Game #140 Toronto Blue Jays (81-59) @ Cincinatti Reds (70-70) - game recap

 

Addison Barger drove in 4 runs, including a 2-run HR in a 13-9 comeback win over the Reds

After hanging on for the win yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 25th series win and 17th season series win of the season. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Ty France at 1B. George Springer was in LF and Addison Barger was in RF. Ernie Clement was back at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 25th series win and 17th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Reds opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Jose Trevino singled scoring Gavin Lux and Spencer Steer
• A batter later, Matt McLain singled scoring Ke'Bryan Hayes
• Two batters later, Noelvi Marte doubled scoring Trevino and McLaiin
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 3rd as George Springer hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th as Daulton Varsho smacked a solo blast to right-center
• A batter later, Alejandro Kirk drilled a solo jack to straightaway center
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 5th as Addison Barger belted a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Springer
• A batter later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smacked a solo blast to left-center
• Zack Littell pitching line: 4.1IP 7H 5R (all earned) 1BB 6K 88 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th on a sac fly by Barger that scored Ty France
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 7th on a sac fly by France that scored Varsho
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 6IP 5H 5R (all earned) 2BB 6K 98 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Reds got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Marte singled scoring McLain
• The Blue Jays added a run in the op of the 8th as Barger singled scoring Ernie Clement
• Two batters later, Springer scored on a throwing error by Steer on a ball hiy by Bo Bichette
• A batter later, Myles Straw scored on a sac fly by Varsho
• A batter after that, France singled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• The Reds got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Steer doubled scoring Lux
• Two batters later, Will Benson doubled home Steer
• A batter later, McLain doubled scoring Benson
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th as Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Clement
• Final score: Blue Jays 13 Reds 9

My Take:

• Shane Bieber battled through 6 innings, giving up 5 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. He was roughed up in the 2nd inning to the tune of 5 runs on 5 hits and a walk. He settled right down and retired 12 of the last 13 batters he faced, including 10 straight batters. Bieber faced the minimum those 4 innings. This is why John Schneider needs to trust his starters to work out of jams and pitch deeper in games.
• The bullpen gave up 5 runs on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 over the last 3 innings. Louis Varland continues to try and find his game. Tonight, he allowed 3 runs on 4 hits. Brandon Little struck out the only batter he faced, which is encouraging but need to see more of that. Jeff Hoffman retired every batter he faced, but next series will be a stiffer test.
• Offensively, the bats came up big, led by George Springer (3 runs scored, including a solo HR), Vlad (2RBI, 2 runs scored, including a solo HR), Addison Barger (4 RBI, including 2-run HR), Daulton Varsho (2RBI, 2 runs scored, including a solo HR), Alejandro Kirk (RBI, run scored), and Ty France (2RBI, run scored)
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Bichette had a hit. All but Bichette and Ernie Clement either drove in a run or scored a run
• The Blue Jays were 3-10 with runners in scoring position
• Standings wise, the Red Sox and Yankees both lost, meaning both AL East rivals are 3.5 games back of the Blue Jays for 1st in the AL East. If the Yankees win their game tomorrow, they will be 3 games back of the Blue Jays heading into the weekend series between the Blue Jays and Yankees. If that happens, the Yankees could draw even with a series sweep on the weekend. The Blue Jays would win the division if the two teams are tied at the end of the regular season since the Blue Jays have clinched the season series against the Yankees.
• Up next, after an off-day/travel day tomorrow, the Yankees and Blue Jays open a crucial weekend series in the Bronx. The Blue Jays won 7 of the first 10 games in the season series, outscoring the Yankees 59-51. Kevin Gausman starts for the Blue Jays Friday. The Yankees haven't set their rotation for the series yet.

Game #138 Toronto Blue Jays (79-59) @ Cincinatti Reds (70-68) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette hit a 2-run home run in a losing effort as the Reds came from behind to walk off the Blue Jays 5-4

