Game #123 - Boston Red Sox (65-56) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-64) - game recap

 

Blue Jays reliever Brayden Fisher retired every batter he faced in a 7-0 shutout loss to the Red Sox

After pulling out another win thanks to a 5-run 8th inning rally and Louis Varland bailing out knuckleballer Matt Waldron, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games, complete their 2nd sweep of the season and improve their record on my birthday to 22-23 and extend the winning streak on my birthday to 2 games. Brendon Little was put on the paternity list and Lazaro Estrada was recalled from AAA-ball. Max Scherzer got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Kazuma Okamoto was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Charles McAdoo was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games, complete their 2nd sweep of the season and improve their record on my birthday to 22-23 and extend the winning streak on my birthday to 2 games? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Red Sox opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Willson Contreras doubled scoring Wilyer Abreu
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 5IP 3H 1R (earned) 2BB 4K 92 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Red Sox added 4 runs in the top of the 8th on a grand slam to left-center by Caleb Durbin that also scored Ceddanne Rafaela, Abreu and Masataka Yoshida
• The Red Sox added a run in the top of the 9th on a sac fly by Yoshida that scored Nick Sogard
• A batter later, Durbin singled scoring Rafaela
• Payton Tolle pitching line: 8IP 2H 0R 2BB 4K 91 pitches (61 for strikes)
• Final score: Red Sox 7 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Max Scherzer battled through 5 innings, giving up a run on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4. Not the most efficient game, needing close to 100 pitches to get 15 outs when the bullpen is running on fumes. The veteran righty was able to pitch his way out of most of the jame he got into, keeping the Blue Jays within striking distance.
• Then there was the bullpen. Interestingly, John Schneider had Tyler Rogers warming up when the deficit was still one run and opted to go with the other sidewinder Chase Lee, who proceeded to give up a grand slam. Maybe Rogers was only available if the Blue Jays had a lead? Lazaro Estrada coughed up another couple of runs in the 9th inning. Certainly there are a couple of candidates to be demoted or DFA'd when Brendon Little returns from the paternity list and Paul Seward is activated tomorrow after being claimed off waivers yesterday.
• The offense was non-existent with some terrible AB's today. Charles McAdoo watched a middle-middle putch go by him for a strike and they did not work the count at all. Payton Tolle was averaging less than 10 pitches an inning most of the day.
• The Blue Jays squandered a great chance to gain a half game in the wild card standings with most of the teams in the race idle today. Instead, the Blue Jays fell back a half game.
• Brandon Valenzuela was 1-1 on ABS challenges. The Red Sox didn't atempt an ABS challenge today.
• The Blue Jays were 0-2 with runners in scoring position.
• Up next, the Blue Jays take on the Yankees as the home stand continues. The Yankees have won 4 of the first 7 games in the season series, outscoring the Blue Jays 29-26. Shane Bieber starts against Yankees righty Gerritt Cole

Game #122 - Boston Red Sox (64-56) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-63) - game recap

 

Kazuma Okamoto scored twice and drove in a run as the Blue Jays hung on for a 6-4 win over the Red Sox

After prevailing over the Red Sox on the strength of a 2 RBI effort from Brett Bateman and a late clutch base hit off the bat of Myles Straw, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 15th series win of the season. Righty Paul Sewald was claimed off waivers from the Diamondbacks. Righty Jake Bloss was added to the MLB roster and moved to the 60 day IL.  Jose Soriano got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Kazuma Okamoto was back in the lineup as DH Street missing a couple of days with a sore knee. Jesus Sanchez was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Brett Bateman was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 15th series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Ernie Clement singled scoring Kazuma Okamoto
• The Red Sox tied it in the top of the 5th as Willson Contreras whacked a solo blast to left-center
• Ranger Suarez pitching line: 5IP 6H 1R (earned) 1BB 2K 81 pitches (54 for strikes)
• Jose Soriano pitching line: 6IP  4H 1R (earned) 2BB 4K 90 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 8th as Okamoto singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Two batters later, Brandon Valenzuela was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Clement
• A batter later, Okamoto scored on a sac fly by George Springer
• A batter after that, Myles Straw doubled scoring Clement
• The Red Sox got one back in the top of the 9th as Caleb Durbin singled scoring Contreras 
• A batter later, Jarren Duran doubled scoring Wilyer Abreu
• A batter after that, Durbin scored on a sac fly by Andruw Monasterio
• Louis Varland got the last 2 outs for his 26th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Red Sox 4

My Take:

• Jose Soriano fired 6 solid innings,, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4. One mistake pitch to Willson Contreras that went over the wall in left-center. Soriano faced the minimum through 3 innings and was bailed out by his catcher Alejandro Kirk, who gunned down Ceddane Rafaela at 3B on a wild pitch by Soriano. No question he'll be a huge part of the rotation in the coming years.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 1 over the last 3 innings. Mason Fluharty and Louis Varland, who had to bail out knuckleballer Matt Waldron after he struggled in the 9th inning with a 5-run lead.
• The offense exploded for a 5-run rally in the 8th inning. Kazuma Okamoto contributed with 2 runs scored and an RBI in his return to the lineup. George Springer came in as a pinch hitter and drove in a run with a sac fly.
• In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays passed the Orioles and are 2.5 games back of the Texas Rangers for the 3rd wild card spot with the Tigers, Twins and Guardians in the way. All teams are idle tomorrow so the Blue Jays will gain a half game if they win tomorrow
• Red Sox catcher Adley Rutschmann was 2-1 on ABS challenges. The Blue Jays did not attempt an ABS challenge today.
• The Blue Jays were 4-11 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to make it 4 straight wins and complete their 2nd sweep of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Red Sox lefty Payton Tolle 
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Game #121 - Boston Red Sox (64-55) @ Toronto Blue Jays (58-63) - game recap

 

Spencer Miles threw a scoreless 9th for his first career save in a  5-3 win over the Red Sox

