Game #115 - Toronto Blue Jays (54-61) @ Houston Astros (59-57) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement hit a go-ahead 2-run HR in the 10th inning in a 5-4 come-from-behind extra innings win over the Astros

After dropping yesterday\s game due to the bullpwn being unable to pick up for Trey Yesavage who hurt himself warming up for the 3rd inning, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 15th series win of the season and earn the season series split. Trey Yesavage was placed on the 15-day IL with left knee inflammation. Righty Chad Dallas was optioned to AAA-ball. Chase Lee and Lazaro Estrada were recalled from AAA-ball Jameson Taillon got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Vlad got the complete day off with Kazuma Okamoto at 1B. Josh Smith was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays notch their 15th series win of the season and earn the season series split? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Astros opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Jose Altuve hammered a solo bomb to left
• Three batters later, Christian Walker doubled scoring Daulton Varsho.
• A batter later, Lamonte Wade Jr. singled home Walker
• Jameson Taillon pitching line: 4IP 6H 3R (all earned) 2BB 4K 80 pitches (49 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Myles Straw
• A batter later, Jesus Sanchez belted a 2-run jack to the second deck in right; also scoring Okamoto
• Hunter Brown pitching line: 6IP 3H 3R (all earned) 2BB 8K 93 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 10th as Ernie Clement hammered a 2-run bomb to left; also scoring Luis Urias 
• The Astros got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Yordan Alvarez singled scoring Jeremy Pena
• Chase Lee got the last 3 outs for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Astros 4 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Jameson Taillon battled through 4 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4. Not the most efficient game with him needing an average of 20 pitches to get through 4 innings. It was really the 3rd inning where the Astros got to him, scoring 3 times on 4 hits. Other than that inning, he was able to pitch his way out of the jams he got into.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 4 hits while walking none and striking out 5 over the last 6 innings. Louis Varland was credited with the win and Chase Lee got the save. Varland and Mason Fluharty retired every batter they faced.
• Offensively, Jesus Sanchez and Ernie Clement each hit a 2-run HR and Kazuma Okamoto knocked in the other run. The bats are still pretty ice cold with seven total base runners but at least the team is starting to get the timely hits that led to a near franchise record 49 comeback wins last year.
• Yandy Diaz was successful on the Astros only ABS challenge and Brandon Valenzuela was 1-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 2-3 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win and 8th season series win of the season as they make a one-game stop in Chicago to make up the rained-out June 22nd game at Wrigley Field. The Cubs and Blue Jays split the first 2 games in the series with the Cubs outscoring the Blue Jays 22-10. Dylan Cease starts against Cubs lefty David Peterson

Game #114 - Toronto Blue Jays (53-61) @ Houston Astros (59-56) - game recap

 

Myles Straw tripled home a run and later scored on a wild pitch in a 7-2 loss to the Astros

After eking out a win yesterday thanks to a strong effort from Shane Bieber, Brendon Litle and Trevor Rogers, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch theuir 15th series win of the season. With Jose Soriano reporting to the team, Lazaro Estrada was optioned to AAA-ball. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 15th series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 2IP 0H 0R 1BB 0K 27 pitches (16 for strikes)
• The Astros took the lead in the bottom of the 4th as Yainer Diaz singled scoring Jose Altuve
• A batter later, Cam Smith singled scoring Taylor Trammell
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th as Myles Straw triple scoring Andres Gimenez
• A batter later, Straw scored on a wild pitch by Hayden Wesneski
• The Astros retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Altuve singled scoring Yordan Alvarez
• A batter later, Trammell whacked a 3-run blast to right; also scoring Altuve and Christian Walker 
• Hayden Wesneski pitching line: 6IP 4H 2R (both earned) 2BB 4K 78 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Astros added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Altuve singled home Walker
• Final score: Astros 7 Blue Jays 2

 My Take:

• Well, there's the solution to the 6-man rotation dilemma. Trey Yesavage had his knee buckle on him warming up for the 3rd inning. It's really too bad since he was pitching well with just a walk in the first 2 innings. No doubt he'll be getting an MRI to determine the extent of any damage.
• The bullpen gave up 7 runs on 9 hits while walking 5 and striking out 4 over 6 innings. Chad Dallas was a disaster and will likely be DFA'd tomorrow since he won't be available to pitch for a few days after throwing 74 pitches. The Blue Jays need to see if Little can be a little more consistent, and besides, they don't exactly have a ton of lefty options in the bullpen after trading Adam Macko. Brayden Fisher and Mason Fluharty retired every batter they faced today.
• Offensively, the offense immediately responded to the runs the Astros scored in the 4th inning with Myles Straw taking full advantage of increased playing time after Daulton Varsho switched dugouts, with a triple and then hustling home on a wild pitch. Vlad was 0-3 with a walk but appeared to tweak something running to 1st base. Davis Schneider should be optioned to AAA-ball in favor of Yohendrick Pinago, who has been better offensively
• Alejandro Kirk was 0-2 on ABS challenges and Astros catcher Yandy Diaz was unsuccessful on the Astros only ABS challenge.
• The Blue Jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for their 15th series win of the season and the season series split. Jameson Taillon makes his Blue Jays debut against Astros righty Hunter Brown

Game #113 - Toronto Blue Jays (53-60) @ Houston Astros (58-56) - game recap

 

Brendon Little got 4 strikeouts in a 3-1 win over the Astros 

After dropping yesterday's game due to a  bad day at the office for closer Louis Varland, the Blue Jays were looking to start the week and road trip with a win. They took on the Astros, who took the series in Toronto 6 weeks ago, outscoring the Blue Jays 14-12. The Blue Jays were sellers at the trade deadline owing- to being in last in the AL East and with slim playoff hopes. Kevin Gausman was traded first to the Cubs for outfielder Brett Bateman and infielder Ty Southisene. Gausman finishes his Blue Jays career 53-51 and a 3.62ERA in a 148 regular season starts over 5 seasons. This season, Gausman is 5-10 with a 4.38ERA over 23 starts. In a separate deal with the Cubs, the Blue Jays acquired righty Jameson Taillon for cash considerations. Taillon was recently DFA'd by the Cubs and is 2-8 with a 5-92ERA over 15 starts this season. Adam Macko was traded to the Rangers for infielder Josh Smith and righty Josh Stephan. Macko is 2-0 with a 4.91ERA over 22 appearances this season. Smith is batting .213 with 1HR and 8RBI in 163AB this season. The Blue Jays also acquired righty Jose Soriano from the Angels for a trio of prospects. Soriano is 9-6 with a 3.29ERA over 22 starts this season. Daulton Varsho and righty Spencer Arrighetti switched dugouts. Varsho is batting .243 with 7HR and 26RBI in 333AB this season. Arrighetti 7-5 with a 4.60ERA over 17 starts this season. Finally, Jeff Hoffman was traded to the Twins for a trio of prospects and international cash. Hoffman was 6-7 with a 3-92ERA, 5 saves and 4 blown saves in 51 appearances this season. On to the ball game today. Soriano and Smith already reported to the team before first pitch. Lazaro Estrada was recalled from AAA-ball and righty John Klein was optioned to AAA-ball. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after the half day off as DH yesterday (George Springer served as DH tonight). Jesus Sanchez was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Kazuma Okamoto was back at the hot corner after covering 1B for Vlad yesterday. Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the week and road trip with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Alejandro Kirk belted a solo jack to left-center
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th as Jesus Sanchez singled scoring Kazuma Okamoto. Astros LF Taylor Trammel was charged with a throwing error on the play
• A batter later, George Springer scored on a sac fly by Ernie Clement
• Cristian Javier pitching line: 6IP 7H 3R (all earned) 0BB 2K 85 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Astros got one back in the bottom of the 6th as Jeremy Pena singled scoring Yainer Diaz
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 5.2IP 9H 1R (earned) 2BB 6K 87 pitches (54 for strikes)
• Tyler Rogers threw a perfect 9th for his 3rd save of the season.
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 Astros 1

My Take:

• Shane Bieber battled through 5.2 innings, giving up a run on 9 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. Bieber battled through jams all night, but was able to pitch his way out of them except for the 6th inning. This start was up in the air right up to 3pm since there were likely teams that kicked the tires on acquiring him. It can't have been easy getting in a mindset to pitch after waiting all day to see if you were even playing until 2 hours before the first pitch
• The bullpen held the Astros to a hit and 3 walks while striking out 4 over the last 3.1 innings. Fans must have been jumping out of their seat and screaming at the TV when Brendon Little entered the game with a 2-run lead in the 7th inning. This was the highest leverage opportunity he has had in a while. Little came through, getting 4 outs - all strikeouts. Can he keep the momentim going - especially since the Blue Jays have only him and Mason Fluharty in the bullpen as southpaw options after trading Adam Macko to the Rangers. Tyler Rogers retired every batter he faced and will likely be the backup option as closer when Louis Varland is down,
• Offensively, the bats continue to be on the cold side with Alejndro Kirk (solo HR), Jesus Sanchez (RBI single) and Ernie Clement (sac fly) doing the damage tonight.
• The Blue Jays were 4-1 on ABS challenges today and Astros catcher Yandy Diaz successfully overturned both Astros ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 1-8 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 15th series win of the season. Trey Yesavage starts against Astros righty Hayden Wesneki

Game #80 - Houston Astros (39-43) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-41) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes hit a solo HR in a 3-1 loss to the Astros 

After dropping yesterday's rare Tuesday matinee due to the bullpen blowing up with Tyler Rogers blowing the save and Brayden Fisher taking the L after ex- Blue Jay Joey Loperfido hit a bomb off him, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 11th series win of the season. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays notch their 11th series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Astros opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Isaac Paredes doubled scoring Jeremy Pena
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Nathan Lukes whacked a solo blast just over the wall in right
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 5.2IP 2H 1R (earned) 5BB 5K 105 pitches (61 for strikes)
• Mike Burrows pitching line: 6IP 2H 1R (earned) 1BB 3K 93 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Astros retook the lead in the top of the 8th on a throwing error by Jeff Hoffman that scored Joey Loperfido
• The Astros added a run in the top of the 9th as Pena singled scoring Brice Matthews
• Josh Hader pitched a scoreless 9th for his 6th save of the season
• Final score: Astros 3 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Both starting pitchers had pretty similar pitching lines tonight with Trey Yesavage and Mike Burrows both giving up a run on 2 hits. Both threw 61 strikes as well. Burrows went a bit deeper in the game completing 6 inningd while Yesavage was an out shy of 6 complete innings. Yesavage's pitch count was higher since he walked 5 batters and also struck out 5 batters. The Blue Jays needed some length from Yesavage after a long game yesterday that went into the 11th inning.
• The bullpen gave up 2 runs on 2 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3 over the last 3.1 innings. Real unfortunate and terrible decision by Jeff Hoffman, who took the loss, and rightly so, after throwing the ball away on a pick-off attempt ... to 3rd base! There's a reason why pickoffs aren't attempted at 3rd base. First, they are not exactly practiced on a regular basis. Second, it was  highly unlikely Joey Loperfido was going to steal home in that situation. Mason Fluharty didn't have his best stuff going either, giving up an insurance run on a hit and 2 walks. Tommy Nance retired every batter he faced.
• Four total bases runners and one was a solo HR and facing the worst starting pitcher in the majors. Tonight, the Blue Jays made him look like Cy Young. They need to bring in Vlad Sr. to give his son a good pep talk. Maybe the hall of famer can even fix his swing. This $500 million contract is aging like vinegar and not a top quality vinegar.
• The Blue Jays were 1-2 on ABS challenges and Astros catcher Yainer Diaz was 1-1 on ABS challenges.
• Up next, a 4-game series against the Texas Rangers. The Blue Jays took the season series last year, outscoring the Rangers 28-20. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Rangers lefty MacKenzie Gore.