After salvaging a game to avoid a sweep yesterday thanks to an 8-run output from the offence and the bullpen holding it together, the Blue Jays kicked off a week long road trip with a labour day matinee in Cincinatti. The Reds won the season series last year with both teams scoring 20 runs. Isiah Kiner-Falefah, claimed off waivers yesterday is the September position player call-up. Dillon Tate is the 14th pitcher. Nick Sandlin was moved to the 60-day IL to make room on the roster for him. Chris Bassitt got the start wuth Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was back in the lineup and in CF after missing a couple of days with a sore hand after getting drilled by a fastball. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Reds opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Ke'Bryan Hayes doubled scoring Gavin Lux and Sal Stewart 
• The Blue Keys got one back in the top of the 7th as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Bo Bichette
• Hunter Greene pitching line: 6.1IP 5H 1R (earned) 1BB 7K 101 pitches (77 for strikes)
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 6IP 5H 2R (both earned) 2BB 6K 107 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 9th as Bichette whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right-center; also scoring Myles Straw 
• A batter later, Daulton Varsho belted a solo jack to right
• The Reds got one back on a ground rule double by TJ Friedl that scored Hayes
• A batter later, Noelvi singled scoring Matt McLain and  Friedl
• Final score: Reds 5 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 6 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. Pretty gutsy of him to go out for the 6th and 7th innings when he either had a blister or cut on his finger. It also says a lot about the trust John Schneider and Co have on the bullpen. After giving up the 2-run double in the 2nd inning, Bassitt beared down and retired seven straight Reds hitters.
• Too bad the bullpen couldn't come through. Tommy Nance got that big high-leverage situation he deserved and promptly gave up hits to two of the batters he faced. Brandon Little was then given the opportunity to redeem himself, but could not retire either batter he faced and got fortunate it wasn't a tie ball game after the first batter when the call was overturned to a ground-rule double. This has to be the end of Little, whose confidence is shattered beyond repair. If the bullpen doesn't sort itself out soon, the Blue Jays could miss the playoffs entirely with the tough September schedule they face and that should lead to the firing of both John Schneider and Pete Walker.
• The bats came through in the 9th, led by Bo Bichette, who is about to receive a massive payday in the off-season, who went deep to the opposite field in right-center to give the Blue Jays their first lead of the game. He would also score the teams 1st run of the game in the 7th inning. Daulton Varsho also went deep despite a sore hand to give the Blue Jays a 2-run cushion. The Blue Jays need Addison Barger's bat to heat up again, and some production from the bottom of the lineup, which was a combined 0-11 on the day.
• The Blue Jays were 1-7 with runners in scoring position
• The Bosox won their labour day matinee, bringing them within 2.5 games back of the Blue Jays  for 1st in the AL East. The idle Yankees also gained a half game in the standings and are also 2.5 games back of 1st in the AL East
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 17th series loss and 6th season series loss. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Reds lefty Nick Lodolo

Game #127 - Cincinnati Reds (62-65) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-68) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement hit a 3-run HR in a losing effort as the Reds came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 11-7

After a huge win thanks to 7 strong innings from Jose Berrios and a 5-HR night from the offense, the Blue Jays were going for 2 straight wins, 12 series wins and 8 season series wins. Yariel Rodriguez got the start with Brian Serven behind the plate. George Springer served as DH for the second straight game. Davis Schneider was in LF, Ernie Clenent was at SS and Leo Jimenez got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins, 12 series wins and 8 season series wins? Here is tonight'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-center
• Three batters later, Spencer Horwitz hammered a 2-run bomb to the second deck in right-center; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Blue Jays added three more runs in the bottom of the 3rd as Ernie Clement whacked a 3-run blast to left-center and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Daulton Varsho and Horwitz
• The Reds got a pair back in the top of the 4th as Spencer Steer hammered a two-run bomb to the 3rd deck in left; also scoring Tyler Stephenson
• The Reds got one back in the top of the 5th as Jonathan India singled scoring Santiago Espinal
• A batter later, Elly De La Cruz singled scoring Noevli Martin and India
• A batter after that, De La Cruz scored on a fielder's choice hit by Stephenson
• Four batters later, Stephenson was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Espinal
• Yariel Rodriguez pitching line: 4.1IP 6H 5R (all earned) 2BB 6K 87 pitches (51 for strikes)
• Nick Martinez pitching line: 4.1IP 6H 6R (all earned) 3BB 3K 86 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Reds added a run in the top of the 7th as Martin whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center and into the Reds bullpen
• A batter later, India belted a solo blast to left
• Two batters later, Stephenson doubled scoring De La Cruz
• The Reds added a run in the top of the 9th as De La Cruz smacked a solo blast to the opposite field just inside the foul pole in left
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Leo Jimenez doubled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• Final score: Reds 11 Blue Jays 7

My Take:

• Yariel Rodrguez battled through 4.1 innings, giving up 5 runs on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. Rodrigiguez started the game retiring 9 of the 1st 11 batters he faced. Where he really ran into trouble was the 4th inning where he only managed 1 out and ended up with being charged with 5 runs total. He's a project for Pete Walker.
• The bullpn was awful, giving up 8 runs (2 charged to Rodriguez) on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 7. Chad Green was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced.
• Offensively, the Blue Jays were led by 3 home runs (a lead-off HR from George Springer, a 2-run HR off the bat of Spencer Horwitz and a 3-run HR from Ernie Clement).
• Every Blue Jays batter except Addison Barger had at least one hit
• The Blue Jays were 2-13 with runners in scoring position.
• Happy trails to Joey Votto, who opted to retire after an attempted comeback from an ankle injury caused by stepping on a bat after his one and only AB in a Blue Jays uniform. Too bad the Blue Jays didn't call him up for a final series against the Reds, the team he spent his entire career with 
• Up next, the Blue Jays open a 4-game weekend set against the Angels, who they swept in Anaheim, outscoring the Angels 19-5 a week ago. Neither team has set their rotation for the series.