After hanging on for the win thanks to a strong effort from the bullpen and a clutch base hit from the red hot Andres Gimenez, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the winning streak to 2 games. Jameson Taillon was placed on the 15-day IL with right elbow tendonitis after pulling himself from the game yesterday and Chase Lee was recalled from AAA-ball. Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Myles Straw was in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Tbe Red Sox opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd on a sac fly by Ceddanne Rafaela that scored Andruw Monasterio
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Brett Bateman doubled scoring Nathan Lukes
• The Red Sox retook the lead in the top of the 4th as Willyer Abreu smacked a solo blast to right-center and into the Red Sox bullpen
• The Red Sox added a run in the top of the 5th as Rafaela hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by Charles MacAdoo that scored Gimenez
• A batter later, Brett Bateman singled scoring Myles Straw
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 5IP 5H 3R (all earned) 4BB 7K 104 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the leadi in the bottom of the 6th on a fielder's choice hit by Ernie Clement that scored George Springer
• Pedro Sandoval pitching line: 6IP 8H 4R (2 earned 3BB 4K 84 pitches (50 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Straw doubled scoring Josh Smith
• Spencer Miles threw a scoreless 9th for his 1st save of the season.
• Final score: Blues Jays 5 Red Sox 3

My Take:

• Dylan Cease battled through 5 innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 4 and striking out 7.  Not the most efficient outing for Cease who needed 100 pitches to get 15 outs. The Blue Jays bullpen could have used an extra inning or two from him. Red Sox took him deep twice on a pair of solo home runs. He should get votes for the Cy Young award
• The bullpen threw 4 scoreless innings, giving up 2 hits, walking three and striking out 1. It looks like it'll be closer by committee when Louis Varland needs a day off. Tonight, Spencer Miles took care of business with a scoreless 9th for his first career save. Brendon Litlle was the only reliever to retire every batter he faccd
• Offensively, Brett Bateman drove in a pair of runs and Myles Straw had a huge clutch hit in the 8th inning to give Spencer Miles a 2-run cushion in the 9th inning
• The Red Sox were 2-1 on ABS challenges. Alejandro Kirk was unsuccessful in the Blue Jays only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 3-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 15th series win of the season. Jose Soriano starts against Red Sox lefty Ranger Suarez

Game #120 - Boston Red Sox (64-54) @ Toronto Blue Jays (57-63) - game recap

 

Andres Gimenez drove in a run as the Bklue Jays hung on to edge the Red Sox 2-1

After dropping a hard fought game yesterday in Philadelphia due to the exhausted bullpen being unable to hold the lead in the 12th inning, the Blue Jays returned home to open a week long homestand that began against Boston tonight.  The Blue Jays have won 6 of the 9 games played in the season series thus far, outscoring the Red Sox 35-22. Lazaro Estrada and Davis Schneider were optioned to AAA-ball. Simeon Woods-Richardson and Charles McAdoo were recalled from AAA-ball. Rudy Martin Jr cleared waivers and catcher Willie MacIver was DFA'd. Jameson Taillon got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup as DH after missing a couple of days with a sore left shoulder. Vlad was back in the field after a half day off yesterday. Kazuma Okamoto, who was in the original lineup, was removed with a left knee contusion from fouling a ball off his knee yesterday (Charles McAdoo got the start at the hot corner). Jesus Sanchez was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Ernie Clement got the full day off with Josh Smith at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the home stand and week with a win and notch their 8th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Jameson Taillon pitching line: 4IP 1H 0R 3BB 3K 61 pitches (34 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 5th as Charles McAdoo whacked a solo blast to the oppoite field in right and into the Red Sox bullpen
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Andres Gimenez singled scoring George Springer
• The Red Sox got one back in the top of the 8th on a bizarre play where Anthony Siegler scored on a sac fly double play ball hit by Ceddanne Rafaela that ended the inning, but the run was allowed to score because the Blue Jays did not appeal that one of the runners left the base early 
• Louis Varland pitched a scoreless 9th for his 25th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Red Sox 1

My Take:

• The way this season has gone on the injury front this year, it's almost no surprise that Jameson Taillon left tonight's start with right forearm tightness, which can be a precursor to the dreaded UCL. It's too bad because Taillon was dealing with 4 shutout innings, allowing 1 hit and walking 3 and striking out 3. No doubt he'll get an MRI to determine the damage.
• It will be the bullpen getting the brunt of the workload if Taillon misses even one start. Friday would be a potential bullpwn day witg SWR and Spencer Miles pitching in some capacity. Tonight, the bullpen gave up a run on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4 over the last 5 innings. Just 6 more days till the next off day
• Offensively, Charles McAdoo took full advantage of the unexpected start and took Sonny Gray deep the opposite way. The red-hot Andres Gimenez added an important insurance run in the 6th inning. McAdoo was the only player to reach base multiple times. The team can't keep asking the pitchers  to bail them out every night.
• The Red Sox successfully overturned all 4 ABS challenges and Brandon Valenzuela was 0-2 on ABS challrnges
• The Blue Jays were 2-9 with runners in scoring positon
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for 2 straight wins. Dylan Cease starts against Red Sox lefty Patrick Sandoval

Game #106 - Toronto Blue Jays (48-58) @ Boston Red Sox (54-50) - game recap

 

