Game #6 - Colorado Rockies (2-4) @ Toronto Blue Jays (4-2) - game recap

 

After a solid win last night thanks to 6 strong innings from Max Scherzer and rallies by the offense in the 5th and 7th innings, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 2nd series win of the season.  Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Jesus Sanchez was in RF. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and notch their 2nd series win of the season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Davis Schneider singled scoring Myles Straw 
• Kyle Freeland pitching line: 5IP 5H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 88 pitches (60 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 2H 0R 0BB 10K 89 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Rockies tied it in the top of the 8th as Troy Johnston singled scoring Jake McCarthy 
• The Rockies took the lead in the top of the 10th as Tyler Freeman singled scoring Brenton Doyle 
• Jimmy Herget threw a prefect 10th for his first save of the season
• Final score: Rockies 2 Blue Jays 1 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman was stellar again, firing 6 shutout innings, giving up 2 hits, walking none and striking out 10. He retired the first 12 batters he faced and 6 of the last 7 batters on the day.  Too bad he can't also hit for himself
• This has to be the beginning of the end for Brandon Little. He was fortunate to only allow the one run. This was probably his best game of the season, but he still gave up a run and cost the team the game. He has options and even if he didn't, it's unlikely he'd be picked up by another team or have another team show interest in working out a trade. At the very least, he needs to be used in a low leverage situation and in a regulation inning so he doesn't start with a ghost runner on second base. Also, why isn't Little using the game plan and his pitches the way the team wants him to? That should be a big red flag. 
• This offense is definitely missing Bo Bichette. For all his defensive flaws, his consistent bat added protection to the lineup for guys like Vlad and Alejandro Kirk.  It was probably inevitable we see a regression in offense after seeing career years from several players last year. 
• The Blue Jays were 3-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays hit the road for the first time as they take on the White Sox. The series was supposed to start tomorrow but will instead start Friday due to expected inclement weather The Blue Jays and White Sox split the season series last year with the Blue Jays outscoring the White Sox 25-19. Dylan Cease starts against White Sox righty Sean Burke.

Game #5- Colorado Rockies (1-4) @ Toronto Blue Jays (4-1) - game recap-

 

Max Scherzer threw 6 solid innings in a 5-1 victory over the Rockies

After a blowout loss last night after Cody Ponce left the game with an injury and the bullpen imploded, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and avoid their 1st series loss of the season. Ponce was placed on the 15-day IL with a right ACL sprain. Righty Lazaro Estrada was recalled from AAA-ball. Max Scherzer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 1st series loss of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Ryan Feltner pitching line: 3IP 1H 0R 1BB 4K 47 pitches (30 for strikes)
• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 5th as Jesus Sanchez singled scoring Daulton Varsho 
• A batter later?  Tyler Heineman was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Vladimir Guerrero Jr 
• The Rockies got one back in the top of the 6th as Hunter Goodman hammered s solo bomb to the second deck in left-center 
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 4K 83 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Myles Straw 
• A batter later, Nathan Lukes singled scoring Guerrero Jr.  Okamoto was thrown out at 3B on the play
• A batter after that, Ernie Clement doubled home Lukes
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Rockies 1

My Take:

• Max Scherzer gave the Blue Jays what they needed: 6 solid innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. The wiley veteran retired the first four batters he faced and was able to make pitches when he had to to get out of jams. Scherzer will certainly be in the rotation at least a few more turns after the injury to Ponce and the other injured starters at least a couple of weeks away from returning. There's also concern with the health of Scherzer, who battled a thumb issue last season. He's still capable of being a solid starter when he's healthy.
• The bulpen did its job, limiting the Rockies to 3 hits while walking none and striking out 2 over the last 3 innings. Nice to see Jeff Hoffman looking sharp despite the non-save situation.
• The bats came up clutch in the 5th and 7th innings, rallying for 5 runs on 8 hits and a walk. Vlad drove in a run and scored once. Nathan Lukes also drove in a run and scored a run
• Every Blue Jays starter had a hit and all but George Springer and Andres Gimenez either scored or drove in a run.
• That was a great response to getting blown out by the worst team in baseball last year
• The Blue Jays were 3-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 2nd series win of the season. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Rockies lefty Kyle Freeland

