitches (9 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 4th on a sac bunt by Lenyn Sosa that scored Myles Straw 
• The Diamondbacks tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Nolan Arenado whacked a solo blast to left and into the diamondbacks bullpen
• The Diamondbacks added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Corbin Carroll singled scoring Jorge Berrosa
• Two batters later, Jose Fernandez singled scoring Ketel Marte
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Straw belted a solo jack to left and into the Diamondbacks bullpen
• The Diamondbacks added a run in the bottom of the 7th on a throwing error by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a ball hit by Fernandez that scored Marte
• A batter later, Arenado singled scoring Carroll
• Michael Soroka pitching line: 7IP 5H 2R (both earned) 0BB 5K 94 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 8th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr singled scoring Tyler Heineman\
• The Diamondbacks added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Tim Tawa doubled scoring James Mccann
• Paul Sewald pitched a perfect 9th for his 7th save of the season
• Final score: Diamondbacks 6 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Brayden Fisher, the most effective pitcher on the night, did his job, pitching an efficient scoreless inning, allowing just the one hit. I'm not a big fan of using openers, mainly because it wastes a bullpen arm and generally the bullpen has a heavier use night on bullpen days, especially if the pitcher designated as the bulk reliever has an off-night. 
• Eric Lauer, the bulk reliever today, gave up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. Spencer Miles gave up 2 unearned runs after a bad throw from Vlad that Miles couldn't handle cleanly. The bullpen can't keep giving up runs, especially when the offense can't generate runs consistently
• On the ouch files, Daulton Varsho left the game prior to the bottom of the 3rd with left knee soreness. Vlad caught a ball awkwardly in the 8th, jamming a finger. The Blue Jays can ill-afford to lose either player long-term. Varsho's injury could necessitate George Springer getting reps in the outfield. Ernie Clement and Kazuma Okamoto can both play 1st base if Vlad needs to miss a day or two.
• Offensively Straw scored twice, including a 4th inning solo blast to draw the Blue Jays within a run. Nice strategy by Lenyn Sosa to drive in the 1st run via a sac bunt. All runs count whether the ball is hit 400 feet or a foot. A speedy player could force a bad throw.
• There were no ABS challenges today.
• The Blue Jays were 1-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 3-game skid and avoid their 6th series loss and 4th season series loss of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Diamondbacks righty Zac Gallen

Game #74 Arizona Diamondbacks (37-37) @ Toronto Blue Jays (40-34) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk homered twice and drove in 3 runs in a 9-5 loss to the Diamondbacks

After another solid win on the strength of some fine pitching and 6 runs against the Diamondbacks beleaguered bullpen, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and to complete their 5th series sweep and 4th season series sweep. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Jonatan Clase returning to the lineup and in CF after missing a game after getting hit in the knee by a pitch on Tuesday. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and to complete their 5th series sweep and 4th season series sweep? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Diamondbacks opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Eugenio Suarez whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right-center; also scoring Josh Naylor
• The Blue jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Alejandro Kirk smacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• The Diamondbacks added a pair of runs in the top of the 3rd as Suarez doubled scoring Ketel Marte and Pavin Smith
• The Diamondbacks added a pair of runs in the top of the 5th as Smith hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Marte
• Four batters later, Naylor scored on a sac fly by Randal Grichuk
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 4.1IP 7H 7R (all earned) 3BB 4K 81 pitches (46 for strikes)
• The Diamondbacks added a run in the top of the 6th as Marte doubled scoring Jose Herrera
• A batter later, Geraldo Perdomo scored on a sac fly by Smith
• Ryne Nelson pitching line: 5.2IP 1H 1R (earned) 2BB 4K 83 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 7th as Kirk whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right and into the Diamondbacks bullpen
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Jonatan Clase hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in right
• Three batters later. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Addison Barger. Dbacks ,LF, and ex-Blue Jay, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was charged with a throwing error on the play
• A batter later, Kirk doubled home Guerrero Jr.
• Final score: Diamondbacks 9 Blue Jays 5