Andres Gimenez drove in the Blue Jays only run in a 6-1 loss to the Red Sox

After a huge shutout win over the Red Sox thanks to a dominant complete game 1 hit shutout from Dylan Cease and a massive 3-run 3rd inning, part of a 5-run rally, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 game and notch their 13th series win and 4th season series win of the season. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF.  Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 13th series win and 4th season series win of the season. Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Red Sox opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Ceddanne Rafaela singled scoring Andruw Monasterio
• The Red Sox added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 4th as Jarren Duran singled scoring Willson Contreras and Caleb Durbin
• Ranger Suaurez pitching line: 4IP 4H 0R 0BB 6K 64 pitches (42 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 5H 3R (all earned) 1BB 6K 98 pitches (66 for strikes)
• The Red Sox added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 7th as Jahmai Jonesdoubled scoring Duran and Monasterio
• Two batters later, Wilyer Abreu doubled home Jones
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th as Andres Gimenez singled scoring Daulton Varsho
• Final score: Red Sox 6 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 6 innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 6. Gausman gave up runs in the 3rd and 4th innings. He retired 5 of the first 6 batters he faced. It's likely a contending team will acquire him for pitching depth.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 1 over the last 2 innings. Two of the runs were charged to Brayden Fisher but lefty Brendon Little gave up the 2 run scoring hits. He is more consistent with getting the ball in the strike zone but batters aren't really being fooled by his pitches. Adam Macko also needs to adjust to the adjustments hitters are making against him.
• Offensively, the bats did not come through despite numerous chances to score. Andres Gimenez was stranded on 2nd base with with Davis Schneider and Nathan Lukes bother struck out looking. In the 4th inning, Alejandro Kirk and George Springer hit back to back singles and neither scored. Schneider, Lukes and Vlad were a combined 0-10 with 5 strikeouts.
• Alejandro Kirk was 2-1 on ABS challenges and the Red Sox were a perfect 3-3 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 1-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays head to Washingtom DC to take on the Nationals. The Blue Jays swept the season series last year, outscoring the Nationals 14-7. Max Scherzer starts against Nationals lefty Andrew Alvarez

Game #105 - Toronto Blue Jays (48-57) @ Boston Red Sox (53-50) - game recap

 

Dylan Cease threw a complete game shutout in a 6-0 shutout win over the Red Sox

After dropping the opening game in the series due to a bad inning from reliever CJ Van Elk, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and avoid their 17th series loss of the season. Dylan Cease got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Yohendrick Pinago was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Andres Gimenez was at SS and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 17th series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Nathan Lukes
• Two batters later, George Springer belted a 3-run jack over the green monster in left; also scoring Guerrero Jr. and Kazuma Okamoto
• Two batters later, Ernie Clement doubled scoring Daulton Varsho
• Sonny Gray pitching line: 5IP 10H 5R (all earned) 0BB 3K 75 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Andres Gimenez
• Dylan Cease pitching line: CG 9IP 1H 0R 3BB 3K 120 pitches (80 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Red Sox 0

My Take:

• Dylan Cease fired a complete game shutout, giving up a hit, walking 3 and striking out 3. He was perfect through 4 innings and retired 15 of the first 16 batters he faced. There were comcerns early on when his velocity was down significantly, but he made up for it with great command.
• The best thing is the bullpen got a much needed day off
• Offensively, George Springer went deep over the green monster for 3 runs, Vlad had a pair of clutch base hits and arguably the Blue Jays, most consistent hitter, Ernie Clement, capped off the 5-run 3rd inning with an RBI double
• Every starter except Yohendrick Pinago and Brandon Valenzuela had a hit and either scored a run or drove in a run
• The Red Sox were  0-2 on ABS challenges and Brandon Valenzuela successfully overturned the Blue Jays only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 4-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 13th series win and 5th season series win of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Red Sox lefty Ranger Suarez

Game #104 - Toronto Blue Jays (47-57) @ Boston Red Sox (53-49) - game recap

 

Kazuma Okamoto hit a 3-run HR, his 23rd of the season and the most HR by a rookie Japanese player, in a 6-4 loss to the Red Sox

After salvaging a game against the Rays yesterday, the Blue Jays hit the road as they began the trip in Boston. The Blue Jays have won 5 of the first 6 games in the season series, outscoring the Red Sox 24-10. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF, Daulton Varsho was in CF and Myles Straw was in RF. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and start the road trip with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Red Sox opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Anthony Siegler led off with a solo blast to right
• The Red Sox added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Ceddanne Rafaela whacked a 2-run blast over the green monster in left; also scoring Siegler
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 4IP 5H 3R (all earned) 1BB 9K 93 pitches (63 for strikes)
• Patrick Sandoval pitching line: 4.2IP 5H 0R 2BB 3K 84 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Red Sox added a run in the bottom of the 6th on a sac fly by  Andruw Monasterio that scored Masataka Yoshida
• The Blue Jays got 3 back in the top of the 7th as Kazuma Okamoto hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Ernie Clement and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Okamoto has now hit the most HR by a Japanese born rookie
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 8th on a sac fly by Andres Gimenez that scored Nathan Lukes
• The Red Sox retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Romy Gonzalez doubled scoring Jarren Duran
• Two batters later, Siegler doubled home Gonzalez
• Aroldis Chapman threw a scoreless 9th for his 24th save of the season
• Final score: Red Sox 6 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage battled through 4 innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 9. He was inefficient today, averaging nearly 25 pitches an inning. He was also taken deep twice to put the Blue Jays in a 3-0 deficit which probably felt like a 30 run deficit the way the offense has been performing. You have to wonder if Yesavage, who missed the first month of the season, is battling through an injury.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on 7 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4 over the last 4 innings. CJ Van Elk took the loss after the Red Sox scored twice on 4 hits in 2/3 of an inning. He could be optiioned tomorrow if the Blue Jays need a fresh arm. Mason Fluharty was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced
• Kazuma Okamoto is the Blue Jays MVP and unsung hero. Time and time again, he comes up clutch and is the only Blue Jay who has consistentlty hit for power. Tonight, he surpassed Shohei Ohtani for  most HR by a Japanese born player and his 3-run bomb put the Blue Jays within striking distance of their first multi win streak since June 8-11 when they won 3 in a row. Andres Gimenez knocked in the tying run an inning later with a sac fly
• The other big milestone tonight saw Red Sox closer surpass Dennis Eckersley on the career save list, notching his 391st career save putting him in sole possession of the 9th spot in career saves. Billy Wagner is the next pitcher he'll pass. Wagner finished his career with 422 saves. The legendary Mariano Rivera has the most career saves (652)
• The Red Sox were 1-2 on ABS challenges and the Blue Jays were 2-2 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 2-8 with runners in scoring position. Pretty egregiously bad at bat by Davis Schneider with the bases loaded in the 1st as he struck out looking. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 17th series loss of the season. Dylan Cease starts against Red Sox righty Sonny Gray