Game #4 - Colorado Rockies (1-3) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-1) - game recap

 

Davis Schneider hit a 2-run HR in a 14-5 blowout loss to the Rockies

After a solid sweep over the A;'s thanks to some lights out pitching from starters Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease and Eric Lauer, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the winning streak to 4 games as they kicked off a series against the Rockies. The Blue Jays swept the season series last year, outscoring the Rockies 45-6. Cody Ponce 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 4 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Rockies opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd on a fielding error by Cody Ponce hit by Jake McCarthy that scored Kyle Karros. Ponce left the game a batter earlier with a knee injury on the play
• Cody Ponce pitching line: 2.1IP 1H 1R (earned) 1BB 3K 47 pitches (30 for strikes)
• The Blue jays tied it up in the bottom half of the inning as George Springer belted a solo jack to left-center
• The Rockies retook the lead in the top of the 4th on a fielding error by Ernie Clement on a ball hit by Jordan Beck that scored Ezequiel Tovar
• Tomoyuki Sugano pitching line: 4.2IP  2H 1R (earned) 2BB 4K 72 pitches (41 for strikes)
• The Rockies added a pair of runs in the top of the 6th as  Troy Johnston whacked a 2- run blast to right; also scoring TJ Humfield
• Two batters later, Braxton Fulford singled scoring Beck
• Three batters later, Willi Castro doubled scoring Fulford and Brenton Doyle 
• A batter later, Ezequiel Tovar doubled scoring Castro and Hunter Goodman
• The Rockies added a run in the top of the 8th as formed Goodman doubled scoring Doyle
• Two batters later, Tovar doubled home Goodman
• A batter later Rumfield singled scoring Ryan Ritter
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom held of the inning as Andres Gimenez belted a solo jack to right- center
• Three batters later, Davis Schneider whacked a 2-run blast to left: also scoring Jesus Sanchez
• The Rockies added a run in the top of the 9th as Fulford smashed a solo blast to left-center 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Okamoto hammered a solo bomb just over the wall in straightaway center
• Final score: Rockies 14 Blue Jays 5

My Take:

• The Blue Jays are experiencing an early test of their rotation depth after Cody Ponce left the game in the 3rd inning after an awkward stumble trying to make a play on a ball hit in no-mans land between the mound and 1st base. Best case scenario would be an MCL sprain. Ponce gave up an earned run on a hit while walking 1 and striking out 3. Super unfortunate injury since he worked so hard to get back to the majors. Hopefully the injury is short term.
• There has to be early concern about Brandon Little, who came into a lower leverage situation since his first appearance n Friday. Little gave up 5 runs, 4 charged to him on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 1. He needs his 4-seamer to have more life to it if he's going to be successful in the bigs. Tyler Rogers was the only reliever to retire every batter faced. The Blue Jays need Max Scherzer to thrrow some innings to give the bullpen a break tomorrow night
• The bats rallied a bit, but could not bring the score into a save situation. Andres Gimenez is the hottest hitter on the team and went deep for his first HR of the season
• The Blue Jays were 0-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 1st series loss of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Rockies righty Ryan Feltner

Game #115 Toronto Blue Jays (67-48) @ Colorado Rockies (30-83) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho hit a pair of 2-run HE and drove in 6 runs in a 10-4 comeback win over the Rockies

After a huge 15-1 rout over the Rockies thanks to a pair of home runs and 6RBI from Bo Bichette and a 3-run shot off the bat of Daulton Varsho, the Blue Jays were trying to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 20th series win and 13th season series win of the season. Buddy Kennedy was selected to the MLB roster. Ali Sanchez was DFA'd. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (Ty France served as DH tonight). Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins, 20 series wins and 13 season series wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Rockies opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as zhunter Goodman belted a solo jack to left; also scoring Ezequiel Tovar
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 3rd as Nathan Lukes whacked a solo blast to right-center and into the Rockies bullpen
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 4th as Daulton Varsho drilled a 2-run blast to right; also scoring Alejandro Kirk
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right
• Two batters, Varsho hammered a 2-run bomb to right; also scoring Kirk
• Anthony Molina pitching line: 5IP 9H 7R (all earned) 1BB 2K 83 pitches (64 for strikes)
• Two batters later, Joey Loperfido was forced out the game after getting hit in the right knee by a pitch
• The Rockies got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Mickey Moniak singth seruesled scoring Goodman. Varsho was charged with a fielding error on the play
• A batter later Warming Bernabel singled scouting Jordan Beck
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 5.2IP 7H 4R (3 earned) 1BB 5K 81 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th as Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Lukes
• Three batters later, Varsho doubled scoring Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette
• Final score: Blue Jays 10 Rockies 4

