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 #3 - Athletics (0-3) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-0) - game recap

 

After the Blue Jays bailed out Brandon Little and pulled off an extra innings win and 2nd straight walk-off win, the Blue Jays were looking for 3 straight wins and to complete their 1st series sweep of the season. Eric Lauer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF and Addison Barger was in LF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 1st sweep 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 blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Jesus Sanchez hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Tyler Heineman
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom of 4th as Kazuma Okamoto whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-field for his first big league home run
• The A's got a pair back in the top of the 5th as Max Muncy whacked a 2-run blast to right and into the A's bullpen; also scoring Jacob Wilson
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning on a bases loaded walk to Addison Barger that forced in Heineman
• Luis Morales pitching line: 4.1IP 5H 5R (all earned) 2BB 5K 71 pitches (41 for strikes)
• Jeff Hoffman pitched a scoreless 9th for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 A's 2

My Take:

• Eric Lauer was excellent through the first 4 innings, retiring 12 of the first 13 batters he faced, including striking out the side in the 1st inning. Fatigue seemed to hit him in the 5th inning, when he gave up 2 straight hits, including a 2-run HR to chop the lead in half. He did recover to retire the next 4 batters, before giving up a single to the last batter he faced. The Blue Jays should consider keeping him in the rotation when Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage come off the IL because facing a southpaw starter every 5 days can throw hitters off. Certainly he needs to be the long man out of the bullpen and the Blue Jays should keep him stretched out because there are a few pitchers with health concerns.
• The bullpen had it's best day of the season, holding a tough A's lineup to 2 hits, while walking none and striking out 6. Gutsy effort from Mason Fluharty, who was drilled on back to back comebackers. He came in and struck out the only batter he faced today. Brayden Fisher got 5 outs and Jeff Hoffman rebounded nicely after blowing the save in the opening game of the season on Friday. 
• The bats showed some pop with George Springer (61st career leadoff HR), Jesus Sanchez (2-run HR in the 3rd inningl first HR as a Blue Jay), and Kazuma Okamoto (solo shot in the 4th and first HR of his career) all went deep. The Blue Jays added an important insurance run in the 5th thanks to a patient AB from Addison Barger to force in a run on a bases loaded walk. It was nice to see the team give some run support to the pitchers.
• The Blue Jays were 1-2 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays welcome the Colorado Rockies to town. The Blue Jays swept the season series last year, outscoring the Rockies 45-6. Cody Ponce starts against Rockies righty Tomoyuki Sugano.

Game #2 - Athletics (0-2) @ Toronto Blue Jays (2-0) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement drove in the winning run in a 7-6 extra innings win over the A's

After a walk-off win thanks to a clutch Andres Gimenez, the Blue Jays were looking for their 2nd straight win and 1st series win of the season. Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 1st series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as George Springer doubled scoring Myles Straw
• The A's tied it in the top of the 6th as Tyler Soderstrom doubled scoring Nick Kurtz
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 5.1IP 3H 1R (earned) 2BB 12K 90 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr
• Mason Fluharty left the game in the top of the 7th after facing 2 batters and getting hit by back-to-back line drives
• Two batters later, A's tied it in the top of the 7th as Denzel Clarke singled scoring Jeff McNeil
• Two batters later, Shea Langeliers hammered a grand slam to dead center; also scoring Max Muncy, Clarke and Kurtz
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Guerrero Jr. singled home Jesus Sanchez
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Jesus Sanchez singled scoring Alejandro Kirk
• A batter later, Andres Gimenez singled scoring Varsho
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 9th as Kirk whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The A's retook the lead in the top of the 10th as Brent Rooker singled scoring Kurtz
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by Addison Barger that scored Sanchez
• The Blue Jays walked it off in the bottom of the 11th as Ernie Clement singled home Nathan Lukes
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 A's 6 (11 innings)

My Take:

• Dylan Cease fired 5.1 solid innings, giving up a run on 3 his while walking 2 and striking out 12. Cease retired 7 of the first 9 batters he faced. Unfortunately, his effort was wasted by the bullpen.
• Two games, two blown saves. After Jeff Hoffman ruined a stellar start by Kevin Gausman yesterday, Brandon Little was pressed into a tough situation with runners on 1st and 2nd with none out after Mason Fluharty was forced out after getting drilled by 2 comebackers. Little hasn't looked great since the all-star break last season. He had a couple of pitches that were touching 97mph, but he couldn't control his knuckle curve. Back to the drawing board for him. On the plus side, Spencer Miles, who was credited with the win, looked like he deserves a shot at a higher leverage situation.
• The offence bailed out Littl today with some clutch hits, topped by a solo blast from Alejandro Kirk. Jesus Sanchez came off the bench and scored twice. He was nearly picked off taking too long to decide to advance to 3rd on a soft liner that dropped in front of A's LF Tyler Soderstrom, whose throw forced 3B Max Muncy to dive back to apply the tag
• The Blue Jays are continuing to use ABS challenges wisely, overturning two more calls today (Kirk to get Cease a strikeout and George Springer to extend an at-bat)
• The Blue Jays were 7-20 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 1st sweep of the season. Eric Lauer starts against A's righty Luis Morales

Game #1 - Athletics (0-1) @ Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) - game recap

 

Andres Gimenez drove in all 3 Blue Jays runs in a 3-2 comeback win over the Athletics to open the 2026 regular season.

It's that time again. Time for the openung pitch of the 2026 season. The Blue Jays kick things off against the Athletics, who begin what is expected to be the second-last season in California (the A's are slated to move to Las Vegas beginning in the 2028 season. The Blue Jays won the season series 5-2 over the A's last year, outscoring the A's 52-34. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was in his traditional leadoff spot and served as DH. Nathan Lukes was in LF, Daulton Varsho was in CF and Addison Barger was in RF. Kazuma Okamoto was at the hot corner, Andres Gimenez was at SS, Ernie Clement was at 2B and Vlad was at 1B. Could the Blue Jays start the season with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The A's opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Shea Langeliers belted a solo jack to left\
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Andres Gimenez tripled scoring Kazuma Okamoto and Erne Clement
• Luis Severino pitching line: 5IP 3H 2R (both earned) 3BB 3K 84 pitches (52 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausnan pitching line: 6IP 1H 1R (earned) 0BB 11K 83 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The A's  tied it up in the top of the 9th as Langeliers hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays walked it off in the bottom half of the inning as Gimenez singled scoring Okamoto
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 A's 2

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman was spectacular today, firing 6 strong inningsm giving up a hit on a run while walking none and striking out 11. You know Gausman has all his stuff working when he is racking up the strikeouts. He struck out the side in the 1st inning and retired the first 10 batters he faced and the final 8 he faced. Only blemish was a no-doubter by Jays killer Shea Langeliers
• The bullpen was wobbly today and Jeff Hoffman certainly didn't give the Blue Jays fans much confidence in his abilities as a closer, Langeliers took him deep to CF. The good Jeff Hoffman saved 33 games last season (good for 4th in the MLB). However, the bad Jeff Hoffman couldn't keep the ball in the ball park and gave up a league high (among relievers) 15 long balls and blew 7 saves. He's no Trevor Hoffman, but he needs to be able to convert more saves and keep the ball in the ball park. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced.
• Alejandro Kirk made the Blue Jays first ABS challenge and successfully overturned a ball into a  strikeout. I expect to see more challenges on days where the weaker umpires are behind the plate, such as CB Buckner.
• Offensively, Andres Gimenez drove in all the runs (2-run triple in the 5th and a walkoff single in the 9th. Japanese import Kazuma Okamoto had a solid regular season debut, drawing a walk, collecting 2 hits and scoring twice. He had 2 putouts defensively
• The Blue Jays were 2-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, Dylan Cease makes his first regular start as a Blue Jay. The A's will counter with lefty Jeffrey Springs.