Game #75 - Toronto Blue Jays (37-38) @ Boston Red Sox (29-43) - game recap

After pulling out another win thanks to some nice work from the bullpen on yet another bullpen day with max Scherzer heading right back on the IL with a sore back and a nice offensive effort from Andres Gimenez, who factored in all three runs scored yesterday, scoring twice and driving in the other rub, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 2nd sweep of the season. Trey Yesavage got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Yohendrick Pinago was in LF, Nathan Lukes was in CF and Jesus Sanchez was in RF. Could the Blue Jays make it three straight wins and complete their second sweep of the season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Gurrero Jr hammered a solo bomb to dead center and over the green monster
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 2nd on s sac fly by Andres Gimenez that scored Kazuma Okamoto 
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 7th as Nathan Lukes whacked a solo blast to right- center and into the Red Sox bullpen
• The Red Sox got one back in the button half of the inning on a ground out hit by Willson Contreras that scored Ceddanne Rafaela
• Sonny Gray pitching line: 7IP 6H 3R (all earned) 1BB 4K 89 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Red Sox got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Isiah Kiner-Falefa smacked a solo blast over the green monster in left
• A batter later, Caleb Durbin belted a solo jack over the green monster in left-center 
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 7.1IP 4H 3R (all earned) 0BB 6K 95 pitches (66 for strikes)
• The Blue jays retook the lead in the top of the 9th as Brandon Valenzuela doubled scoring Ernie Clement 
• Mason Fluharty pitched a perfect 9th for his 1st save of the season 
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Red Sox 3

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage was excellent today, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits while walking none and striking out 6 over 7.1 innings. He retired 21 of the first 23 batters he faced. Yesavage also reached a milestone, pitching into the 8th inning for the first time in his career. This deep effort was badly needed by a bullpen that has been asked to get all 27 outs once every 5 days and for a couple of weeks 2 times in 5 days. 
• The bullpen threw 1.2 scoreless innings, giving up 1 hit, walking none and striking out none. Tommy Nance was credited with the win and Mason Fluharty notched his first save of the season. 
• A rare thing happened today. Vlad went deep for just the 3rd time this season.  It's so perplexing why Vlad is having such difficulty getting airtime with his swings. He's got a pretty good mentor,; his father Vladimir Gurrero Sr. who went deep 449 times in his illustrious career. Evidently, he doesn't really communicate with the hitting coaches on the team. Perhaps Ross Atkins needs to look into that and revamp the hitting coaches in the off-season and maybe consider someone who might be able to work with Vlad. Brandon Valenzuela continues to impress, knocking in the game winning run with a clutch hit in the 9th inning. 
• The Blue Jays were 2-2 on ABS challenges. The Red Sox did not attempt an ABS challenge today
• The Blue Jays were 1-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays head to Wrigley field in Chicago. The Blue jays won the season series last year, outscoring the Cubs 8-6. Ace Kevin Gausman starts for the Blue Jays. The Cubs haven't set their rotation for the series yet. 

Game #74 - Toronto Blue Jays (36-38) @ Boston Red Sox (29-40) - game recap

 

Andres Gimenez scored twice and drove in a run in a 3-0 shutout win over the Red Sox

After prevailing over the Red Sox yesterday thanks to the bats of Davis Schneider, Andres Gimenez and George Springer, the Blue Jays were lookiing to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch theur 10th series win of the season. Tyler Heineman was traded to the Angels for cash considerations. Max Scherzer was placed on the 15-day IL with a back issue. Chad Dallas was recalled from AAA-ball. Brayden Fisher got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's win. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 10th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Brayden Fisher pitching line: 1.1IP0H 0R 2BB 0K 21 pitches (13 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Andres Gimenez singled scoring Davis Schneider
• Two batters later, Gimenez scored on a ground out hit by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Jake Bennett pitching line: 5.1IP3H 2R (both earned) 0BB 5K 79 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Gimenez
• Louis Varland pitched a perfect 9th for his 14th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 Red Sox 0

My Take:

• Yet another bullpen game with Max Scherzer going right back on the IL with a bad back. Hopefully this is the last time an opener is used. The bullpen is already so overworked never mind having to get all 27 outs. Brayden Fisher got the last 4 outs and walked 2 batters
• The rest of the bullpen threw 8.2 shutout innings, giving up 7 hits, walking 5 and striking out 6. Simeon Wood Richardson, who pitched a third of the workload or 3 innings, was credited with the win. Louis Varland was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced.
• Andres Gimenez (2 runs scored, RBI) and Vlad (2RBI) drove the offence today. George Springer, Kazuma Okamoto, Alejandro Kirk and Ernie Clement were a combined 0-15, striking out combined 7 times.
• Red Sox catcher Mickey Gasper was successful on the only ABS challenge of the day
• The Blue Jays were 2-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for their 3rd straight win and try to complete ther 2nd sweep of the season. Trey Yesavage starts against Red Sox righty Sonny Gray

Game #73 - Toronto Blue Jays (35-38) @ Boston Red Sox (29-41) - game recap

 

Davis Schneider scored twice, including a solo HR over the Green Monster right out of Fenway Park in a 6-1 win over the Red Sox

After an off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jaya opened a week long road trip in Boston. The Blue Jays took the series in Toronto back at the end of April, outscoring the Red Sox 11-6. Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the lineup after missing a couple of games with a sore back. Davis Schneider was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Andres Gimenez was in SS and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the week and road trip with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd on a sac fly by George Springer that scored Andres Gimenez
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Davis Schneider belted a solo jack right out of the ballpark and over the green monster in left
• A batter later, Gimenez hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Payton Tolle pitching line: 5IP 4H 3R (all earned) 2BB 90 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as Schneider doubled scoring Kazuma Okamoto
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 5IP 4H 0R 4BB 7K 108 pitches (66 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as Schneider doubled scoring Kazuma Okamoto
• The Red Sox got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Jarren Duran hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 9th as George Springer smashed a 2-run blast to left-center; also scoring Myles Straw
• Louis Varland threw a scoreless 9th for his 13th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Red Sox 1