My Take:

• Jose Berrios battled through 5.2 innings,  giving up 4 runs (3 earned) on 7 his whole walking 1 and striking out 5. He helped himself out by picking of a baserunner at 2B. The defense behind him booted a few balls. Would have been nice to see him get through the 6th inning, but the lead had dwindled to three runs when he was removed from the game. 
• The bullpen gave up 2 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 over the last 3.2 innings. Yariel Rodriguez owes Nathan Lukes a dinner for gunning down a base runner at 2B. Tommy Nance retired every batter he faced. The one nice thing about pitching with a bigger lead is you don't need your high-leverage guys to finish thr game. The Blue Jays will be needing them against the Dodgers and Cubs.
• Daulton Varsho (two 2-run HR, 6RBI overall), Vlad (solo HR, 2RBI), Nathan Lukes (solo HR) and Addison Barger (solo HR) led the way offensively
• The Blue Jays were 2-9 with runners in scoring position,
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 9th series sweep and 5th season series sweep. Kevin Gausman starts against Rockies lefty Kyle Freeland

Game #114 Toronto Blue Jays (66-48) @ Colorado Rockies (30-82) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette homered twice and drove in 6 runs in a 15-1 rout over the Rockies

After an ugly extra innings loss caused by the bullpen imploding, the Blue Jays hit the road, starting in Colorado tonight. The Blue Jays won the season series last year, but the Rockies outscored the Blue Jays 15-14. Eric Lauer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Chad Green cleared waivers and was released. Eric Lauer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette got the half day off as DH with Ernie Clement at SS. Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Joey Loperfido was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. 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 1st as Bo Bichette singled scoring Nathan Lukes
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 2nd as Davis Schneider singled scoring Ernie Clement 
• The Blue Jays added three runs in the top of the 3rd as Daulton Varsho drilled a 3--run blast to the second deck in right-center; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Addison Barger
• Two batters later,  Joey Loperfido singled scoring Clement
• A batter later, Schneider doubled scoring Loperfido. Schneider was thrown out at 3rd trying to stretch the double into a triple
• Two batters later, Bichette whacked a 2-run blast to left; also scoring Lukes
• Tanner Gordon pitching line: 2.2IP 11H 7R (all earned) 0BB 1K 67 pitches (42 for strikes)
• The Rockies got one back in the bottom of the 5th as Ezequiel Tovar singled scoring Tyler Freeman
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 7th as Lukes singled scoring Clement
• A batter later, Bichette hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Lukes and Loperfido 
• Four batters later, Varsho singled scoring Barger
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 6IP 7H 1R (earned) 1BB 4K 97 pitches (64 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th on a ground-rule double by Clement that scored Ty France
• Final score: Blue Jays 15 Rockies 1

My Take:

• Eric Lauer pitched 6 strong innings,  giving up a run on 7 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. He got a huge play from his battery mate Alejandro Kirk, who gunned down a runner at 1B. Lauer then proceeded to strike out the batter he was facing to get out of the inning.  Lauer had to endure long waits between the innings due to some big innings by the Blue Jays offense and that may have affected his momentum a bit. Nevertheless, Lauer didn't need to be perfect today. At this point, there's no way you can take Lauer out of the rotation when Shane Bieber and Alek Manoah are ready to return from their Tommy John surgeries. Likely,  the Blue Jays will go to a 6-man rotation nd use Manoah as a long man out of the bullpen.
• The bullpen gave a hit and a walk over the last 2 innings. Brayden Fisher struck out the side and Mason Fluharty pitched the last two innings and made it look easy in the 9th. Fisher may be on a playoff roster, but Fluharty may not be.
• The bats absolutely came alive with the team ready to punish whoever dared pitch to them after a tough stretch. Bo Bichette homered twice (driving in 6 runs), Daulton Varsho launched a 3-run blast (driving in 4 total). Heck, even Davis Schneider drove in a pair.
• Every single Blue Jay except Tyler Heineman reached base. Every starter either drove in a run or scored a run.
• The Blue Jays were 8-15 with runners in scoring position\
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for 2 straight wins, 20 series wins and 13 season series wins on the season. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Rockies righty Anthony Molina.