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman was lit up for 7 runs on 7 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4. As is the case when he struggles, location and command was an issue and the Diamondbacks took full advatage. He actually retired the first 4 batters he faced before issuing a walk to ex-Blue Jay Randal Grichuk. The Dbacks took him deep twice for 4 of the 7 runs he gave up. His next start in Cleveland won't be any easier either.
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 2 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4 over the last 4.2 innings. Braydon Fisher was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced
• Alejandro Kirk drove the offence today, homering twice and driving in a third run. He was the only Blue Jay to get a hit off Diamondbacks starter Ryne Nelson. Vlad drove in a run and scored a run
• The Blue Jays were 1-1 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the White Sox come to town for a weekend series. The Blue Jays won 5 of the 6 games in the season series last year, outscoring the White Sox 33-14

Game #73 Arizona Diamondbacks (36-37) @ Toronto Blue Jays (40-33) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in 3 runs in an 8-1 win over the Diamondbacks

After a big comeback win on the strength of back-to-back dingers off the bats of Bo Bichette and Addision Bargerm the Blue Jays were trying to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 11th series win of the season and 7th series win of the season. Eric Lauer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. George Springer was in CF with the two injuries to Myles Straw and Jonatan Clase that occurred in last nights game. Alejandro Kirk served as DH. Davis Schneider got the start in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins, 11 series wins and 7 season series wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring as Bo Bichette led off with a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd on a catcher's interference call against Diamondbacks catcher Jose Herrera that forced in Tyler Heineman
• Edurardo Rodriguez pitching line: 4.2IP 6H 2R (1 earned) 3BB 4K 98 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Diamondbacks got one back in the top of the 6th on a ground out hit by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. that scored Corbin Carroll
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 5IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 8K 75 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Addison Barger doubled scoring Alan Roden
• A batter later, Guerrero Jr. doubled home Bichette and Barger
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th on a sac fly by Heineman that scored Ernie Clement
• A batter later, Andres Gimenez scored on a ground out hit by Bichette
• Two batters later, Guerrero Jr.. singled scoring Roden
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 Diamondbacks 1

My Take

• Eric Lauer threw 5 shutout innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 8. Lauer has been making a case to be in the rotation or at least the long man option out of the bullpen. I'm not really a big fan of using an opener if you have a pitcher capable of throwing what a starter throws. The Blue Jays should run with Lauer in the rotation, at least through to the all-star break. He has earned it.
• The bullpen gave up one inherited run, 2 hits no walks and 4 strikeouts over the last 4 innings. Yariel Rodriguez, who gave up the inherited run on a productive out, retired every batter he faced and ate up two of the innings
• The bats took advatage of a mediocre Dbacks bullpenm plating 6 runs over the 6th and 7th innings to put the game out of reach. There was contribution throughout the lineup with every starter but Davis Schneider reaching base and all but Schneider and Alejandro Kirk getting a hit
• The Blue Jays were 3-11 with runners in scoring position
• Up next the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 5th series sweep and 4th season series sweep of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Diamondbacks righty Ryne Nelson

Game #73 Arizona Snakeys (36-36) @ Toronto Blueys (39-33)

 

Game #72 Arizona Diamondbacks (36-36) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-33) - game recap

 

Addison Barger hit a walk-off HR in the bottom of the 9th in a 5-4 comeback win over the Diamondacks

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened a week-long homestand that started tonight against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks won the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 24-13. Bowden Francis was placed on the 15-day IL with right-shoulder impingement and righty Eric Swanson was DFA'd. Righty Paxson Schultz was recalled from AAA-ball. Lefty Justin Bruihl had his contact selected from AAA-ball. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette was back in the field after the half day off as DH yesterday (George Springer got the half day off as DH tonight). Will Robertson was in LF and Addison Barger was in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and start the week and homestand with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Addison Barger
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Guerrero Jr. annihilated a solo bomb to the second deck in left-center 
• The Diamondbacks got one back in the top of the 4th as Pavin Smith singled scoring Josh Naylor
• Jonatan Clase left the game prior to the top of the 5th after getting hit in the knee by a pitch
• The Diamondbacks tied it up in the top of the 5th as Ketel Marte singled scoring Corbin Carroll. Addison Barger was charged with a throwing error on the play
• Two batters later Naylor doubled scoring Marte. Myles Straw was injured on the play,  crashing into the CF wall.  Oh yeah and he came in as an injury replacement at the beginning of the inning
• Brandon Pfaadt pitching line: 5IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 3K 81 pitches (46 for strikes)
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 6IP 6H 3R (all earned) 1BB 5K 97 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Diamondbacks added a run in the top of the 7th as Eugenio Suarez singled scoring Marte
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Guerrero Jr singled home Bo Bichette
• The Blue jays tied the game in the bottom of the 9th as Bichette belted a solo jack to left
• A batter later, Barger hammered a solo bonb off the basing of the 3rd deck in right
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Diamondbacks 4