Game #126 - Cincinnati Reds (61-65) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-67) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a pair of HR in a 10-3 rout over the Reds

After a tough loss yesterday on another bullpen meltdown, the Blue Jays were trying to even the series and avoid their 20th series loss of the season and 8th season series loss. Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field and at the hot corner after the half day off as DH yesterday. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Addison Barger in RF. Leo Jimenez was back at SS after missing a couple of days with a sore knee. Could the Blue Jays avoid their 20th series loss and 8th season series loss of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Will Wagner singled scoring Daulton Varsho
• The Reds tied it up in the top of the 2nd as Noelvi Marte singled scoring Ty France
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Addison Barger doubled scoring Joey Loperfido
• A batter later, George Springer whacked a 2-run blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Barger
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Alejandro Kirk hammered a solo bomb to left
• A batter later, Spencer Horwitz belted a solo jack to right-enter 
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Varsho scored on a fielding error by Marte on a ball hit by Will Wagner
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottiom of the 5th as Leo Jimenez hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Loperfido
• Two batters later, Springer drilled a solo bomb to left
• Carson Spiers pitching line: 4.1IP 13H 10R (9 earned) 2BB 3K 85 pitches (53 for strikes)
• The Reds got one back in the top of the 7th as Elly De La Cruz scored on a ground out hit by Tyler Stephenson
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 7IP 6H 2R (both earned) 2BB 7K 96 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Reds got one back in the top of the 8th as Spencer Steer singled scoring Stuart Fairchild
• Final score: Blue Jays 10 Reds 3

My Take:

• Jose Berrios fired 7 strong innings, giving up a pair of runs on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 7. Berrios retired 9 in a row at one point. He'll be a part of the rotation for the next several years and could be the ace the Blue Jays build their rotation around. He'll have to work on his command in the offseason. He has hit an MLB-high 13 batters and has given up 64HR heading into tonight's start
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits in the final 2 innings. All three hits and the run were charged to Zach Pop, who probably shouldn't have a spot in the bullpen in 2025. Tommy Nance retired every batter he faced
• It was a team effort offensively tonight with every Blue Jays starter getting at least one hit, all but Will Wagner and Vlad scoring a run, and all but Daulton Varsho, Vlad and Joey Loperfido driving in a run.
• The Blue Jays should recall Joey Votto tomorrow to face his old team and get a proper send-off
• The Blue Jays were 3-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 12th series win and 8th season series win of the season. Yariel Rodriguez starts against Reds righty Nick Martinez

Game #125 - Cincinnati Reds (61-64) @ Toronto Blue Jays (57-66) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a solo HR in a losing effort as the Reds came from behind to double the Blue Jays 6-3

After eking out a win a win yesterday on a solo HR from Joey Loperfido, his first in a Blue Jays uniform, and 7 shutout innings from Bowden Francis, the Blue Jays returned home to start a week-long home stand as the Reds came to town. The Blue Jays took 2 of 3 from the Reds in 2023, outscoring the Reds 14-7. Lefty Easton Lucas was claimed off waivers and optioned to AAA-ball. Alek Manoah was transferred to the 60-day IL. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Spencer Horwitz at 1B. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Joey Loperfido was in LF. Will Wagner got the start at 2B. Could  the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hammered a solo bomb to the 2nd deck in left-center
• The Reds tied it up in the top of the 3rd on a sac fly by Elly De La Cruz that scored Santiago Espinal
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho singled scoring George Springer
• The Reds tied it up in the top of the 4th as TJ Friedl hammered a solo bomb in right
• Julian Aguiar pitching line: 4IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 2K 57 pitches (38 for strikes)
• The Reds took the lead in the top of the 6th as Spencer Steer doubled scoring Tyler Stephenson
• Two batters later, Ty France doubled scoring Friedl and Steer
• A batter later, Jake Fraley doubled scoring France
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5IP 5H 4R (2 earned) 2BB 5K 100 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Ernie Clement whacked a solo blast to left-center
• Final score: Reds 6 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 5. Hee dealt with base runners in every inning abd wasn't overly efficient. needing 100 pitches to get 15 outs. He's had an inconsistent season and has regressed from the solid seasons he had in 2022 and 2023, particularly in strikeouts.
• The bullpen gave up 4 runs (2 charged to Gausman) on 4 hits and a walk while striking out 3 over the last 4 innings/ Erik Swanson and Tommy Nance retired every batter he faced
• Offensively, the Blue Jays hit a pair of solo home tuns (one each from Vlad and Ernie Clement). Daulton Varsho also had an RBI single
• The home run jacket needs to be repurposed as the player of the game jacket
• The Blue Jays should option Davis Schneider to AAA-ball and recall Joey Votto so he can face his old team
• The Blue Jays were 1-5 with runners in scoring posirion
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 20th series loss of the season. Jose Berrios starts for the Blue Jays. The Reds haven't named a starter for tomorrow's game.