Game #16 - Colorado Rockies (4-12) @ Toronto Blue Jays (8-8) - game recap

 

Justin Turner drover in three runs in a 5-0 shutout win over the Rockies

After a solid in thanks to a 5-run effort in the 1st inning by the offence yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking for their 2nd straight win, 2nd series win and 1st season series win of 2024. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Kevin Kiermaier was back in CF after a day off yesterday. Justin Turner served as DH. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Isiah Kiner-Falefa was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins, 2 series win and a season series win? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Justin Turner singled scoring George Springer.
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Kevin Kiermaier 
• Two batters later, Turner doubled home Guerrero Jr. 
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Turner singled scoring Springer
• Kyle Freeland pitching line: 5IP 7H 4R (all earned) 2BB 3K 95 pitches (56 for strikes)
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 7IP 2H 0R 2BB 7K 100 pitches (66 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled scoring Ernie Clement
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Rockies 0

My Take:

• Jose Berrios was excellent today, throwing seven shutout innings, allowing 2 hits, 2 walks and striking out 7 (he also hit a couple of batters). Berros has established himself as the Blue Jays best starter. He is also one of the best pitches in the game period and should be a contender for the Cy Young award if he continues his dominance - three wins, three quality starts.
• The bullpen threw 2 shutout innings and Nate Pearson struck out the side in the 9th
• Offensively, Justin Turner did the damage, driving in three runs. By far, he was the best signing by the Blue Jays to date.
• Every Blue Jays starter except Davis Schneider had a hit 
• The Blue Jays were 5-13 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for three straight wins. The Yankees took two of three from the Blue Jays a week ago, outscoring the Blue Jays 17-14. Chris Bassitt gets the start against Yankees righty Luis Gil

Game #15 - Colorado Rockies (4-11) @ Toronto Blue Jays (7-8) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho hit a grand slam in a 5-3 win over the Rockies

After a disasatrous game yesterday thanks to ugly pitching, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2-game skid.. Cuban import Yariel Rodriguez was recalled from AAA-ball and became the first Cuban-born pitcher to start an MLB game (Righty Paolo Espino was optioned to AAA-ball) with Brian Serven behind the plate. Daniel Vogelbach served as DH. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. Could the Blue Jays even the series, snap the 2-game skid and set up a rubber match Sunday? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st on a bases loaded walk to Davis Schneider that forced in George Springer
• A batter later, Daulton Varsho hammered a grand slam to right-center and into the Rockies bullpen; also scoring Schneider, Bo Bichette and Daniel Vogelbach
• The Rockies got one back in the top of the 3rd as Brenton Doyle smashed a solo bomb to the second deck in left
• Yariel Rodriguez pitching line: 3.2IP 4H 1R (earned) 2BB 6K 68 pitches (44 for strikes)
• The Rockies got a pair back in the top of the 6th as Brendan Rodgers singled scoring Elias Diaz and Nolan Jones
• Dakota Hudson pitching line: 6IP 5H 5R (all earned) 3BB 5K 102 pitches (58 for strikes)
• Yimi Garcia threw a perfect 9th for his 1st save of the season.
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Rockies 3

