Game #122 Chicago Cubs (68-52) @ Toronto Blue Jays (71-51) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a 2-run HR in a 2-1 comeback win over the Cubs

After dropping yesterday's game due to an inept offense, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 21st series win (14th season series win of the season). Max Scherzer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Ty France at 1B. Addison Barger was back in the field at the hot corner after DH'ing yesterday. Davis Schneider was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Joey Loperfido was in RF. Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays notch their 21st series win and 14th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Cubs took the lead in the top of the 6th as Michael Busch whacked a solo blast to right-center
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 7th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smacked a 2-run blast to left-center; also scoring Davis Schneider
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 7IP 5H 1R (earned) 1BB 3K 78 pitches (57 for strikes)
• Matthew Boyd pitching line: 7IP 2H 2R ( both earned) 1BB 5K 78 pitches (58 for strikes
• Jeff Hoffman threw a scoreless 9th for his 27h save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Cubs 1

My Take:

• Both starters today matched each other almost pitch for pitch. Max Scherzer and Matthew Boyd both threw 78 pitches with Boyd throwing an extra strike, walking an extra batter and giving up his home run with a runner on base, whereas the bases were empty when Michael Busch went deep off Scherzer. Max Scherzer also surrender three extra base hits. There's no question that Scherzer should be on the playoff roster and really I'd have him start game two the way he is pitching.
• The bullpen threw 2 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and walking a batter. Jeff Hoffman will and should be the closer the rest of the season and in the playoffs, but much like his predecessor Jordan Romano, Hoffman has a tendency to make things interesting in the 9th. Seranthony Dominguez got a huge strikeout to end the 8th.
• Vlad went deep in the 7th to give the Blue Jays the lead. The team will need more of that from him down the stretch
• The Blue Jays were 1-3 with runners in scoring position
• It was the Blue Jays 38th comeback win of the season. The 1992 team had 40 comeback wins and the 1993 team had 44 comeback wins. 
• The Blue Jays also gained a half game on the idle Red Sox and Yankees, boosting their division lead to 5 games over the Red Sox and 6.5 games over the Yankees
• Today's game was over in 2 hours and 6 minutes. The game was already in the 6th inning by the time the game was an hour old. Roy Halladay was the starter in the fastest game in franchise history May 10, 2005 against the Royals. The game of baseball is very different than it was at that time. For one thing, both starters in that game threw complete games. Today, Scherzer and Boyd were both done after 7 innings and 78 pitches each. Another big difference is the pitch clock, which didn't exist in 2005. Games ending in under 2 hours were rare back then and the average game was over three hours. Today, you see more games finishing under three hours. Baseball is the only major sport where there is no game clock (aside from the pitch clock) dictating the length of the game. Each inning lasts however long it takes to record 3 outs. The MLB was forced to introduce the pitch clock and other measures to keep games relatively short since players often wasted a lot of time during games stepping out of the batter's box to adjust their batting gloves or pitchers would take forever when there were base runners on base, throwing over or holding the ball or taking their time with pitch selection. Also, pitch calling is largely done electronically now through pitch com, where as catchers had to flash signs with their fingers in 2005. Finally, there were generally more mound visits in 2005, which also slowed the game down.
• Up next, the Blue Jays face another tough test as the Texas Rangers come to town. The Blue Jays won the series in Texas back at the end of May, outscoring the Rangers 4-3. Chris Bassitt starts against Rangers righty Jacob DeGrom

- Game #120 Chicago Cubs (67-51) @ Toronto Blue Jays (70-50) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement hit a 3-run HR in a 5-1 victory over the Cubs

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays started a week-long homestand as they welcomed the Chicago Cubs to town. The Cubs took the season series laat year, outscoring the Blue Jays 9-8. Andres Gimenez was activated off the 10-day IL and got the start at 2B and Buddy Kennedy was DFA'd. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Nathan Lukes was in LF and Addison Barger was in RF. Ernie Clement got the start at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Bo Bichette 
• The Blue Jays added 3 runs in the bottom of the 4th as Ernie Clement whacked a 3-run blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Daulton
• Javier Assad pitching line: 4IP 8H 4R (all earned) 1BB 2K 70 pitches (48 for strikes)
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 5.1IP 2H 0R 4BB 3K 91 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Cubs got one back in the top of the 7th as Michael Busch singled scoring Dansby Swanson
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Daulton Varsho belted a solo jack to right and into the Cubs bullpen
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Cubs 1