My Take:

• Dylan Cease battled through 5 shutout innings, scattering 4 hits, walking 4 and striking out 7. Not the best command for him but Cease was able to make pitches when he had to in order to escape jams. Cease has arguably been the Blue Jays ace and one of their most consistent best arms in the 1st half of the season. He'll be a key part of the rotation the next few seasons, especially with  the uncertainty of Jose Berrios and Bowden Francis
• The bullpen gave up a run on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4 over the last 4 innings. Jeff Hoffman was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced
• Davis Schneidet, who began his big league career at Fenway park in August 2023, went over the green monster like he did in his first big league AB. George Springer went deep in the 9th inning for 2 important insurance runs and his 300th career HR. Andres Gimenez scored twice and also went deep.
• The Red Sox were 3-1 on ABS challenges and Alejandro Kirk was unsuccessful on the Blue Jays only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 1-5 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 10th series win of the season. Max Scherzer starts agains Red Sox lefty Jake Bennett

Game #31 - Boston Red Sox (12-19) Blue Jays (14-16) - game recap

After eking out a victory thanks to some outstanding work from Trey Yesavage and the bullpen with Vlad and Kazuma Okamoto providing the offense with some clutch hitting, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 4th series win of the season. George Springer was activated off the 10-day IL and Eloy Jimenez was DFA'd. Eric Lauer got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Myles Straw was in LF and Jesus Sanchez was in RF. Yohendrick Pinango served as DH. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 4th series win of the season?  Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Red Sox opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Willson Contreras belted a solo jack to left-center
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 3rd as Kazuma Okamoto  singled scoring Brandon Valenzuela and Jesus Sanchez 
• Two batters later, Yohendrick Pinango singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Okamoto was thrown out at home on the play. 
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 4th as Ernie Clement smacked a 2-run blast to left; also scoring Valenzuela
• Brayan Bello pitching line: 3.2IP 6H 4R (all earned) 2BB 2K 63 pitches (40 for strikes)
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 4.1IP 5H 1R (all earned) 1BB 1K 68 pitches (45 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as George Springer scoring Guerrero Jr 
• A batter later, Daulton Varsho scored on a sac fly by Straw
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Valenzuela hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• Final score Blue Jays 8 Red Sox 1

My Take:

• Eric Lauer battled through 4.1 innings, giving up a run on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 1. He needs to buy the defense dinner because they made a lot of plays to ball him out.  The Bosox hit a lot of balls hard but the fielders were in position for the most part. The question is whether he'll even have a role as a long man once everyone is back and healthy. Patrick Corbin has outpitched him and the Blue Jays won't have more than 3 lefties in the bullpen against teams who have a lot of left handed bats or switch hitters they'll want to turn around at key points in the ball game.  Not to mention, Lauer didn't exactly do himself any favors by complaining post game about having an opener pitch in front of him.
• The bullpen held the Red Sox to 4 hits and a walk over the last 4.2 innings.  Nice effort by Spencer Miles to pitch the last 2 innings and save Mason Fluharty for next game. Brayden Fisher also deserves a shoutout for escaping the jam Lauer got himself into in the 5th inning
• It was a team effort again offensively with every starter but Andres Gimenez reaching base at least once and all but Gimenez, Daulton Varsho and Myles Straw getting a hit. Nice to see George Springer come off the bench and IL and come through with a base hit right away
• Brandon Valenzuela successfully challenged three ABS calls today
• The Blue jays were 4-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays hit the road where they will begin their first 4- game series of the season in Minnesota. The Twins won the series in Toronto a couple of weeks back, outscoring the Blue Jays 19-16. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Twins righty Bailey Ober.

Game #29 - Boston Red Sox (12-18) @ Toronto Blue Jays (13-16) - game recap

 

Trey Yesavage fired 5.1 shutout innings in his 2026 regular season debut to lead the Blue Jays to a 3-0 shutout win over the Red Sox

After dropping yesterday's game due to an utter lack of offense, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and avoid their 6th series loss of the season. Trey Yesavage was activated from the 15-day IL and righty Chase Lee was optioned to AAA-ball. Yesavage got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Myles Straw was in RF. Andres Gimenez was back in the lineup  and at SS after a couple of days off to rest soreness. Ernie Clement was back at 2B. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 6th series loss of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 4th as Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Andres Gimenez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Myles Straw
• Mason Tolle pitching line: 4.2IP 3H 3R (all earned) 4BB 4K 68 pitches (42 for strikes)
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 5.1IP 4H 0R 0BB 3K 74 pitches (50 for strikes)
• Louis Varland threw a perfect 9th for his 4th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 Red Sox 0

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage was excellent in his season debut, firing 5.1 shutout innings, scattering 4 hits, walking none and striking out 3. Just a fantastic effort from the rookie phenom, who played in 4 different minor league tiers and the majors last season. Yesavage's season didn't start until tonight due to a shoulder impingement suffered in spring training. There was concern about his stats in the rehab start, but that was moot. He looked fantastic out there. He probably could have completed the 6th inning, but manager John Schneider wanted him to end on a good note and not push his pitch count much higher.
• The bullpen was excellent as well, giving up just a walk and striking out 6 over the last 3.2 innings. Jeff Hoffman and Louis Varland were dominant and Tyler Rogers remains unhittable.
• Offensively, Vlad (run scored, RBI) and Kazuma Okamoto (2-run single) did the damage.
• Potential injury watch: Vlad was drilled in the forearm by a pitch. He stayed in the game, but could be sat if too sore tomorrow
• There were no ABS challenges today.
• The Blue Jays were 2-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 4th series win of the season. The Blue Jays haven't announced a starter, but Eric Lauer will either get the bulk of the innings or make a spot start. The Red Sox will counter with righty Brayan Bello

Game #28 - Boston Red Sox (12-17) @ Toronto Blue Jays (12-16) - game recap

Daulton Varsho hit a double in the 9th inning, one of just three players to reach base in a 5-0 shutout loss to the Red Sox