My Take

• Yariel Rodriguez gave up a run on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6 over 3.2 innings. e was perfect in the 1st inning and got into a bit of a jam in the 2nd inning, which he escaped. Third inning, he was taken deepand walked a batter before escaping the inning. One concern is he has a personality similar to Manoah. He needs to let his play do the talking.
• The bullpen gave up 2 runs on3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 3 over the last 5.1 innings. It was really encouraging to see Tim Mayza have a clean inning.
• Offensively, the Blue Jays took advantage of a shaky Dakota Hudson, putting 5 runs on the board in the 1st inning, capped off by a Daulton Varsho grand slam.
• Every Blue Jays starter but Brian Serven reached base at least once
• The Blue Jays were 1-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the winning streak to 2 games and notch their 2nd series win and first season series win. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Rockies righty Kyle Freeland

Game #14 - Colorado Rockies (4-10) @ Toronto Blue Jays (6-8) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho hit a solo HR in a losing effort as the Rockies came from behind to rout the Blue Jays 12-4

After an off day yesterday, the Blue Jays continued the home stand with a weekend set against the Rockies, their first National League opponent of the season. The Blue Jays won the season series against the Rockies 2-1, outscoring the Rockies 27-22. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plste. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing Wednesday (Justin Turner served as DH tonight). Isiah Kiner-Falefa was at the hot corner and Cavan Biggio got the start at 2B. Could the Blsue Jays start the weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Cavan Biggio singled scoring Bo Bichette
• The Rockies tied it up in the top of the 2nd as Brendan Rodgers doubled scoring Elias Diaz
• The Blue jays retook the lead in it the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho whacked a solo blast to right
• The Rockies tied it up in the top of the 3rd as Ryan McMahon doubled scoring Ezequiel Tovar
• Two batters later Diaz singled home McMahon
• A batter later Nolan Jones doubled scoring Diaz
• The Rockies added a pair of runs in the top of the 4th as Kris Bryant doubled scoring Brenton Doyle and McMahon
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 3.2IP 10H 6R (all earned) 0BB 4K 78 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Rockies added a run in the top of the 5th as Jones hammered a solo bomb to right
• Ryan Feltner pitching line: 5IP 8H 2R (both earned) 2BB 4K 94 pitches (60 for strikes
• The Rockies added a run in the top of the 6th a Torvar drilled a solo jack to left
• The Rockies added a run in the top of the 7th as Doyle doubled scoring Rodgers
• A batter later, Michael Toglia scored on a sac fly by Tovar
• The Rockies added a run in the top of the 9th on a sac fly by Jake cave that scored Rodgers
• Three batters later, McMahon doubled home Doyle
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Isiah Kiner-Falefa went yard to left-center
• Final score: Rockies 12 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• For the third straight game,  embattled Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman was roughed up as he continues to try and find for his form after an abbreviated spring training due to a shoulder injury. Tonight, Gausman was lit up for 6 runs on 10 hits while walking none and striking out 4 over 3.2 innings.  It speaks volumes about the Blue Jays lack of depth for starting pitching. At this point, they can trust Jose beeps Berrios, who has been the Blue Jays best and most consistent pitcher and lefty Yusei Kikuchi, woo has also been solid and added a changeup to his bevy of pitches. Chris Bassitt has been average so far and bowden Francis, who was stretched out to be a starter this season after being a reliever his whole career. Alek Manoah is on a rehab assignment, but has been a disaster in every appearance this season. Manoah needs to earn his way back to the majors and shouldn't just be handed the job based on past performance in 2021 and 2022. Rickey Tiederman could be an option sooner than later.  Don't be surprised if Gausman heads back to the IL when Danny Jansen, Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano return from their IL stunts because something is clearly off with him and very likely physically. 
• The bullpen didn't fare much better today, giving up a further 6 runs on 10 hits while walking 2 and striking out 5 over the last 5.1 innings. Genesis Cabrera was the only pitcher to retire every batter he faced. 
• Offensively, believe it or not, three Blue Jays managed to take the lead twice.  Unlikely sources provided the offense today. Cavan Biggio got a base hit to drive in Bo Bichette.  Daulton Varsho and Isiah Kiner-Falefa each went deep for a run each. For Kiner-Falefa, it was his first HR in a Blue Jays uniform
• Every Blue Jays starter except Alejandro Kirk reached at least once and all but Kirk and Vladimir Guerrero Jr had a hit
• You know things are going bad when Kevin Kiermaier misses a catch that goes for a triple
• The Blue jays were 1-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2- game skid and avoid their 3rd series loss and 1st season series loss. Yariel Rodriguez makes his big league debut against Rockies righty Dakota Hudson