My Take:

• Jose Berrios threw 5.1 shutout innings, scattering 2 hits, walking 4 and striking out 3. Berrios retired the first 5 batters he faced and another out streak of 6 batters. There is a good chance that he'll be a bullpen option in the playoffs. At this point, playoff rotation looks like it'll be (in no particular order) Kevin Gausman, Eric Lauer, Shance Bieber and Max Scherzer. 
• The bullpen gave up a run on 2 hits while walking 3 and striking out 6 over the last 3.2 innings. It will be interesting to see who is the Blue Jays closer going into the playoffs in 6 weeks. Jeff Hoffman has 26 saves on the season, but he has blown 5 saves and has had control issues of late. Louis Varland has looked great early in his stint with the Blue Jays and the team needs a good closer in the 9th.
• Bo Bichette (RBI single), Ernie Clement (3-run HR) and Daulton Varsho (2 runs scored, including solo HR) carried the day offensively
• The win kept the division lead over the Yankees and Red Sox, who both had blowout wins, at 6 and 4.5 games. If the playoffs started tomorrow, the Blue Jays would have home field advantage through the ALCS and be receiving a key bye to the divisional round.
• The Blue Jays were 3-8 with runners in scoring position
• The Blue Jays have the same record after 120 games as the 1992 world series winning season. The 1993 team was 69-71 after 120 games. This Blue Jays team needs to go 30-12 the rest of the way for their franchises first 100 win season. If this is accomplished the Blue Jays will likely go into the playoffs red hot.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 21st series win and 14 season series win of the season. They will also be looking to improve their record on my birthday (August 13) to 22-22 on my birthdday and extend that win streak to 4 games. Kevin Gausman starts against Cubs righty Cade Horton.

Game #124 - Toronto Blue Jays (58-66) @ Chicago Cubs (61-64) - game recap

 

Bowden Francis threw 7 shutout innings in a 1-0 shutout win over the Cubs

After another loss in a rain-delayed matinee, the Blue Jays were trying to avoid being swept for the 3rd time and being swept in a season series for the first time this season. Bowden Francis got the start with Brian Serven behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after the half day off yesterday as DH (Alejandro Kirk served as DH today). Joey Loperfido was in CF, Addison Barger was at the hot corner, Ernie Clement was at SS and Spencer Horwitz got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays avoid being swept for the 3rd time and in a season series for the first time this season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Joey Loperfido whacked a solo blast to right
• Shota Imanaga pitching line: 5IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 97 pitches (69 for strikes)
• Bowden Francis pitching line: 7IP 3H 0R 0BB 7K 95 pitches (71for strikes)
• Chad Green pitched a scoreless 9th for his 13th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 1 Cubs 0

My Take:

• Bowden Francis fired 7 shutout innings, scattering 3 hits, walking none and striking out 7. Francis retired the first ten batters he faced and 12 of the last 13 batters. He is pitching himself into the conversation of being the ace of the pitching staff next year. Francis has been outstanding his last two starts and this one might have been the best of his brief career. 
• The bullpen threw 2 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out 1. Genesis Cabrera retired every batter he faced
• Joey Loperfido hir his first HR in a Blue Jays uniform and that was the only run the Blue Jays offence gave the pitching staff. It must be difficult having to pitch perfect every game.
• The Blue Jays were 0-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays return to Toronto to begin a week long homestand, beginning against the Reds tomorriow. The Blue Jays took 2 of 3 from the Reds in 2023, outscoring the Reds 14-7. Kevin Gausman starts for the Blue Jays. The Reds have not set their rotation for the series.