- Game #79 - Houston Astros (38-43) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-40) - game recap

 

Kazuma Okamoto drove in 3 runs and scored a run in a 9-7 extra innngs loss to the Astros

After prevailing to open the week versus the Texas teams on the strength of some productive outs in the form of three sac flies, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games, notch their 11th series win of the season and get above .500 for the first time since April 4th, which came the day Alejandro Kirk went on the IL with a fractured thumb. It was a rare Tuesday matinee with a world cup game happening later on in the day. Shane Bieber came off the 60-day IL (and made the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate). Righty Lazaro Estrada was optioned to AAA-ball and righty Hayden Juenger was DFA'd. Jesus Sanchez was in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. The newly acquired Luis Urias got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games, notch their 11th series win of the season and get above .500 for the first time since April 4th? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Astros opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Isaac Paredes singled scoring Jose Altuve
• The Astros added a run in the top of the 4th as Yandy Diaz smacked a solo blast to left and into the Astros bullpen
• A batter later, Cam Smith hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• A batter after that, Taylor Trammell whacked a solo blast to right
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 3.2IP 9H 4R (all earned) 0BB 2K 75 pitches (50 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom half of the inning as Luis Urias belted a 2-run jack to left; also scoring Daulton Varsho
• Peter Lambert pitching line: 4.2IP 6H 2R (both earned) 3BB 6K 92 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 7th as Varsho hammered a 2-run bomb to the 2nd deck in right; also scoring Kazuma Okamoto
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 8th as Okamoto singled scoring George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Astros got one back in the top of the 9th on a catcher's interference call against Brandon Valenzuela that forced in Altuve
• A batter later, Yordan Alvarez scored on a sac fly by Smith
• The Astros took the lead in the top of the 11th as Joey Loperfido hammered a 3-run bomb to the second deck in right; also scoring Altuve and Alvarez
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as  Okamoto singled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• Final score: Astros 9 Blue Jays 7 (11 innings)

My Take:

• Shane Bieber battled through 3.2 innings, giving up 4 runs on 9 hits while walking none and striking out 4. There has to be concern about his fastball velocity being too close to that of his off-speed pitches. It's hard to get big league hitters out when they are seeing pitches roughly the same speed and not located well. Case in point, the back-to-back-to-back home runs he coughed up in the 4th inning. Clearly the Astros could see Bieber was not able to get his velo up and they weren't missing the mistakes. 
• he bullpen gave up 5 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 8 over the last 7.1 innings. Tyler Rogers blew his 3rd save of the season and Brayden Fisher took the loss after ex-Blue Jay Joey Loperfido annihilated a pitch into the second deck for 3 runs. Mason Fluharty was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced.
• Offensively, Kazuma Okamoto (3RBI, run scored), Luis Urias (2-run HR) and Daulton Varsho (2-run HR) led the way. George Springer and Vlad went a combined 2-11 with a walk and 3 runs scored.
• Every Blue Jays starter except Brandon Valenzuela had a hit
• The Astros were 2-2 on ABS challenges and the Blue Jays were 1-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 3-14 with runners in scoring position\
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to get back to .500 and notch their 11th series win of the season. Trey Yesaavage starts against Astros righty Mike Burrows

Game #78 - Houston Astros (37-43) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-39) - game recap

 

Kazuma Okamoto hit a solo HR in a 4-2 comeback win over the Astros 

After a rain-out yesterday, the Blue Jays returned home to start a 10-game, 3-team homestand as they welcomed the Astros to town. The Astros won the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 21-14. The Blue Jays aquired Luis Urias from the Diamondbacks and Yohendrick Pinago was optioned to AAA-ball to make room on the roster. Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF. Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Astros opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Isaac Paredes singled scoring Jeremy Pena
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 2nd as Kazuma Okamoto whacked a solo blast to left-center
• Hunter Brown pitching line: 3IP 4H 1R (earned) 2BB 4K 85 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 4th on a sac fly by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that scored Andres Gimenez
• The Astros tied it in the top of the 6th as Jose Altuve singled scoring Yordan Alvarez
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 5.2IP 3H 2R (both earned) 4BB 8K 110 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 7th on a sac fly by Myles Straw that scored Daulton Varsho
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th on a sac fly by Alejandro Kirk that scored George Springer
• Louis Varland pitched a scoreless 9th for his 16th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Astros 2

My Take:

• Dylan Cease battled through 5.2 innings, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits while walking 4 and striking out 8. For a bit there it looked like a taxed bullpen would need to record at least 12-15 outs, but Cease was able to make enough pitches to almost make 18 outs or 6 innings. You have to wonder if the extra day of rest may have impacted Cease. Pitchers are very much creatures of habit and throwing off the routine by adding an extra day of rest doesn't necessarily mean that Cy Young will be on the mound. Also, pitchers usually need to figure out which pitches are working on a given day.
• The bullpen threw 3.1 scoreless innings, giving up 2 hits, walking 2 and striking out 1. Tyler Rogers got into a rare jam by allowing 2 hits and walking a batter, but he was able to pitch his way out of the inning. Brayden Fisher, who retired every batter he faced, was credited with the win. Loois Varland should be on the all-star tea. He's been magnificent all season.
• Offensively, the Blue Jays got three productive outs with Vlad, Myles Straw and Alejandro Kirk all hitting sac flies. Kazuma Okamoto with his 17th HR of the season, more than double the total of George Springer, who has gone deep 7 times this season. What's it going to take to get Vlad going? It might be a good idea to let him hit lower in the lineup and maybe have a batting threat like Okamoto hit in front of him.
• The Blue Jays lost their ABS challenges. The Astros were an impressive 5-1 on ABS challenges. As I mentioned at the beginning of the season, in games where the home plate umpire of the day has a bad reputation for ball-strike accuracy, you will see more ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 1-9 with runners in scoring position. The team is definitely missing Don Mattingly
• Up next, a rare matiness with the World Cup game scheduled in Toronto. The Blue Jays will be looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and get above .500 for the first time since April 4th and to notch their 11th series win of the season. Shane Bieber makes his season debut against Atros righty Peter Lambert

Game #146 Houston Astros (79-68) @ Toronto Blue Jays (84-62) - game recap

 

Kevin Gausman threw a complete game two-hitter in a 6-0 shutout win over the Astros

After a late-game comeback fell short, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 26th series win of the season. Alek Manoah was reinstated from the 60-day-IL and Orlevis Martinez, who missed a good chunk of the season after testing positive for taking a banned substance, was DFA'd. Kevin Gausman got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Davis Scheider was in LF. Could the Blue Jays notch their 26th series win of the season? Here is todays game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Nathan Lukes doubled scoring George Springer
• Two batters later, Addison Barger doubled home Lukes
• The Blue Jays added a run in the botttom of the 2nd as Davis Schneider whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jays added a run by Davis that scored Daulton Varsho
• Cristian Javier pitching line: 6IP 6H 4R (all earned) 1BB 6K 87 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th on a sac fly by Barger that scored Springer. Astros RF Jesus Sanchez was charged with a fielding error on the play.
• Two batters later, Varsho singled scoring Lukes
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 9IP 2H 0R 1BB 9K 100 pitches (79 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 6 Astros 0

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman was masterful in pitching the first complete game of the season for the Blue Jays and 27th on the season in the MLB, giving up 2 hits, walking 1 and striking out 9 and he did it all in 100 pitches, throwing just 21 balls. Just a phenomenol performance and Gausman seems to be getting hot at the right time with the playoffs just around the corner. More importantly, he gave the bullpen a much needed day off when the next off-day isn't until September 22nd.
• If anyone is happy for a day off, it is Jeff Hoffman, who has been struggling at the wrong time.
• Offensively, Davis Schneider (2 RBI, including a solo HR), Nathan Lukes (2 runs scored, RBI), Addison Barger (2RBI), George Springer (2 runs scored) and Daulton Varsho (run scored, RBI) led the way 
• The Blue Jays were 2-8 with runners in scoring position
• The Yankees won their game to remain 3 games back of the Blue Jays for 1st in the AL Eastm while the idle Blue Jays fell to 3.5 games back of first in the AL East
• Up next, the Blue Jays finish off the season series with the Orioles, who won 6 of the first 10 games in the season series, outscoring the Blue Jays 73-48. Chris Bassitt starts against Orioles lefty Trevor Rogers