Game #96 Toronto Blue Jays (55-41) @ Athletics (41-57) - game recap

 

Addison Barger hit a 2-run HR in a 6-3 loss to the A's to end the unofficial first half of the MLB season for the Blue Jays 

After dropping the game yesterday with a rally that fell a run short, the Blue Jays were looking to end the unofficial 1st half of the season and this road trip with a win and notch their 16th series win of the season. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Will Wagner at 1B. Nathan Lukes got the start in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner and Ernie Clement was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays end the unofficial 1st half and the road trip on a winning note and notch their 16th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The A's opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Austin Wynns belted a 2-run jack to left; also scoring Gio Urshela
• The A's added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Tyler Soderstrom hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Nick Kurtz
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 3IP 5H 4R (all earned 2BB 1K 61 pitches (36 for strikes)
• John Schneider was ejected in the top of the 5th on a foul ball call that remained after a challenge
• A pitch later, Davis Schneider hammered a solo bomb to left-center
• The A's added a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning as Kurtz whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in left-center; also scoring Jacob Wilson
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the top of the 7th as Addison Barger drilled a 2-run bomb to right-center; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 
• Jeffrey Springs pitching line: 6.2IP 3H 3R (all earned) 0BB 5K 91 pitches (64 for strikes)
• Mason Miller threw a scoreless 9th for his 19th save of the season
• Final score: A's 6 Blue Jays 3

My Take:-

• Jose Berrios battled through 3 innings, giving up 4 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 1. The A's took Berrios deep twice today. It was clear that Berrios didn't have his best stuff. It was a good move to pull him after 3 innings when he was at 61 pitches, rather than sending him out for a 4th inning on a warm day in Sacramento. Save a few bullets for the second half. Berrios finishes the 1st half with a 5-4 record and a 3.75ERA over 20 starts
• The bullpen, which included an appearance from starter Chris Bassitt, gave up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 3 and struking out 6 over the last 5 innings. Both runs were charged to lefty Justin Bruihl, who gave up a 2-run HR. Bassitt and Brayden Fisher both retired every batter they faced
• Look for John Schneider to face supplementary discipline, likely a suspension for a few games for bumping umpire Tripp Gibson after a foul ball call was upheld after the Blue Jays challenged. You simply cannot bump an umpire no matter how bad the call is. For what it's worth, Schneider corrected his trajectory on the next pitch for a solo home run. In the end the home run didn't really impact the outcome of the game since the A's added 2 more runs in the bottom half of the inning and the Blue Jays were unable to put together any kind of substantial rally.
• Addison Barger ended his 1st half with a bang, taking A's starter Jeffrey Springs deep for 2 runs
• The Blue Jays did not get a single at-bat with a runner in scoring position (Vlad was at 1st base on Barger's 2-run HR)
• The Blue Jays enter the all-star break 1st in the AL East with a 2-game lead over the Yankees, who fell 4-1 to the upstart Cubs today. They enter the break with a 55-41 record, two games better than a certain 1993 team that won the Blue Jays last world series (that team was 53-43 after 96 games.)
• Up next, the all-star break and a much-needed reset after the team cooled off and dropped three of the last 4 games heading into the all-star break. When play resumes Friday, they will take on the San Francisco Giants. The Blue Jays won the season series last year, outscoring the Giants 18-14. Neither team has set their rotation for the series yet. The Blue Jays could run Jose Berrios out for back-to-back starts, since thst would be his regular day's rest. More likely though, they'll push him back a day or two and start either Kevin Gausman or Chris Bassitt.