 

After a rally for the second straight day thanks to Jesus Sanchez going deep, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the winning streak to 3 games as they welcomed the Red Sox to town. The Blue Jays won the season series 8-5 last year, but the Red Sox outscored the Blue Jays 56-53. Max Scherzer was placed on the 15 day IL with right forearm tendinities and left ankle inflammation. Righty Chase Lee was recalled from AAA-ball. Dylan Cease got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after the half day off as DH last night (Eloy Jimenez served as DH tonight). Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in CF. Lenyn Sosa got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays increase the win streak to 3 games? Here is  tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Red Sox opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Marcelo Mayer singled scoring Wilson Contreras
• The Red Sox added a run in the top of the 5th as Roman Anthony singled scoring Jarren Duran
• A batter later, Wilyer Abreu doubled home Contreras 
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 5.2IP 7H 4R (all earned) 3BB 5K 107 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Red Sox added a run in the top of the 8th as Carlos Narvaez whacked a solo blast to left-center
• Ranger Suarez pitching line: 8IP 1H 0R 1BB 10 105 pitches (66 for strikes)
• Red Sox 5 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Dylan Cease battled through 5.2 innings, giving up 4 runs on 7 hits while walking 3 and striking out 5. Not his best outing as a Blue Jay. He retired 9 of the first 10 batters before the Red Sox started getting to him bit by bit.
• The bullpen gave upa run on 2 hits while walking one and striking out 3 over the last 3.1 innings. Lefty Joe Mantiply got unlucky not to get the last batter he faced or he would have retired every batter he faced.
• The offence today: Davis Schneider walk immediately erased by an MK special double play, double by Jesus Sanchez on a nice inside out swing to lead off the 6th to break up the no-hitter, and a 2-out double by pinch hitter Daulton Varsho that basically delayed the end of the game a few piches.
• The Blue Jays were 3-1 on 4 ABS challenges and the Red Sox were 1-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 0-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 6th series loss of the season. Trey Yesavage makes his season debut after missing the first month of the season with a shoulder impingement. The Red Sox will counter with lefty Payton Tolle

Game #159 Boston Red Sox (87-72) @ Toronto Blue Jays (91-68) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho hit a grand slam in a 6-1 win over the Red Sox 

After a brutal loss due to a rough first inning from Max Scherzer, Jose Berrios giving up a 3-run HR and absolutely nothing from the offence, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2-game skid and avoid being swept for the 5th time this season. Jose Berrios was placed on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation and Paxson Schultz was recalled from AAA-ball. It was bullpen day with Louis Varland starting with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Anthony Santander got the start in LF with George Springer serving as DH. Nathan Lukes was in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner, Andres Gimenez was at SS and Ernie Clement was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid and avoid their 5th series loss of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Louis Varland pitching line: 2IP 0H 0R 0BB 3K 23 pitches (16 for strikes)
• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the bottom of 6th as Daulton Varsho hit a grand slam to right-center and into the Red Sox bullpen: also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Addison Barger and Anthony Santander 
• Four batters later, George Springer whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right
• Brayan Bello pitching line: 5IP 3H 2R (both earned) 3BB 3K 89 pitches (54 for strikes
• The Red Sox got one back in the top of the 7th as Trevor Story singled scoring Jarren Duran
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Red Sox 1

My Take:

• Louis Varland did his job as the opening, firing 2 perfect innings and striking out 3 batters. The bullpen game was necessitated by both Jose Berrios and Chris Bassitt on the IL. If all goes well and the Blue Jays clinch the division before Sunday,  he could be in line to be the opener in another bullpen game
• The rest of the bullpen experienced mixed results. Eric Lauer threw 3 perfect innings. Yariel Rodriguez, who was credited for the w and Brandon Little also both retired every batter they faced. Braydon Fisher gave up the Red Sox only run and Jeff Hoffman loaded the bases before inducing a pop-fly to end the game. This could be the team's achilles heel
• Daultton Varsho (grand slam) and George Springer (2-run HR) drove the offence
• This win was huge since the Yankees were poised to sweep the White Sox. The Blue Jays also clinched a bye to the divisional round for the AL East division winner
• Up next, the Blue Jays welcome the Rays for the final series of the regular season. Shane Bieber starts against Rays righty Adrian Houser

Game #158 Boston Red Sox (87-71) @ Toronto Blue Jays (90-68) - game recap

 

Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit a solo home run in a 7-1 loss to the Red Sox

After an unfortunate loss due to an ice cold offence and an unfortunate game-changing foul ball call by 3rd base ump, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and avoid their 19th series loss of the season. Max Scherzer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Anthony Santander returned to the lineup for the first time since May 29th and served as DH. George Springer was in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. IKF was at the hot corner, Ernie Clement was at SS and Davis Schneider was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 19th series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights: 