Game #137 - Toronto Blue Jays (75-62) @ Colorado Rockies (50-86) - game recap

  

Whit Merrifield drove in the winning run in a 7-5 come-from-behind win over the Rockies

After a heartbreaking loss yesterday due to a late game rally falling short,  the Blue Jays were going for their 25th series win and 14th season series win of the season. Ace Kevin Gausman got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate.  Vlad got the half day off as DH with Spencer Horwitz at 1B (Brandon Belt was originally in the lineup at 1B but was removed last minute due to lower back tightness). Daulton Varsho was in CF and Whit Merrifield was in LF.  Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Cavan Biggio was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays notch their 25th series win and 14th 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 3rd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. bashed a solo jack to left
• The Rockies tied the game in the bottom half of the inning as Ryan McMahon doubled scoring Ezequiel Tovar
• A batter later, Nolan Jones singled home McMahon
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 4th as Spencer Horwitz whacked a solo bomb to right-center for his first career home run
• The Rockies retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Hunter Goodman doubled scoring Montero
• Chase Anderson pitching line: 4IP 4H 2R (both earned) 2BB 3K 66 pitches (39 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 5th as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Cavan Biggio. Guerrero Jr. advanced to 2nd base on a throwing error by Jones
• A batter later, Davis Schneider doubled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• A batter after that, Horwitz singled home Schneider
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 4IP 6H 3R (all earned) 3BB 5K 67 pitches (40 for strikes)
• The Rockies ties the game in the bottom half of the inning as Goodman doubled scoring Brendan Rodgers and Montero
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 9th as Whit Merrifield singled scoring Mason McCoy
• A batter later, Ernie Clement singled home Horwitz
• Jordan Romano pitched a perfect 9th for his 32nd save of the season.
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 Rockies 5

My Take:

• It was a rain-shortened start for Kevin Gausman, who threw 4 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 5. After the hour long rain delay, both teams elected to turn to their bullpens. Gausman retired the side in order in the 1st inning, walked a couple of batters in the 2nd inning, allowed a pair of runs on 4 hits in the 3rd innning and gave up a 3rd run in the 4th inning on a pair of hits and a walk. In short, he was pitching in and out of jams most of the day. At least he should be pretty fresh for his next start at home against KC.
• The bullpen gave up 2 runs on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6 over the last 5 innings. Chad Green, who looked much better after a shaky first outing in a Blue Jays uniform Friday night, was credited with the win. A rested Jordan Romano finished the game off with an efficient 12 pitches. Jordan Hicks and Tim Mayza also retired every batter they faced.
• Offensively, the kids did much of the damage today once again with Davis Schneider, Spencer Horwitz and Ernie Clement combining to go 7-13 with 3 runs scored and 4 RBI. Schneider and Horwitz each drew a walk. For Clement, the defense is still a work in progress.
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is an enigma this season. He showed flashes of his all-star self with a mammoth bomb in the 3rd inning, then nearly ran into an out in the next inning after he got caught admiring what he thought was a home run and then tried to make up for the gaffe by hustling to 2nd base after a throwing error. He was nearly tagged out. Guerrero Jr. needs to start taking the game seriously and playing hard on every play, Otherwise, he could cost the Blue Jays a crucial win down the stretch. After this coming week, the remaining schedule is primarily against AL East teams and the Texas Rangers. Every team but the Yankees are vying for a wild card spot and still very much in the race.
• Speaking of the Wild card race, the Rangers and Red Sox both won and the Mariners lost. The Astros had an early lead in the late game vs. the Yankees (even the Yankees kind of have something to play for - avoiding a .500 or worse record). The Blue Jays remain 1.5 games back of the Rangers for the final WC spot. If Houston wins, they will be 2.5 games up on the Blue Jays. The Red Sox remain 4 games back of the Blue Jays
• Up next, the Blue Jays head west to take on the worst team in baseball - the Oakland A's. The Blue Jays took 2 of 3 from the A's back in June, outscoring the A's 23-9. Jose Berrios starts against A's lefty Ken Waldichuk.