Game #145 Houston Astros (79-67) @ Toronto Blue Jays (83-62) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes drove in a run in a 3-2 loss to the Astros

After another late game come back, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 26th series win of the season. Ace Jose Berrios 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 make it 2 straight wins and notch their 26th series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Astros opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Yainer Diaz doubled scoring Jesus Sanchez
• The Astros added a run in the top of the 6th as Carlos Correa whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen. It was the 200th career HR for Correa
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 5.1IP 5H 2R (both earned) 1BB 4K 81 pitches (51 for strikes)
• Jason Alexander pitching line: 7IP 3H 0R 1BB 3K 89 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Andres Gimenez singled scoring IKF
• Two batters later, Nathan Lukes singled scoring Myles Straw
• The Astros retook the lead in the top of the 9th as Diaz belted a solo jack to left-center
• Bryan Abreu pitched a perfect 9th for his 5th save of the season
• Final score: Astros 3 Blue Jaays 2

My Take:

• Jose Berrios rebounded and fired 5.1 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. Berrios could be the odd man out of the playoff rotation. Certainly the next few starts for all will deterimine, assuming Max Scherzer's health holds up, who is in the 4-man rotation and who will join Eric Lauer in the bullpen
• The bullpen gave up a run on 2 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3. There has to be concern about Jeff Hoffman, who took the loss after giving up a home run right after the Blue Jays clawed back from a 2-run deficit. So many fans want Hoffman not to be the closer come playoff time and for good reason. His ERA is over 4.50 (which would be last among the teams likely making the playoffs, he has blown 7 saves (second in the MLB), and he is  tied for being the reliever to give up the most home runs. At this point, I would use him in the 9th at home of a tied game. It's going to be hard to come back against some of the game's elite closers, which the Blue Jays would be facing in the playoffs.
• Offensively, the team didn't do much through 7 innings, managing just 3 hits and a walk off the Astros starter Jason Alexander. It was good to see them put together a 2-run rally in the 8th thanks to RBI singles off the bats of Andres Gimenez and Nathan Lukes. However, the soon-to-be highest paid Blue Jay Vlad grounded out to kill the rally. The scrutiny on the Blue Jays star, especially when he fails to deliver in these important game situations, will only get stronger when his half a billion deal kicks in next year, and if his best buddy Bo Bichette leaves in free agency.
• Standings wise, the Blue Jays squandered a chance to gain a game on the Yankees and Red Sox, who both have easier schedules the rest of the way. With the flaws in the bullpen, the Blue Jays will want to avoid a best-of-3 wild card series, a format that has not been kind to the Blue Jays, who have not won a single game since that format came into play back in 2022.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to notch their 26th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Astros righty Javier Cristian.

Game #25 - Toronto Blue Jays (12-13) @ Houston Astros (13-11) - game recap

 

George Springer drove in the Blue Jays only run in a 3-1 loss to the Astros

After another tough loss due to minimal output from a struggling offense and a tough 1st inning from starter Chris Bassitt, the Blue Jays were trying to snap the 4-game losing streak and avoid being swept for the 1st time this season. Bowden Francis got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (Anthony Santander served as DH tonight.) George Springer was in CF and Addison Barger was in RF. Will Wagner was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays snap the 4-game skid and avoid being swept for the 1st time this season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Astros opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Christian Walker belted a solo jack to left-center
• Two batters later, Zach Dezenzo singled scoring Yainer Diaz
• Four batters later, Dezenzo s scored on a sac fly by Yordan Alvarez
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 4th as George Springer doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Bowden Francis pitching line: 4.2IP 8H 3R (all earned) 1BB 2K 79 pitches (55 for strikes)
• Ryan Gusto pitching line: 5.2IP 3H 1R (earned) 1BB 6K 80 pitches (47 for strikes)
• Josh Hader pitched a scoreless 9th for his 7th save of the season
• Final score: Astros 3 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Bowden Francis battled through 4.2 innings, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2. Like last night, the Astros did their damage in one inning - the 2nd inning tonight - scoring 3 times on 5 hits and a sac fly. In fact, the Astros got 5 straight hits and scored 2 of the runs before Francis was able to get an out. Not too surprising that Francis got the quick hook given the terrible time the offense has had lately.
• The bullpen gave the offense a chance, throwing 3.1 shutout innnigs, giving up 5 hits, walking none and striking out 4
• George Springer drove in the lone Blue Jays run and had an excellent 10-pitch at-bat in the 9th, drawing a 1-out walk. Sadly, he was stranded at 3rd and Ernie Clement at 2nd base (great call by John Schneider picking him to pinch hit) when Alejandro Kirk went down swinging and Myles Straw popped out to end the game. Much like last season, the inability to drive in runners and lack of power is greatly impacting the Blue Jays
• The Blue Jays were 0-5 with runners in scoring position
• This season is going a bit worse than last year. After 25 games last season, the Blue Jays were a game above .500 and tonight's loss put them a game below .500
• Up next, after a off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays head to the Bronx where they will take on the Yankees. who won the season series 7-6, outscoring the Blue Jays 74-64. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Yankees righty Carlos Carrasco