• The Red Sox opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Masataka Yoshida doubled scoring Trevor Story
• A batter later, Romy Gonzalez singled scoring Yoshida and Alex Bregman
• The Red Sox added a run in the top of the 5th as Yoshida belted a solo jack to right
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 5IP 10H 4R (all earned) 0BB 5K 86 pitches (65 for strikes)
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was ejected in the bottom of the 7th for arguing a called 3rd strike that replay showed caught the corner
• A batter later, hitting coach David Popkns joined him in the clubhousem also ejected for arguing balls and strikes
• The Red Sox added 3 runs in the top of the 8th as Carlos Narvaez hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Ceddanne Rafaela and Gonzalez
• Garrett Crochet pitching line: 8IP 3H 0R 0BB 6K 100 pitches (69 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Isiah Kiner-Falefa whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right
• Final score: Red Sox 7 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Max Scherzer battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 10 hits while walking none and striking out 5. Scherzer didn't make it out of the 1st inning and tonight was nearly a repeat with the Red Sox jumping on him early, plating 3 runs on 5 hits in the opening inning and pushing 30 pitches. He actually struck out the 1st batter he faced, but gave up 5 straight hits. The way the season is ending for him, don't be surprised if Scherzer joins fellow pitching legend Clayton Kershaw, who he pitched against for the final time August 8th with both future hall of famers turning back the clock on that day. A month ago, Scherzer looked like he had a playoff start locked up, but his recent starts have not been good. 
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on 2 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3 over the last 4 innings. Jose Berrios had mixed results in his first regular season relief appearance since September 29, 2017. He retired the side in order on an efficient 10 pitches in the 7th, but ran into trouble in the 8th, giving up a 3-run HR that put the game out of reach. You have to wonder if he starts Sunday if the divison title is still up for grabs. Brandon Little retired every batter he faced
• There has to be big concern about the ice cold offence, which can't do anything lately. A month ago, it appeared the offence could outhit the pitching flaws. Today, a 3-run deficit feels insurmountable. Vlad was 0-3 before getting ejected on a called strike that was closer to the strike zone than the previous pitch. Anthony Santander looked like he was still catching up to big league pitching after running out of minor league games with the minor league season now over. The bottom of the order actually got 3 of the 4 hits on the day
• The news was even worse on the scoreboard with the Yankees drawing even with the Blue Jays in the standings after an easy win over the White Sox. Boston is also only 3 back of the Blue Jays. If the Blue Jays don't pick things up soon, they will be facing a crapshoot wild card series on the road, which could be in Cleveland against a red hot Guardians squad.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2-game skid and aoid being swept for the 5th time this season. Brayan Bello starts for the Red Sox. The Blue Jays haven't named their starter for tomorrow

Game #157 Boston Red Sox (86-71) @ Toronto Blue Jays (90-67) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes scored the Blue Jays only run in a 4-1 loss to the Red Sox

After a final off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays kicked off the final homestand and week of the regular season. They welcomed the Red Sox to town. The Blue Jays won 7 of the first 10 games in the season series outscoring the Red Sox 45-44. Anthony Santander was activated from the 60-day IL, Ty France was placed on the 10-day IL with an oblique strain and Alek Manoah was DFA'd. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejadro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as Sunday's playoff-clinching victory in KC. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

-daGame Highlights:

• The Red Sox opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Nathaniel Lowe singled scoring Masataka Yoshida
• The Blue jays tied it in the bottom of the 4th on a fielder's choice hit by Andres Gimenez that scored Nathan Lukes 
• Lucas Giolito pitching line: 4.2IP 3H 1R (earned) 4BB 3K 98 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Red Sox retook the lead in the top of the 6th as Lowe singled th scoring Romy Gonzalez
• Two batters later, Carlos Narvaez doubled scoring Lowe and Wilyer Abreu
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5.2IP 9H 4R (all earned) 1BB 7K 92 pitches (63 for strikes)
• Aroldis Chapman pitched a perfect 9th for his 32nd save of the season
• Final score: Red Six 4 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 5.2 innings, giving up 4 runs on 9 hits while walking 1 and striking out 7. Hr had a tough 6th inning, giving up the three runs that turned out to be the difference in the game, While he'll likely start one of the first couple ofd games in a wild card series, unless he turns into Don Larson and throws a perfect game, he won't be able to win if the Blue Jays offence is as anemic as it was tonight.
• The bullpen threw 3.1 scoreless innings, walking 2 and striking out 2. Louis Varland, Mason Fluharty and Tommy Nance retired every batter they faced
• As for the offence, one measley run on a fielder's choice. To be fair, the Blue Jays got another horrible break when a ball that was clearly hit fair by George Springer and would have scored a couple of runs was called foul and upheld on replay. At the same time, Springer should have fouled off the next pitch to stay alive. At this point, I start Anthony Santander tomorrow to see if he can contribute to a playoff roster.
• The Yankees won, whittling the Blue Jays lead in the AL East to just a single game (2 really since the tiebreaker belongs to the Blue Jays)
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and try to avoid their 19th series loss of the season. Max Scherzer start against Red Sox lefty Garrett Crochet

Game #83 Toronto Blue Jays (45-38) @ Boston Red Sox (41-44) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes scored a run and drove in a run in a 5-3 win over the Red Sox

After a blowout loss due to a bad day for the pitchers, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 14th series win and 7th season series win of the season. Righty Paxton Schultz was placed on th 15 day IL with right middle finger inflammation. Lefty Justin Bruihl was recalled from AAA-ball. Eric Lauer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after a half-day off as DH yesterday (George Springer DH'd today). Jonatan Clase was in LF, Nathan Lukes was in CF and  Addison Barger was in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays notch their 14th series win and 7th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Addison Barger belted a solo jack to right
• A batter later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hammered a solo bomb over the green monster in left
• The Red Sox got one back in the bottom of the 2nd as Carlos Narvaez whacked a solo blast to right
• Three batters later,  Ceddanne Rafaela doubled scoring Trevor Story
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 4th as Andres Gimenez singled scoring Nathan Lukes
• Two batters later, Ernie Clement was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Tyler Heineman 
• Walker Buehler pitching line: 4IP 4H 4R (all earned) 3BB 3K 72 pitches (42 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Lukes singled scoring Bo Bichette 
• The Red Sox got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Romy Gonzalez doubled scoring Nick Sogard
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 4.1IP 7H 3R (all earned) 0BB 4K 85 pitches (56 for strikes)
• Jeff Hoffman threw a perfect 9th for his 18th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Red Sox 3

My Take:

•  Eric Lauer battled through 4.1 innings, giving up 3 runs on 7 hits while walking none and striking out 4. After a clean 1st inning, Lauer gave up a pair to erase an early Blue Jays lead. You would have liked to have seen Lauer go a bit deeper into the game with Max Scherzer scheduled to start tomorrow and there being uncertainty with how deep he can go in the game with a wonky thumb that will likely be an issue the remainder of the season.  Then Kevin Gausman starts Canada day and the Blue Jays hope his best start of the season on Saturday translates to this week's game. It is likely the Blue Jays will look to acquire a starting pitcher at the trade deadline to give the rotation a bit of depth heading into the stretch drive. 
• The bullpen held the Bosox to a hit and a walk while striking out 5 over the last 4.2 innings. Jeff Hoffman capped it off by striking out the side in the 9th inning. Brandon Little also retired every batter he faced.
• Offensively, the Blue Jays got things started with a bang courtesy of back-to-back bombs off the bats of Addiston Barger and Vladdy. Tyler Heineman was both a hero and a zero in the 5th inning, drawing a bases loaded walk to double the lead, but then getting picked off ay 1st base to kill a potential big inning. Nathan Lukes scored the game-winning run and drove in the final run of the day.
• The Blue Jays were 2-5 with runners in scoring  position
• Up next, the Blue Jays commence a huge series against the Yankees, who sit just 2.5 games up on the Blue Jays for 1st in the AL East. The Yankees took the series in the Bronx at the end of April, outscoring the Blue Jays 18-7. Max Scherzer starts against Yankees lefty Carlos Rodon

Game #82 Toronto Blue Jays (44-38) @ Boston Red Sox (41-43) - game recap

 

Addison Barger drove in the Blue Jays only run in a 15-1 loss to the Red Sox

After a nice shutout win over the Red Sox thanks to a team effort offensively and 7 shutout innings from ace Jose Berrios, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to three games, notch their 14th series win and 7th season series win of the season. Alan Roden was optioned to AAA-ball and Will Wagner was recalled from AAA-ball in his place. Chris Bassitt 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 LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays  extend the win streak to three games, notch their 14th series win and 7th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap

Game Highlights:

• The Red Sox opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Wilyer Abreu bashed a 3-run blast just inside the right foul pole; also scoring Abraham Toro and Carlos Narvaez
• The Red Sox added a run in the bottom of the 2nd as Abreu doubled scoring Roman Anthony
• A batter later, Trevor Story singled scoring Toro and Abreu
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 3rd as Addison Barger doubled Myles Straw 
• The Red Sox added a run in the bottom half of the inning on a bases loaded walk to Toro that forced in Ceddanne Rafaela
• A batter later, Jarren Duran scored on a sac fly by Narvaez
• A batter after that, Anthony scored on a rare throwing error by catcher Alejandro Kirk on a stolen base
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 2IP 8H 9R (8 earned) 4BB 3K 70 pitches (44 for strikes)
• The Red Sox added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Nick Sogard singled home Story
• A batter later, Rafaela belted a 2-run jack over the green monster in left; also scoring Sogard
• The Red Sox added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 7th as Romy Gonzalez hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Narvaez
• The Red Sox added a run in the bottom of the 8th on a sac fly by Toro that scored Duran
• Final score: Red Sox 15 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt was lit up for 9 runs (8 earned) on 8 hits while walking 4 and striking out 3 over 2 innings. He actually retired the first two batters he faced, then gave up three consecutive hits, capped by a 3-run bomb around the imfamous Pesky's pole. He simply did not have it today. Bassitt's ERA is now over 4.00 on the season.
• The bullpen gave up 6 runs on 9 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4 over the last 6 innings. None of the pitchers retired every batter faced. Brayden Fisher didn't have any runs charged to him, but all three inherited runners that were on base when he came in to the ball game scored. Mason Fluharty looked better than he had in recent appearances, but he gave up a mammoth home run.
• Offensively, Addison Barger drove in the only Blue Jays run.
• The Blue Jays were 0-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to notch their 14th series win and 7th season series win of the season. Eric Lauer starts against Red Sox righty Walker Buehler

Game #81 Toronto Blue Jays (44-37) @ Boston Red Sox (40-43) - game recap

 

Jose Berrios threw 7 shutout innings in a 9-0 shutout win over the Red Sox

After a huge shutout win over the Guardians thanks to 8 strong innings from Kevin Gausman, a 3-run single from Kirky and a 2-run single off the bat of Nathan Lukes, the Blue Jays continued the road trip in Boston. The Blue Jays have won 5 of the first 7 games in the season series, outscoring the Red Sox 30-26. Ace Jose Berrios got the start witth Alejandro Kirk behind the plate, Vlad was in the lineup despite getting drilled in the forearm by a pitch yesterday. George Springer was back in the lineup at DH after the complete day off yesterday. Nathan Lukes was in CF and Addison Barger was in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:-

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as George Springer singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 2nd as Bo Bichette singled scoring Ernie Clement
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Clement singled home Springer
• Brayan Bello pitching line 6IP 8H 3R (all earned) 3BB 1K 104 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 7th as Alejandro Kirk doubled scoring Addison Barger
• Four batters later, Guerrero Jr. as forced in on a bases loaded walk to Andres Gimenez
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Springer singled scoring Barger 
• A batter later, Guerrero Jr. Scored on a sac fly by Myles Straw
• Two batters later, Gimenez singled scoring Clement and Kirk
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 7IP 4H 0R 1BB 8K 91 pitches (65 for strikes)
• Final score: .Blue Jays 9 Red Sox 0

My Take:

• Jose Berrios threw 7 shutout innings,  scattering 4 hits, walking 1 and striking out 8. He retired 9 in a row at one point.  He benefited from a couple of double plays behind him and was pretty efficient,  needing 91 pitches to record 21 outs.  That's huge since the blue jays won't get an off-day until July 10, barring inclement weather.
• The bullpen threw 2 scoreless innings and Paxton Schultz retired every batter he faced.
• It was a team effort offensively. Every starter except Nathan Lukes and Jonatan Clase got a hit and either drove in a run or scored a run.
• The Blue Jays have a 44-37 record at the halway mark of the season. This puts them on pace for 88 wins. Will that be enough to punch their ticket to the playoffs with at least a wild card spot. The division title is very much in play with the Yankees struggling lately. The Rays are red hot at the moment. The seven games against the Rays in September could be huge for playoff positioning or potentially the division title.
• The Blue Jays were 7-17 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games, notch their 14th series win of the season and clinch their 7th season series win of the season. Chris Bassitt starts against Red Sox righty Lucas Giolito

Game #81: HALF WAY! Toronto Rock (43-37) @ Boston Cannons (40-42)