Game #95 Toronto Blue Jays (55-40) @ Athletics (40-57) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette had a pair of hits and drove in a run in a losing effort as the A's came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 4-2

After eking out a win on the strength of a 6-run 4th inning, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. George Springer got the start in RF with Alejandro Kirk serving as DH. Davis Schneider was in LF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Leo Jimenez got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and notch their 16th series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Leo Jimenez belted a solo jack to left-center 
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Bo Bichette doubled scoring Ernie Clement 
• The A's got one back in the bottom half or the inning as Lawrence Butler singled scoring Denzel Clarke
• Three batters later, Brent Rooker doubled home Butler
• The A's took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Rooker whacked a 2-run blast to left-center; also scoring Nick Kurtz
• Jacob Lopez pitching line: 5IP
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5IP 5H 4R (3 earned) 2BB 2K 96 pitches (60 for strikes) 4H 2R (both earned) 2BB 5k 87 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 8th on a sac fly by Alejandro Kirk that scored Vladimir Guerrero Jr 
• Mason Miller threw a scoreless 9th for his 18th save of the season
• Final score: A's 4 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs (3 earned) on 5 his whole walking 2 and striking out 5. He was working in and out of jams most of the day. Gausman ends the unofficial first half with a 6-6 record and 4.19ERA over 19 starts
• The bullpen threw 3 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits, walking 1 and striking out 4. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced
• Offensively, Leo Jimenez got things started with a bang, going deep to left-center Bo Bichette had an RBI double and Alejandro Kirk had a sac fly 
• The Blue Jays were 1-12 with runners in scoring position - it seems the bats have cooled off
• Up next, the last game of the unofficial 1st half, which the Blue Jays will look to finish on a winning note, while notching their 16th series win of the season. Ace Jose Berrios starts against A's lefty Jeffrey Springs

Game #94 Toronto Blue Jays (55-39) @ Athletics (39-57) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. recorded his 1000th career hit in a 7-6 win over the A's

After an off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened their final series in Sacramento, the temporary home of the A's. The Blue Jays swept the A's at the end of May, outscoring the A's 39-18. The Blue Jays traded Will Robertson to the White Sox for cash considerations. Ryan Burr was placed on the 60-day IL with a right rotator cuff strain. Righty Tommy Nance was added to the 40-man roster. Max Scherzer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (George Springer served as DH today). Nathan Lukes was in LF (Joey Loperfido was a late scratch with an illness) and Addison Barger was in RF. Will Wagner got the start at the hot corner and Ernie Clement was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend and last series of the unofficial first half of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 4th on a sac fly by Ernie Clement that scored Bo Bichette
• Vladimie Guerrero Jr. hit a single in the top of the 5th to reach the 1000 hit milestone
• Two batters later, George Springer scored on a double steal
• Two batters later, Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Guerrero Jr. and Addison Barger
• Three batters later, Myles Straw singled scoring Kirk
• a batter later, Nathan Lukes singled scoring Ernie Clement and Will Wagner
• Luis Severino pitching line: 4.2IP 7H 5R (1 earned) 2BB 8K 96 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The A's got a pair back in the bottom of the 6th as Nick Kurtz hammered a two-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Brent Rooker
• Two batters later, Tyler Soderstrom hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 6IP 5H 3R (all earned) 1BB 8K 90 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The A's got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Max Muncy drilled a solo bomb to dead center
• Four batters later, Zack Gelof scored on a wild pitch by Jeff Hoffman
• Same batter, Rooker singled scoring Denzel Clarke 
• Final score:  Blue Jays 7 A's 6

My Take:

• Max Scherzer fired 6 solid innings, giving up three runs on five hits while walking one and striking out eight. The extra day of rest did wonders for the veteran righty with the cranky thumb. Scherzer was able to throw 90 pitches, which is very encouraging, especially considering his thumb was reportedly very swollen after his last start that he left after throwing 72 pitches in 4 innings. The Blue Jays definitely need to look at acquiring a pitcher at the trade deadline and using a six-man rotation in the second half.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 7 over the last 3 innings. The Blue Jays also need to look at acquiring a bullpen arm or two at the trade deadline. Your closer having an ERA over 5.00 is not ideal. Also, the health of Yimi Garcia and Nick Sandlin are in question. Ryan Burr is likely done for the year since the Blue Jays put him straight onto the 60-day IL since the MRI results obiously weren't encouraging. Yariel Rodriguez and Bryan Litlle both retired every batter they faced
• The offence did most of the damage in th 5th inning on a sloppy inning for Severino and the A's defense since just 2 of the 6 runs scored that inning were earned. Congrats to Vladdy on becoming the youngest Blue Jay to reach that milestone
• The Blue Jays were 4-11 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to seven games and notch their 16th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against A's lefty Jacob Lopez

Game #59 Athletics (23-37) @Toronto Blue Jays (31-28) - game recap

 

Addison Barger hit a 3-run HR in the 8th inning to lift the Blue Jays to an 8-4 comeback win over the A\s

After hanging on to edge past the A's, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games and complete their 3rd sweep of the season. Daulton Varsho was placed on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain. Eric Swanson was activated off the 60-day IL. Davis Schneider was recalled from AAA-ball and got the start at 2B. Finally, lefty Easton Lucas was optioned to AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Ernie Clement at 1B. George Springer was in the field in RF after DH'ing yesterday. Myles Straw was in CF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games and complete their 3rd sweep of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The A's opened the scoring in the top of the 1st on a ground out by Tyler Soderstrom that scored Lawrence Butler
• Soderstrom was ejected for arguing balls and strikes in the top of the 3rd.
• The A's added a pair of runs in the top of the 5th as Luis Urias doubled scoring Brent Rooker and Miguel Andujar
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 4.2IP 8H 3R (all earned) 2BB 7K 96 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as George Springer singled scoring Myles Straw
• A batter later, Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Vladimir G-uerrero Jr. Springer was tagged out on the play when he was caught hopping up and down after apparently tweaking his ankle sliding into 3rd base.
• JP Sears pitching line: 5IP 7H 2R (both scored) 0BB 3K 84 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The A's added a run in the top of the 8th on a sac fly by Jacob Wilson that scored Willie MacIver
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Addison Barger whacked a 3-run blast to right-center; also scoring Springer and Alan Roden
• Three batters later, Nathan Lukes singled scoring Ernie Clement
• Three batters later, Guerrero Jr. doubled home Davis Schneider
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 A's 4

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 4.2 innnings, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits while walking 2 and striking out 7. It was clear that Gausman was struggling with command, yanking several pitches well outside the strike zone. He showed frustration with himself and at the umpire when he felt he should have gotten the strike call. Umpires are human though and less likely to call strikes if a pitcher isn't consistently in the zone. 
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits, walking 1 and striking out 7, Mason Fluharty was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced. Eric Swanson, in his season debut, was credited with the win.
• Let's talk about Davis Schneider. He was given a second chance when Daulton Varsho went down with the hamstring strain. He had a mixed day today. At the plate, he cracked a single down the line, struck out on the next turn at the plate and drew a walk. He made a bad throw after a diving stop on a ground ball. Schneider is going to have to play really well not to be optioned back when Varsho returns, and he could very well be the move Tuesday when Andres Gimenez is expected to come off the IL.
• The offense continues to find ways to come through. Today, it was a 6-run 8th-inning rally that lifted the Blue Jays to victory. Addison Barger started it off with a 3-run HR, homering for the 3rd straight game. Vlad drove in a pair and scored once. 
• Every Blue Jays starter had at least one hit and all but Bo Bichette and Jonatan Clase either scored a run or drove in a run
• The Blue Jays were 5-10 with runners in scoring position. 
• You have to feel for the A's, who have now lost 17 of 18 games. They are playing in a temporary stadium and will be moving in a couple of seasons to their new home in Las Vegas. It has to be hard on the A's players with that uncertainty and losing all the time. As bad as the Blue Jays have been, they've never endured a 100 loss season and, except for this year, the Blue Jays have been playing in the tough AL east division.
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays continue the homestand against the Phillies, who won the season series last year 3-1, outscoring the Blue Jays 27-17. Bowden Francis starts against Phillies righty Zack Wheeler.