Game #136 - Toronto Blue Jays (74-62) @ Coloraddo Rockies (50-85) - game recap

 

George Springer scored twice in a losing effort as the Rockies came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 8-7

After a huge win where the Blue Jays finally gained a game in the wild card standings with every team around them losing yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games, notch their 25th series win and 14th season series win of the season. Danny Jansen was placed on the 10 day IL with a right middle finger fracture and Tyler Heineman was recalled from AAA-ball. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Santiago Espinal was at the hot corner and Davis Schneider served as DH. Could the Blue Jays make it three straight wins and notch their 25th series win and 14th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Whit Merrifield singled scoring George Springer
• Three batters later, Daulton Varsho singled home Merrifield 
• A batter later, Santiago Espinal singled scoring Alejandro Kirk and Ernie Clement
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 2nd as Kevin Kiermaier hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• The Rockies got a pair back in the bottom of the 2nd as Charlie Blackmon singled scoring Nolan Jones and Sean Bouchard
• The Rockies got a pair back in the bottom of the 4th as Ezequiel Tovar doubled scoring Bouchard and Elehuris Montero
• The Rockies took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Brenton Doyle tripled scoring Brendan Rodgers, Bouchard and Montero
• A batter later, Blackmon singled home Doyle
• Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 4.2IP 6H 6R (2 earned) 4BB 6K 100 pitches (54 for strikes)
• Ty Blach pitching line: 6IP 9H 5R (all earned) 3BB 2K 93 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th as Davis Schneider tripled scoring Springer
• Three batters later, Schneider scored on a wild pitch by Justin Lawrence
• Tyler Kinley got the final out for his 1st save of the season.
• Final score: Rockies 8 Blue Jays 7

My Take:

• Yusei Kikuchi had a rough night, giving up 6 runs (just 2 earned thanks to errors in the 2nd and 4th inning) on 6 hits while walking 4 and striking out 6. To be fair, Kikuchi did not get much help from the defense behind him (hence the 4 unearned runs). At the same time, he was not sharp. One wonders if part of the issue was that his regular catcher Danny Jansen was unavailable and very likely won't be back until 2024 after fracturing his middle finger last night. Tonight's start felt a bit like a typical start last season - lots of pitches thrown and lack of command. At least he kept the ball in the ballpark.
• The bullpen gave up essentially 4 runs (2 of which were charged to Kikuchi) on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4 over the last 3.2 innings. Yimi Garcia came in with runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs. After Garcia walked the first batter he faced, he gave up a bases clearing double, and an RBI doubl to give the Rockies a lead they barely hung on to in the end due to some wildness from their closer. None of the relievers were able to retire every batter they faced, but they did hold the deficit to 3 runs.
• Offensively, the Blue Jays jumped out to a 4-0 lead after one inning. Amazingly all the damage was done with 2 outs after Vlad grounded into a double play (Guerrero Jr. later grounded into an inning ending DP with the bases loaded. After the double play, the Blue Jays strung together 5 straight hits and four runs. The Blue Jays were unable to score after the 2nd inning until the 9th inning when they were fortunate to face a very wild pitcher who was struggling to throw strikes and missing badly. Callup Spencer Horwitz struck out swinging to end the game.
• The rookies are definitely turning heads and definitely giving management a good first impression. Dave Schneider started the 9th inning rally with an RBI triple (his first career triple) Ernie Clement was 1-3 with a run scored (although his 2 fielding errors extended innings that should have been over and led to 4 unearned runs). The future looks bright.
• The Blue Jays were 4-10 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the WC race, the Blue Jays received help with the Rangers (that 4-game series in Toronto in a couple of weeks is looking larger by the day), Astros and Rays all losing, so the Blue Jays remain 1.5 games back of the final WC spot. However, the Red Sox won their game and move to 4 games back of the Blue Jays (the Red Sox and Blue Jays also play three in Toronto in 2 weeks time). The Mariners, like the Blue Jays, survived a late game scare to go a game up on the Astros for top spot in the AL West.
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for their 25th series win and 14th season series win. Ace Kevin Gausman starts for the Blue Jays. The Rockies have not named a starter for the rubber match,