Game #123 - Toronto Blue Jays (57-66) @ Chicago Cubs (61-63) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho drove in a run in a 3-2 loss to the Cubs

After a heart-breaking extra innings loss, the Blue Jays were trying to even the series and avoid their 19th series loss and 11th season series loss of the season. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Addison Barger in RF. Davis Schneider got the start in LF. Could the Blue Jays avoid their 19th series loss and 11th season series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Cubs opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Ian Happ led off with a solo bomb to dead center
• Leo Jimenez left the game in the top of the 2nd after tweaking his knee backing up 3rd base in the 1st inning
• Justin Steele pitching line: 2IP 0H 0R 1BB 3K 36 pitches (23 for strikes)
• The Cubs added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 5th as Michael Bush tripled scoring Pete Crow-Armstrong and Miguel Amaya
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5IP 5H 3R (all earned) 2BB 5K 76 pitches (43 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 7th as Daulton Varsho singled scoring Steward Berroa
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th as Addison Barger belted a solo jack to dead center
• Jorge Lopez got the last three outs for his 3rd save of the season
• Final score: Cubs 3 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 5 innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 5. While he only threw 76 pitches, he had to endure a couple of lengthy rain delays. Typically pitchers are sitting down 5-10 minutes while the other team bats. With two rain delays, Bassitt was forced to go into the batting cage under the field and toss the ball to stay loose. The Cubs opted to end Justin Steele's day early after the second rain delay. At least in Toronto, Bassitt doesn't have to worry about a momentum-killing rain delay since the Blue Jays can just close the roof in inclement weather or just not open it at all.
• The bullpen threw 3 shutout innings, walking a batter and striking out 3. Zack Pop retired every batter he faced.
• Speaking of relievers, old friend Nate Pearson was credited with the win. The Blue Jays loaded the bases against him in the 4th inning, but he struck out Davis Schneider and got Steward Berroa to fly out to end the inning
• Offensively, the Blue Jays essentially had to contend with a bullpen daty after the Cubs opted to end starter Justin Steele's day after two innings following two lengthy rain delays. Their best chance at a big inning came in the 4th off ex-Jays reliever Nate Pearson when they loaded the bases on a double and 2 walks, but could not score a run. They scraped together a run on an RBI single in the 8th and Addison Barger made things interesting with a leadoff solo HR in the 9th, but George Springer was unable to play hero today after a game-tying triple in the 9th yesterday. Vlad struck out on a weak swing on what would have been a ball to end the game.
• Impressive work by the groundskeepers who showed a lot of hustle and finesse in taking the tarp on and off the field. It seems they've had a lot of practice at it given the climate of Chicago. The team earned their paycheck today!
• Fun stat of the day: both teams were 1-8 with runners in scoring position. The difference in the game was the one succcessful AB for the Cubs was a 2-run triple whereas Clement's single only produced runs. The two teams traded leadoff home runs too (Jays killer Ian Happ led off the game with a solo shot and Addison Barger led off the 9th with his own solo HR)
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to avoid being swept for the 2nd time this season and being swept in a season series for the 1st time this season. Bowden Francis starts against Cubs lefty Shota Imanata

Game #122 - Toronto Blue Jays (57-65) @ Chicago Cubs (60-63) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a 2-run triple in a 6-5 extra innings loss to the Cubs