Game #58 Athletics (23-36) @ Toronto Blue Jays (30-28) - game recap

 

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George Springer hit a pair of solo home runs in an 8-7 win over the A's

After hanging on for another win in which the Blue Jays scored double digit runs, the Blue Jays were trying to extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 7th series win of the season. Prior to the game, lefty Easton Lucas was recalled from AAA-all and righty Jose Urena was DFA'd. Braydon Fisher got the start with Ali Sanchez behind the plate. Jonatan Clase got the start in LF. 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 A's opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Tyler Soderstrom hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; alsl scoring Jacob Wilson and Brent Rooker 
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom half of the inning as Addison Barger annihilated a 2-run bomb to the second deck in right; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Four batters, Nathan Lukes singled scoring George Springer and Daulton Varsho
• The A's retook the lead in the bottom of the 2nd as Denzel Clarke drilled a 2-run blast to the second deck to left; also scoring Luis Arias 
• Braydon Fisher pitching line: 1.1IP 4H 5R (all earned) 1BB 1K 35 pitches (23 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Bo Bichette whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as George Springer hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• A batter later, Daulton Varsho left the game in the bottom of the 3rd when he pulled his hamstring trying to stretch a double into a triple
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as  Springer hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th on a wild pitch by Gunnar Hoglund that scored Ernie Clement
• Gunnar Hoglund pitching line: 6IP 10H 8R (all earned) 2BB 1K 93 pitches (59 for strikes) 
• The A's got a pair back in the top of the 9th as Rooker hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Lawrence Butler
• Jeff Hoffman got the last 3 outs for his  13th save of the season.
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 Jays 7

My Take:

•  Braydon Fisher was roughed up for 5 runs on 4 hits and a wal while striking out 1 over 1.1 innings. It was another bullpen day, an occurrence expected to continue another month at least with Max Scherzer progressing in his thumb rehab, but with more hurdles to clear. Spencer Turnbull is still building up, and he is a wild card at best. Nobody has been able to take the proverbial bull by the horns and give the Blue Jays any more than 4-5 innings tops.
• The bullpen threw 6.2 shutout innings (allowing 5 hits, walking 3 and striking out 5) until Jeff Hoffman gave up a bomb to cut the lead to one run and then gave up a double. The only reason he didn't blow the save was thanks to a spectacular diving catch by Ernie Clement to end the game. Yariel Rodriguez was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced.
• You have to feel for Daulton Varsho, who missed the first few weeks of the season as he completed rehab on off-season shoulder surgery. Now, he's pulled his left hamstring, an injury that could require several weeks to heal if it's as bad as it looked on TV
• The offense continues to show consistency. They immediately responded to being down three runs with four of their own in the 1st inning. Bo Bichette is showing some power, hitting his 3rd home run in 4 games, George Springer went deep twice and Addison Barger reached the second deck in right for the second straight day. The old adage is true: hitting is contagious.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 5 games and complete their 3rd sweep of the season and 3rd season series win. Kevin Gausman starts against A'S lefty JP Sears

Game #57 Athletics (23-35) @ Toronto Blue Jays (29-28) - game recap

 

Myles Straw drove in 2 runs and scored 3 times in an 11-7 win over the A's

After a massive 12-0 shutout over the A's, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and to get above the .500 mark. Anthony Santander was placed on the 10-day IL with right shoulder inflammation.  Alan Roden was recalled from AAA-ball. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Myles Straw was in LF, Daulton Varsho was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B

Game Highlights:

• The A's opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Tyler Soderstrom hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Myles Straw singled scoring Ernie Clement
• Three batters later, Addison Barger was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Vladimir Guerrero Jr 
• A batter later,  Straw scored on a sac fly by George Springer 
• The A's for one back in the top of the 3rd as Jacob Wilson singled home Lawrence Butler
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Clement whacked a solo blast to left-center 
• Two batters later, Straw doubled scoring Barger
• A batter later,  Nathan Lukes sticked home Straw 
• Jeffrey Springs pitching line: 2IP 6H 6R (all earned) 6BB 2K 72 pitches (41 for strikes)
• The A's got one back in the top of the 4th as Shea Langeliers drilled a solo bomb to left-center 
• The A's got a pair back in the top of the 5th as Brent Rooker doubled scoring Denzel Clark and Butler
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Springer singled scoring Straw
• A batter later, Kirk singled scoring Guerrero Jr and Springer
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5IP 7H 5R (all earned) 2BB 6K  82 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Barger hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in right
• Three batters later Bo Bichette singled home Lukes
• The A's got one back in the top of the 9th as Clark singled scoring Miguel Andujar
• A batter later, Butler doubled scoring Butler
• Final score: Blue Jays 11 A's 7

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 5 innings, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. He gave up runs in every inning but the 1st inning. The A's took him deep twice. This start was not Bassitt at his best, but he does seem to struggle against the A's for one reason or another.
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 over the last 4 innings. Mason Fluharty was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced
• Offesively, it was another team effort with every starter getting at least one hit and all but Daulton Varsho either scoring a run or driving in a run. The Blue Jays have had much better at-bats and it's showing on the scoreboard against a weaker A's ball club
• The Blue Jays made the right move putting Anthony Santander on the IL, but that should have been done a couple of weeks back after he missed time in Seattle
• The Blue Jays were 5-14 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 4 games and 8th series win of the season.

Game #56 Athletics (23-34) @ Toronto Blue Jays (28-28) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement drove in 5 runs in a 12-0 shutout win over the A's

After eking out a shutout win thanks to a clutch 2- run HR off the bat of Bo Bichette,  the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and get back to .500 as they began a 4-game series against the A's. The two squads split the season series last year, with the Blue Jays outscoring the A's 21-16. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Anthony Santander in RF, Jonatan Clase in LF and Myles Straw in CF. Bo Bichette was back in the lineup at SS after the complete day off yesterday. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays make it two wins in a row and get back to .500? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights;

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Ernie Clement drilled a 3- run blast to left center; also scoring Alejandro Kirk and Anthony Santander
• Four batters later, Bo Bichette doubled scoring Jonatan Clase
• A batter later,  Vladimir Guerrero Jr hammered a 2-run bomb off the basing of the 3rd deck in left-center; also scoring Bichette
•  Four batters later, Clement doubled scoring George Springer and Kirk
• Jacob Lopez pitching line: 1.2IP 6H 7R (all earned) 1BB 0K 43 pitches (24 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Bichette belted a 2-run jack to left; also scoring Clase
• Two batters later,  Springer whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 6IP 2H 0R 2BB 9K 90 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th on a sac fly by Kirk that scored Addison Barger
• Final score Blue Jays 12 A's 0

My Take:

• Jose Berrios pitched 6 solid shutout innings, giving up 2 hits, walking 2 and striking out 9. He retried the first 9 batters he faced. Berrios must have been thankful that he had such a big lead to work with. 
• The bullpen threw 3 shutout innings, giving up 2 hits, walking none and striking out 4. The big lead allowed the Blue Jays to avoid using their high leverage pitchers. 
• The offence did most of the damage in the 2nd and 3rd innings where they scored a combined 11 runs on 10 hits, and 3 walks. Ernie Clement drove in 5 runs in the 3rd inning
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Anthony Santander had a hit and all but Michael Stefanic and Myles Straw either scored a run or drove in a run.
• The Blue Jays were 6-11 with runners in scoring position 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try for 3 straight wins and to get above .500. Chris Bassitt starts against A's lefty Jeffrey Springs