Game #59 Toronto Blue Jays (21-38) @ Colorado Rockies (31-27) - game recap

Chris Iannetta was 2-3 with a pair of RBI and a run scored as the Rockies knocked off the Blue Jays 5-1

The Blue Jays came into this one looking to salvage a road tr-ip and avoid being swept on  it. Yesterday, the Blue Jays fell behind early and made it closer than it should have been with some garbage time runs in the 9th. Aaron Sanchez was on the mound, so potential bullpen day. Craig Biggio moved up a spot to bat 5th in today's lineup. Freddy Galvis was replaced in the leadoff spot by Eric Sogard (Galvis batted 7th today). Luke Maile was back behind the plate and catching Sanchez. Could the Blue Jays salvage a win on this disastrous road trip. Here is today's game recap.

#59 - Toronto Sub-Optimals (21-37) at Colorado Optimals (30-27)

Sunday, June 2, 2019 | 3:10 pm ET

Coors Field | Denver, Colorado

Aaron Sanchez (3-5, 3.75, 1.52) vs. Antonio Senzatela (3-4, 5.81, 1.65)

Game #58 Toronto Blue Jays (21-37) @ Colorado Rockies (30-27) - game recap

Marcus Stroman threw seven strong innings in a losing effort as the Rockies doubled up on the Blue Jays 4-2

After a rough game where Edwin Jackson got shellacked at Coors field for the upteenth time, the Blue Jays turned to ace Marcus Stroman, who has been better than his record would suggest due to lack of run support.. Pretty much the same lineup as last night, except Justin Smoak was at first base and Danny Jansen was back behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays even the series? Here is tonight's game recap.

#58 - Toronto Blue Jays (21-36) at Colorado Rockies (29-27)

The original Colorado Rockies

Saturday, June 1, 2019 | 9:10 pm ET

Coors Field | Denver, Colorado

Marcus Stroman (3-6, 2.74, 1.33) vs. Jon Gray (4-4, 4.52, 1.34)

PREAMBLE:

After an almost-predictable shellacking of Edwin Jackson, now the proud owner of the all-time worst visiting pitcher ERA of 14.67 in Colorado, the Blue Jays look to bounce back in the second game of a three-game series against the Rockies.

Marcus Stroman looks to continue his string of good starts (three in a row with one run given up) as he takes the ball for the Blue Jays tonight.  He'll face Jon Gray, who has had his ups and downs over the last while.

Game #57 Toronto Blue Jays (21-36) @ Colorado Rockies (29-27) - game recap

Trevor Story had a monster game with 3 hits, 4 runs scored and 7RBI as the Rockies routed the Blue Jays 13-7

After a sorely needed day off to continue to recover from the flu bug that has been ravishing the clubhouse, the Blue Jays were back at it, beginning a weekend series against the Colorado Rockies. Edwin Jackson was looking to exorcise his demons at Coors Field, where he has had little success. Vlad and Cavan were back in the lineup after partial days off in the series finale vs. TB. Could the Blue Jays start the series off with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

#57 - Toronto Blue Jays (21-35) at Colorado Rockies (28-27)

Friday, May 31, 2019 | 8:40 pm ET

Coors Field | Denver, Colorado

Edwin Jackson (0-2, 9.00, 1.64) vs. German Marquez (5-2, 3.56, 1.12)

PREAMBLE:

After a day off in Colorado (hopefully, not to seek out legal pot shops in town), the Blue Jays look to remove the stench of a series sweep in Tampa and take on the Rockies in a three-game interleague series.  The Jays have an all-time record of 11-7 against the Rockies and won two out of three the last time the teams met in 2016, which featured Tulo's return to Colorado (yes, he hit a HR in that series).

Edwin Jackson takes a career 2-4, 9.63 record against the Rockies (including 0-3, 12.71 in Denver) into tonight's matchup against a rising star, German Marquez.  Marquez is going to be tough to matchup against, not just on the mound, but also at the plate where he's hitting .444 with 9 RBIs in the month of May.  These 9 RBIs are the highest total for a pitcher in any month since 1973.

Warm up the bullpen early, Charlie.