Game #125 - Toronto Blue Jays (69-56) @ Cincinnati Reds (64-61) - game recap

Brandon Belt hit a pair of home runs in a 10-3 win over the Reds

 

After a solid win thanks to three shutout innings from the bullpen and a home run from Davis Schneider, the Blue Jays were looking for their 2nd straight win, 23rd series win 13th season series win of the season. Hyun-.Jin Ryu got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate.  George Springer was back in the lineup and in RF after missing a couple of days with a sore right ankle. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Whit Merrifield got the start at 2B.  Brandon Belt served as DH.  Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and botch their 23rd series win and 13th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game #124 - Toronto Blue Jays (68-56) @ Cincinnati Reds (64-60) - game recap

 

Davis Schneidrr hit a solo HR to lift the Blue Jays to a 4-3 win over the Reds

After a heartbreaking 1-0 walk off loss to the Red, the Blue Jays were trying to snap the 2- game skid and avoid their 15th series loss and 7th season series loss of the season. Bo Bichette was reinstate from the 15-day IL and got the start at SS.  Paul DeJong was DFA'd.  DeJong had a disappointing and brief stint as a Blue Jay,  accumulating just 3 hits in 44AB, driving in 1 run and scoring once. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Whit Merrifield was in LF. Santiago Espinal got the start at 2B. Davis Schneider served as DH. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid and prevent their 15th series loss and 7th season series loss? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #123 - Toronto Blue Jays (67-56) @ Cincinnati Reds (64-59) - game recap

 

Jose Berrios threw 5.2 shutout innings in a 1-0 shutout loss to the Reds

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays hit the road, traveling to Cinnnati to take on the Reds. The Blue Jays won the season series last year, outscoring the Reds 7-5. Kevin Kiermaier (started in CF) and Trevor Richards were reinstated from the IL. Nathan Lukes and Jay Jackson were optioned back to AAA-ball. Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate Matt Chapman was back in the lineup and at the hot corner after missing a few days after dropping a dumbbell on his finger. George Springer got the complete day off with Cavan Biggio in RF. Daulton Varsho was in LF, Santiago Espinal was at SS and Whit Merrifield got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend and road trip with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #41- Cincinnati Reds (12-28) @ Toronto Blue Jays (22-19) - game recap

 George Springer scored the Blue Jays second run in a 3-2 loss to the Reds 

After a solid win over the Reds on the back of a pair of HR by Bo Bichette and 8 excellent innings from Alek Manoah, the Blue Jays were looking for their 3rd straight win and first series sweep of the season. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had the full day off with Zack Collins DH'ing. Could the Blue Jays get their first sweep of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game #40- Cincinnati Reds (11-28) @ Toronto Blue Jays (22-18) - game recap

 

Alek Manoah threw 8 dominant innings in a 3-1 win over the Reds 

After etching out a win yesterday on the backs of just enough offence and some solid pitching - a theme for 2022, the Blue Jays were looking to make it two straight wins. Alek Manoah got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Lourdes GurrielJr. taking his place at 1B, who was back in the lineup after a complete day off yesterday. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Reds opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Joey Votto doubled scoring Tyler Naquin
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the bottom half of the inning as Bo Bichette drilled a solo bomb to the second deck in left
• Hunter Greene pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 2BB 6K 84 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 7th as Bichette hammered a 2-run bomb to the 2nd deck in left
• Alek Manoah pitching line: 8IP 7H 1R (earned) 0BB 4K 83 pitches (63 for strikes) 
• Jordan Romano struck out the side and threw a perfect 9th for his 14th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 Reds 1

My Take:

• Alek Manoah was solid throwing 8 dominant innings, allowing one run on seven hits while walking none and striking out seven. He retired 8 of the first 9 batters he faced. Alejandro Kirk took care of that base runner, gunning down Alejo Lopez at 2nd base. Manoah retired the last 6 batters he faced and honestly should have been given the opportunity to complete the game with just 83 pitches thrown and Jordan Romano still recovering from a gastrointestinal infection.
• Romano did strike out the side though for his 14th save.
• Offensively it was the Bo Bichette show. The Blue Jays 2nd baseman drove in all three runs on a pair of mammoth home runs to the second deck in left- almst the same spot
• Every Blue Jays starter except Vlad reached base at least once
• Up next, the Blue Jays try for their first series sweep and 3rd straight win. Yusei Kikuchi gets the start against Reds righty Connor Overton