My Take:

•  Chris Bassitt threw 6 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hiis while walking 1 and striking out 5. He got a bit unfortunate on two of the runs with Addison Barger making a throwing error on a cannon to 3rd base that Ernie Clement could not handle and Myles Straw almost made a great play two batters later on s deep fly ball, but missed the catch and ended up leaving the game with an apparent ankle injury. For at least the next two turns through the rotation,  it's going to be crucial that Bassitt, Jose Berrios and kevin Gausman get as deep into games as possible to save the bullpen that will be used heavily,  potentially up to the all star break. Alek Manoah isn't expected back from Tommy John surgery until August at the earliest and with Max Scherzer, who knows if his thumb can handle more than about 50 pitches? Either way, expect general manager Ross Atkins to be listening to trade offers on pitching help and be looking to the waiver for someone to become available.
• As I mentioned in the point above, the bullpen is expected to face heavy usage the next couple od weeks at least with Bowden Francis hitting the IL. Tonight, it gave up a run on 2 hits while walking 4 and striking out 1 over the last 3 innings. The Blue Jays used 4 relievers to get the 9 outs. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced.
• The offence came through when it had to with back-to-back bombs off the bats of Bo Bichette and  to walk it off. Vlad took care of the other 3 Blue Jays runs with 3RBI, including a mammoth HR. Vlad finished the day a triple shy of the cycle.
• The outfield depth is about to be tested in a big way. Daulton Varsho, Nathan Lukes and Anthony Santander are all already on the IL. Should Clase and Straw, or even one require an IL stint, the Blue Jays would need to bring up another outfielder and Alan Roden and George Springer would likely share time at CF with Davis Schneider, Will Robertson and Addison Barger covering the corner outfield positions. 
• The Blue Jays were 2-6 with runners in scoring posittion
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 11th series win of the season. Eric Lauer starts against Diamondbacks lefty Eduardo Rodriguez

Game #96 - Toronto Blue Jays (44-52) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (49-48) - game recap

 

Kevin Kiermaier hit  a grand slam as the Blue Jays hung on for an 8-7 win over the Diamondbacks

After a blowout loss last night, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2-game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd time this season. Bowden Francis was optioned to AAA-ball and lefty Brandon Eisert was recalled from AAA-ball. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH wirh Steward  Berroa in RF. K evin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd time this season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd on a fielding error by Diamondbacks SS Geraldo Perdomo on a ball hit by Ernie Clement that scored Daulton Varsho
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th as Varsho singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 
• A batter later, Clement singled home Danny Jansen and advanced to 2nd on a throwing error by Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
• Two batters later, Kevin Kiermaier hammered a  grand slam to right; also scoring Varsho, Clement and Leo Jimenez
• Zac Gallen pitching line: 3.2IP 9H 7R (6 earned) 1BB 1K 70 pitches (44 for strikes)
• The Diamondbacks got 4 back in the bottom half of the inning as Ketel Marte hammered a grand slam to dead center; also scoring Jake McCarthy, Eugenio Suarez and Perdomo
• Four batters later, Randal Grichuk singled scoring Gabriel Moreno
• Two batters later, Suarez singled scoring Gurriel Jr. and Grichuk
• Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 4.2IP 6H 7R (all earned) 3BB 6K 86 pitches (48 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 7th as Guerrero Jr. hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Chad Green got the last 4 outs for his 6th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 Diamondbacks 7 

My Take:

• Yusei Kikuchi was lit up for 7 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 6 over 4.2 innings. The wheels really fell off the train in the 5th inning when Kikuchi was lit up for the 7 runs on 4 hits (there were actually 5 hits total in the inning, but Genesis Cabrera allowed the last hit and 2 inherited runners to score), 3 walks and a hit batter. Pete Walker did a mound visit after the first walk and wild pitch. The mound visit had little effect and a big reason why Walker needs to be part of the desparately needed overhaul of the coaching staff and management. 
• The bullpen, once Cabrera was able to finally get out of the 5th inning, kept the Diamondbacks off the scoreboard in the last 4 innings. Collectively, they allowed 3 hits and a walk while striking out 3. Trevor Richards was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced.
• The offence was actually on today and chased Zac Gallen with a huge 6-run 4th inning, capped by a Kevin Kiermaier grand slam. Vladdy was 3-5 with 2 runs scored and a run batted in and knocked in the winning run on a solo HR.
• Every Blue Jays starter except Steward Berroa had at least one hit.
• The Blue Jays were 3-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the all-star break. The big question is whether the Blue Jays return next Friday with a new manager, GM, and/or other coaches. When the team returns, they will face the Tigers, who took 3 of 4 in Detroit 2 months ago with both teams scoring 23 runs. The Blue Jays have a rare opportunity to reset their rotation with 4 off-days. The Blue Jays can turn to ace Jose Berrios, yesterday's starter, go with the next man up, which would be Chris Bassitt or go with the hot pitcher in Kevin Gausman. The Tigers haven't set their rotation either.

Game #95 - Toronto Blue Jays (43-52) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (49-47) - game recap

Alejandro Kirk drove in the Blue Jays only run on a sac fly in a 12-1 blowout loss to the Diamondbacks

After another loss due to the bullpen blowing a late lead, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette remained out with a calf injury (Leo Jimenez was at SS). Vlad was back in the field after a half day off yesterday as DH (Justin Turner served as DH tonight). Daulton Varsho was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. Could the Blue Jys even the series? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Diamondbacks opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Joc Pederson doubled scoring Ketel Marte
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the top of the 2nd on a sac fly by Alejandro Kirk that scored Daulton Varsho 
• The Diamondbacks retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Jose Herrera singled scoring Geralda Perdomo
• A batter later, Eugenio Suarez scored on a sac fly by Corbin Carroll
• The Diamondbacks added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Marte singled scoring Herrera
• Three batters later, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. singled scoring Carroll
• Chris Bassitt was thrown out of the game in the top of the 5th for saying something bad to the first base umpire 
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 4IP 7H 5R (all earned) 4BB 0K 90 pitches (55 for strikes)
• Yilber Diaz pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 2BB 2K 87 pitches (49 for strikes)
• The Diamondbacks added 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th as Carroll belted a 3-run jack to the opposite field in left; also scoring Alex Thomas and Herrera
• The Diamondbacks added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 8th as Suarez hammered a 2-run bomb to left-center; also scoring Perdomo
• Three batters later, Carroll whacked a 2-run blast to right-center; also scoring Thomas
• Final score: Diamondbacks 12 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Jose Berrios was roughed up for 5 runs on 7 hits while walking 4 and striking out none. Lots of hard hits against the Blue Jays ace tonight and not much command. He's been struggling the last 4 starts and you have to wonder if Kevin Gausman might be tapped to start the 1st game after the all-star break.
• The bullpen gave up a further 7 runs on 8 hits and walking 3 and striking out 4 over the last 4 innings. Bowden Francis was the only reliever not to allow a run, but he gave up a base hit and walked 2 over 2 innings. The only reason the carnage wasn't worse was because the Diamondbacks did not bat in the 9th since they were the home team and had last AB. Surely Danny Jansen woyld have been pitching the 9th if the game was in Toronto.
• The night for the offense wasn't much better. They did well to tie the game in the 2nd inning, but that was about it. They got runners on the corners in the top of the 4th, but Davis Schneider flew out to right to end the threat. Two innings later, Spencer Horwitz was thrown out trying to advance to 3rd base on a wild pitch. 
• Right now, the only players who deserve to be in the lineup every day are Leo Jimenez and Spencer Horwirz. George Springer should not be bnbating leadoff. 
• At least Steward Berror got to make his big league debut as a defensive replacemennt in the 9th. Why not put him in the lineup tomorrow? I mean, he can't do much worse than the players in the lineup tonight
• The Blue Jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays wrap up the unfficial 1st half of the season and try to snap the skid and avoid being swept for the 2nd time this season. Yusei Kikuchi makes what could be one of his last starts in a Blue Jays uniform. The Diamondbacks will counter with righty Zac Gallen