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays continued the road trip at Wrigley Field against the north-siders, aka the Cubs. The Cubs took the season series 2-1 last year, but the Blue Jays outscored the Cubs 17-15. Yariel Rodriguez got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Joey Loperfido was in LF, Ernie Clement was at the hot corner, Leo Jimenez was at SS and Will Wagner got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Cubs opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Cody Bellinger hammered a 2-run bomb to right-center; also scoring Ian Happ
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 4th as Ernie Clement singled scoring Spencer Horwitz
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 5th as Leo Jimenez drilled a solo jack to dead center
• The Cubs retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Pete Crow-Armstrong hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• A batter later, Miguel Amaya hammered a solo bomb to straightaway center 
• Kyle Hendricks pitching line: 5IP 2H 2R (1 earned) 0BB 2K 82 pitches (55 for strikes)
• Yariel Rodiguez pitching line: 5IP 4H 4R (all earned) 2BB 5K 88 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Cubs added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Happ hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th on a balk by Hector Neris that forced in Will Wagner
• A batter later, George Springer tripled scoring Clement and Joey Loperfido
• The Cubs walked it off in the bottom of the 10th as Seiya Suzuki singled home Happ
• Final score: Cubs 6 Blue Jays 5 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Yariel Rodriguez battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits (3 HR) while walking 2 and striking out 5. As has been an issure for most of the pitching staff, Yariel Rodriguez could not keep the ball in the ball park. I still think Pete Walker needs to be part of the coaching staff overhaul. He's been there for a decade now and every coach has an expiry date where their messaging becomes stale or other teams figure out the tricks.
• The bullpen gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and a walk over the last 4 innings. Chad Green failed to record an out in the 10th inning. Genesis Cabrera and Erik Swanson both retired every batter they faced.
• Kudos to the offense for the comeback. The Cubs handed them a run in the fourth inning with three unbelieveable errors by the infield - two tailor-made double plays were flubbed by Dansby Swanson (although one error was charged to Kyle Hendricks on a bad throw) and then Swanson made a horrible throw on a grounder where he had tons of time to throw across the diamond for the 3rd out. In the 9th, Springer took advantage of a balk that forcecd in a run and tripled to tie the game. The Blue Jays had no business tying the game, but the Cubs gifted them the chance with horrendous defense
• The Blue Jays were 3-12 with runners in scoring position
• Every Blue Jays starter except Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had at least one hit
• Not-so-fun fact: The Blue Jays have now lost 75 straight games where they were trailing by multiple runs in the 8th inning or later 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to avoid their 19th series loss of the season.Chris Bassitt starts against Cubs lefty Justin Steele

Game #120 - Chicago Cubs (61-57) @ Toronto Blue Jays (66-54) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho drove in 5 runs and scored twice in a 11-4 comeback win over the Cubs

After losing yesterday's matinee and spoiling the party on Jose Bautista's induction to the level of excellence,  the Blue Jays were looking to snap a 3-game skid and avoid being swept for the 4th time this season. Hyun Jin Ryu got the start with Danny Jansen behind he plate. George Springer was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday.  Vlad got the half day off as DH today with Brandon Belt at 1B. Matt Chapman was a late scratch with right middle finger inflammation. Santiago Espinal took his spot at the hot corner and Paul DeJong got the start at SS. Could the Blue Jays snap the three game skid and avoid being swept for the 4th time this season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game #119 - Chicago Cubs (61-56) @ Toronto Blue Jays (65-54) - game recap

Santiago Espinal scored a run and drove in a run in a losing effort as the Cubs came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 5-4

After a second straight loss due to the inability to drive in runners in scoring position and a subpar performance from Jose Berrios, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the two game skid and avoid their 11th series loss of the season. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio in RF. Paul DeJong  got the full day off with Santiago Espinal at SS. Davis Schneider was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid and avoid their 11 5th series of the season? Here is today's game recap.!

Game #118 - Chicago Cubs (60-56) @ Toronto Blue Jays (65-53) - game recap

 

Brandon Belt hit a solo HR in a 6-2 loss to the Cubs

After a tough loss to end the road trip, the Blue Jays returned home to take on the Cubs. Last season,  the Blue Jays won the season series 2-1, outscoring the Cubs 15-14. Alek Manoah was optioned to AAA-ball and Hagen Danner was recalled from AAA-ball.  Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (Brandon Belt served as DH today). Paul DeJong was back at SS after the day of yesterday.  Cavan Biggio got the start at 2B. Daulton Varsho was in CF.  Could the Blue Jays start the homestand and weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Cubs opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Nico Hoerner smacked a solo blast to left-center
• Two batters later,  Cody Bellinger bashed a 2-run jack to right-center and into the Cubs bullpen; also scoring Ian Happ
• The Cubs added a pair of runs in the top of the 4th as Selya Suzuki doubled scoring Dansby Swanson and Jeimer Candelario
• Two batters later,  Mike Tauchman singled home Suzuki
• The Blue jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Cavan Biggio
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 4.1IP 9H 6R (4 earned) 0BB 4K 91 pitches  (62 for strikes)
• Javier Assad pitching line: 7IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 2K 90 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Blue jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Brandon Belt belted a solo bomb to dead center
• Hagen Danner left his big league debut in the 9th After throwing just 7 pitches when his lower back seized up on him, he recorded one out and had a full count on the next batter. 
• Final score: Cubs 6 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Jose Berrios was lit up for 6 runs (4 earned) on 9 hits while walking none and striking out three in 4.1 innings. He had 2 rough innings, giving up 3 runs on two home runs.  In the 4th inning, he gave up three more runs on three hits and a missed catch error charged to Vlad. Too many pitches in the prime hitting zone tonight.
• The bullpen did its job, allowing a hit (to be fair it was Jay Jackson's first pitch to a batter that already had a 3-2 count on him) and a walk in the last 4.2 innings.  Bowden Francis was excellent and ate up 3.2 innings (he'll likely be optioned for a fresh arm in the morning). Really unfortunate that Hagen Danner had to leave his big league debut with an injury after throwing just 7 pitches. At least his recorded his first big league out before the injury
• What can you say about the offense.  The Blue jays were sent down in order four times,  could not score with runners on 1st and 2nd with one out in the 2nd inning and had few answers for the Cubs pitching tonight
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2- game skid and avoid their 11th series loss of the season. Chris Bassitt starts against Cubs lefty Justin Steele

Game #129- Chicago Cubs (56-75) @ Toronto Blue Jays (70-59) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk hit a three-run HR in a 7-5 loss to the Cubs

After winning on Marcus Stroman's first game against the Blue Jays (Stroman got a no-decision), the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and sweep their 6th series of the season. It was the annual Jays Care auction game with all proceeds going to the Jays care foundation and providing play-based programs for kids. Mitch White got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in CF after the half day off as DH yesterday. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio at 1B. Whit Merrifield was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays sweep their 19th series of the season, extend the win streak to 3 games and end the home stand on a winning note? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #128- Chicago Cubs (55-75) @ Toronto Blue Jays (70-58) - game recap

 

Teoscar Hernandez gave the Blue Jays the lead in the 6th inning with a 3-run HR in a 5-3 come-from-behind win over the Cubs

After a nice come from behind win over the Cubs, the Blue Jays were looking for their second straight win and 19th series win of the season against old friend/ex-teammate Marcus Stroman. He pitched for the Blue Jays 2014-19, compiling a record of 47-45 with a 3.76 ERA in 135 games (129 starts). Stroman was 1-1 with a 4.40ERA in 5 playoff starts in 2015 and 2016. The Stro show made a miracle recovery from ACL surgery when he tore the ligament on a sprinkler head in 2015. Working with Nikki Huffman, who would become the Blue Jays head trainer for 2 seasons in 2018 and 2019, Stroman made it back foor 4 starts in September and 27 innings with a sparkling 1.67ERA. He then started 3 of the playoff games that season. Unfortunately, for all his talent, Stroman was at times too opinionated, leading to heated exchanges in the dugout and also on social media. He was traded to the Mets on July 28, 2019 for Simeon Woods-Richardson and Anthony Kay. Neither Ksy nor Woods-Richardson have been able to make the bigs for very long. Kay has played in 28 games over the last 4 seasons and is far down the depth chart for the Blue Jays behind Tim Mayza, Yusei Kikuchi and Taylor Saucedo, Woods-Richardson is now in the Twins minor league system and has never played a big league game. He's bounced around the minors, primarily at the AA-level and was recently demoted back to AA-ball after starting the year at the AAA-ball level. Back to Stroman. Tonight was the first time he has faced the Blue Jays in his career. He has faced every other team in the league at least three times. No doubt he'll be motivated to beat his former team.

Kevin Gausman got the start for the Blue Jays with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Jackie Bradley Jr. in CF. Santiago Espinal was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and 19 series wins? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Cubs opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Wilson Contreras smacked a solo blast to left-center 
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the bottom of the 5th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Danny Jansen
• The Cubs retook the lead in the top of the 6th as Christopher Morel drilled a solo bomb to dead center 
• Marcus Stroman pitching line: 5IP 3H 1R (earned) 2BB 1K 88 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Teoscar Hernandez bashed a 3-run jack to the opposite field in right; also scoring Bo Bichete and Matt Chapman
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 5H 2R (both earned) 1BB 9K 96 pitches (64 for strikes)
• The Cubs got one back in the top of the 7th as Morel doubled scoring Nelson Velazquez
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Guerrero Jr. belted a solo bomb to the opposite field in right 
• Jordan Romano got the final 5 outs for his 28th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Cubs 3