Game #94 - Arizona Diamondbacks (52-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (53-41) - game recap

 

Danny Jansen had a clutch 3-run, bases clearing double and picked off a base runner in a 7-5
come-from-behind win over the Diamondbacks

After another win fuelled by some clutch hitting by George Springer and Whit Merrifield, the Blue Jays were going for their 4th straight win, 5th sweep, and 4th season series sweep of the season. Yusei Kikuchi got the start wirh Danny Jansen behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Santiago Espinal was at 2B. Alejandro Kirk served as DH  Could the Blue Jays make it four straight wins, 5 series sweeps and 4v season series sweeps? Here is today's game recap. 

Game #93 - Arizona Diamondbacks (52-41) @ Toronto Blue Jays (52-41) - game recap

 

Whit Merrifield scored a pair and drove in a pair in a 5-2 victory over the Diamondbacks

After a solid win off a 5-run 7th inning rally, the Blue Jays were going for their 3rd straight win, 19th series win and 10th season series win of the season. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejanndro Kirk behind the plate.Vlad got the half day off as DH with Brandon Belt at 1B. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Whit Merrifielld was in LF. Cavan Biggio got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to three games and notch their 19th series win of the season and their 10th season series win? Here is today's game recap.

Game #92 - Arizona Diamondback (52-40) @ Toronto Blue Jays (51-41) - game recap

 

Whit Merrifield drove in a pair and scored once in a 7-2 win over the Diamondbacks

After a four-day break for all-star week, the Blue Jays opened the unofficial second half of the season with a weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Daulton Varsho and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will be facing their former ball clubs after being traded for each other in the off-season. Gurriel Jr. hit .285 with 68HR and 254 RBI in 5 seasons, 468 regular season games, 1724AB. This season, he is batting ..269 with 15HR and 54 RBI in 77 games and 297AB. Varsho is batting .215 with 12HR and 30RBI. In 2019, The Diamondbacks swept the season series 3-0, outscoring the Blue Jays 22-4. George Springer and Jay Jackson were reinstated from the paternity list. Jose Berrios got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup and in RF after missing the last 2 games witnessing the birth of his child. Daulton Varsho was in LF and Whit Merrifield got the start at 2B. Brandon Belt served as DH. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and start the unofficial 2nd half with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr hammered a solo bomb to left-center
• Five batters later,  Matt Chapman scored on a sac fly double play hit by Kevin Kiermaier. Whit Merrifield was thrown out at 3rd to on the play to end the inning
• The Diamondbacks got one back in the top of the 4th on a wild pitch by Jose Berrios that scored Ketel Marte
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 5.iIP 7H 1R (earned) 1BB 4K 90 pitches (61 for strikes)
• Ryne Nelson pitching line: 5.2IP 9H 2R (1 earned) 0BB 3K 97 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Diamondbacks tied the game in the top of the 7th as Gabriel Moreno smacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning on a fielder's choice hit by Brandon Belt that scored Kiermaier
• Two batters later, Chapman doubled scoring Cavan Biggio
• A batter later, Merrifield singled scoring Chapman and Guerrero Jr
• Two batters later, Merrifield scored on a throwing error by Marte on a ball hit by Danny Jansen
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 Diamondbacks 2

My Take:

• Jose Berrios battled through 5.1 innings, giving up a run on 7 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. He got a bit fortunate in the 1st inning when the Diamondbacks ran into 2 outs with Geraldo Perdomo getting gunned down at 3rd base by Kevin Kiermaier and Whit Merrifield and Berrios picking off Corbin Caroll to end the inning. Berrios uncorked a wild pitch on the only run he allowed. He left with a chance to win
• Unfortunately, Trevor Richards gave up a solo blast to ex-Blue Jays prospect Gabriel Moreno. Nate Pearson and Jay Jackson both struck out a pair in their inning of work
• Offensively,  every Blue Jay had at least one hit
• Vlad,  Matt Chapman and Whit Merrifield combined to go 7-14 with 5 runs scored and 4RBI
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for three straight wins and 19 series wins and 10 season series wins. Kevin Gausman starts against Diamondbacks righty Zac Gallen

Game #65 Arizona Diamondbacks (34-32) @ Toronto Blue Jays (23-42) - game recap

Tim Locastro hit a three run triple and scored himself a batter later as the Diamondbacks routed the Blue Jays 8-2

The Blue Jays were looking to avoid being swept in 2 of 3 series after dropping the first two.. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was not in the lineup today, taking away arguably the Blue Jays best offensive weapon. It was a lefty-lefty matchup Sunday with Clayton Richard pitching against Robbie Ray. Could the Blue Jays wrap up the homestand with a win? Here is today's game recap.

Game #64 Arizona Diamondbacks (33-32) @ Toronto Blue Jays (23-41) - game recap

Zack Greinke threw six shutout innings as the Diamondbacks shut out the Blue Jays 6-0

After getting spanked 8-2 by the Diamondbacks last night, the Blue Jays were trying to even the series and guarantee a split in the homestand this week. Aaron Sanchez was on the mound and who knows how many innings he's going to last in a given start with his fingers. Cavan Biggio led off today and was back at his ideal second base position. The Blue Jays batters were in tough with Zack Greinke pitchng. Could the Blue Jays pull off a miracle? Here is today's game recap.

Game #63 Arizona Diamondbacks (32-32) @ Toronto Blue Jays (23-40) - game recap

Diamondbacks righty Merrill Kelly threw seven strong innings as the Diamondbacks routed the Blue Jays 8-2

After a difficult loss to the Yankees, the Blue Jays were right back at it taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks. Marcus Stroman was back on the mound (he got one of the three wins in 2016 vs. Arizona). Cavan Biggio got the start at first base as Justin Smoak got a full day off and Rowdy Tellez served as the DH. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate after a day off yesterday. Randal Grichuk also returned to the field after serving as the DH yesterday. Could the Blue Jays get back on track with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Diamondbacks opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as David Peralta  singled home Ketel Marte
• A batter later, Christian Walker hit a ground-rule double scoring Eduardo Escobar
• A batter later, as Kevin Cron cranked a three-run blast into the Blue Jays bullpen also scoring Walker and Peralta
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 5th as Teoscar Hernandez smacked an opposite field shot into the Diamondbacks bullpen
• The Diamondbacks added a run in the top of the 6th as Peralta knocked one out to right into the Diamondbacks bullpen
• Marcus Stroman pitching line: 5.2IP 7H 6R (all earned) 2BB 4K 101 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Diamondbacks added a run in the top of the 7th as Escobar singled home Jarrod Dyson
• Merrill Kelly pitching line: 7IP 3H 1R (earned) 2BB 3K 95 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Diamondbacks added a run in the top of the 9th on an opposite field shot by Carson Kelly 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. singled home Randal Grichuk. Gurriel Jr. advanced to second on the play on a throwing error
• Final score: Diamondbacks 8 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Marcus Stroman cruised through the first three innings, facing the minimum 9 batters. In the 4th inning, he was lit up to the tune of 5 runs on 4 hits and a walk. Stroman pitched into the 6th inning, key with Sanchez pitching tomorrow and a big stretch of games coming up starting Tuesday. How many more starts will Stroman make in a Blue Jays uniform with the team reportedly actively shopping him, Sanchez and Smoak
• The offence was pretty non-existent through the first seven innings, managing just a single run (on a solo HR) 3 hits and a pair of walks. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had the best day with a pair of hits. The Blue Jays best inning offensively was the 8th when they had runners on 1st and second (the only inning with multi-base runners)
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series as Aaron Sanchez and his wonky digit take to the mound against former 2009 Cy Young winner Zack Greinke.