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman threw six strong innings, giving up a pair of runs on five his while walking one and striking out nine. Gausman was helped by early double plays. The Cubs took him yard twice, but both times were only solo shots. Gausman is likely to start the second game of a 3-game WC series, especially if the Blue Jays were to lose the opening game. Berrios is simply too much of a risk to start an elimination game. 
• The bullpen held the Cubs to a run on two hits while walking two and striking out three over the final three innings. Jordan Romano got the final five outs - the 9th time Romano has worked multiple innings. 
• The offence was only able to muster one run on 3 hits and 2 walks off former Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman. Teo and Vlad combined to drive in 4 runs with opposie field HR jacks in the 6th and 7th innings respectively.
• In terms of the WC race., the Orioles lost and the Mariners and Rays won. This means the Blue Jays maintain their position with the 3rd WC spot a half game back of the Mariners and a game back of the Rays. The Orioles are 3 games back of the Blue Jays for the last WC spot and the Twins are 3.5 games of the Blue Jays 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try for their 5th series sweep of the season and 3rd straight win overall. Mitch White gets the start, while the Cubs have not announced a starter for the game.

Game #127- Chicago Cubs (55-74) @ Toronto Blue Jays (69-58) - game recap

 

Danny Jansen drove in four runs and scored once in a 5-4 come-from-behind win over the Cubs in 11 innings

After another loss to extend the losing streak to three games and being swept for the 4th time this season, the Blue Jays began a three-game series against the Cubs. The Blue Jays were swept by the Cubs last time these two teams met in 2017 with the Cubs outscoring the Blue Jays 17-12. The Blue Jays claimed Bradley Zimmer off waivers from the Phillies. Jose Berrios got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate.Teo got the full day off to rest his sore foot with Raimel Tapia in RF. Cavan Biggio was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3 game skid? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Cubs opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd on a ground out by Wilson Contreras that scored Alfonso Rivas.
• The Cubs added a run in the top of the 4th as Nico Hoerner singled scoring Seiya Suzuki
• The Cubs added a pair of runs in the top of the 6th as PJ Higgins doubled scoring Franmil Reyes and Rafael Ortega
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 5.2IP 10H 4R (all earned) 1BB 4K 102 pitches (69 for strikes)
• Javier Assad pitching line: 5IP 4H 0R 2BB 1K 80 pitches (44 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got three back in the bottom of the 7th as Danny Jansen hammered a 3-run bomb to the second deck in left-center; also scoring Matt Chapman and Raimel Tapia
• Thr Blue Jays tied the game in the bottom of the 8th as Chapman singled scoring Cavan Biggio 
• The Blue Jays walked it off in the bottom of the 11th as Jansen singled home Santial Espinal
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Cubs 4

My Take:

• Jose Berrios battled through 5.2 innings, giving up 4 runs on 10 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. Not his best start, not his worst start. Berrios was able to escape innings with minimal or no damage.  Unfortunately, Tim Mayza gave up an RBI double to tack on two more runs to Berrios' pitching line.
• Other than the RBI double Mayza gave up, the bullpen limited the Cubs to two hits and two intential walks over the last 4.1 innings. 
• The Blue Jays evidently took manager John Schneider's words about focusing to heart. They came up with several defensive gems; a diving catch by George Springer, a heads up play by Jackie Bradley Jr. in the 11th to nail Franmil Reyes at Second base and a snag of a sharp line drive in the 10th to erase the ghost runner and get two outs right away 
• Danny Jansen was the big hero tonight. A three-run bomb in the 7th to get the Blue Jays within one and driving in the winning run in the 11th with a clutch base hit 
• Every Blue Jays starter except George Springer had at least one hit 
• The Mariners, Orioles and Rays were all idle so the Blue Jays gained a half game on all three iu the WC standings 
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for two straight wins and their 19th series win of the season. They'll be facing former teammate Marcus Stroman. The Blue Jays will counter with righty Kevin Gausman