Game #24 - Toronto Blue Jays (12-12) @ Houston Astros (12-11) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes hit a solo HR in a 5-1 loss to the Astros

After a brutal shuloss with really nothing positive occurring in the game, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 3-game skid and even the series in Houston. Daulton Varsho is inching closer to making his season debut as he was promoted to AAA-ball to face pitching closer to what he'll face in the bigs. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejanndro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Will Wagner at 1B. Nathan Lukes was in CF. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and even the series? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Astros opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Jeremy Pena singled scoring Jose Altuve
• A batter later, Christian Walker singled scoring Yordan Alvarez
• A batter after that, Pena scored on a sac fly by Brendan Rodgers
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 3rd as Nathan Lukes whacked a solo blast to right-center
• The Astros added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Yainer Diaz doubled scoring Walker 
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5.2IP 7H 4R (all earned) 1BB 3K 96 pitches (69 for strikes)
• Ronel Blanco pitching line: 6.2IP 2H 1R (earned) 2BB 3K 93 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Astros added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Isaac Paredes hammered a solo bomb to left
• Final score: Astros 5 Blue Jays 1

My Take

• Chris Bassitt battled through 5.2 innings, giving up 4 runs on 7 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3. The Astros got to him early, scoring 3 runs on 4 hits and a sac fly. He retired 7 m a row at one point. Not the most efficient game for him
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5 over the last 2.1 innnigs. Yariel Rodriguez barely escaped his inning and got a huge break when Pena got greedy and tried to stretch a single into a double. Mason Fluhaerty struck out the side in the 8th inning.
• The offense had another rough day with a Nathan Lukes solo blast being the only positive of note. The Blue Jays did not get a base runner past 1st base.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 4-game skid and avoid being swept for the 1st time this season.Bowden Francis starts against Astros righty Ryan Gusto

Game #23 - Toronto Blue Jays (12-11) @ Houston Astros (11-11) - game recap

 

George Springer stole a pair of bases in a 7-0 shutout loss to the Astros

After an ugly loss to end the homestand with starter Easton Lucas, who was optioned to AAA-ball (lefty Josh Walker was recalled from AAA-ball) being unable to escape the 2nd inning and the Blue Jays being unable to drive in runners on a consistent basis, the Blue Jays embarked on a tough road trips with stops in Houston and New York, starting in the lone star state tonight. The Astros won the season series 5-2 in 2024, outscoring the Blue Jays 42-15. Kevin Gausman was on the bump with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Alan Roden was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and George Springer was in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid and start the week and road trip on a winning note? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Astros opened the scoring in the bottom of the 5th as Zach Dezenzo doubled scoring Cam Smith
• A batter later, Jose Altuve doubled scoring Dezenzo and Brendan Rodgers
• Two batters later, Isaac Paredes singled home Altuve
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 6H 4R (all earned) 4BB 6K 96 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Astros added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Yordan Alvarez singled scoring Dezenzo
• Hunter Brown pitching line: 7IP 2H 0R 1BB 96  pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Astros added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 8th as Rodgers doubled scoring Yainer Diaz and Jeremy Pena
• Final score: Astros 7 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 6 innings, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits while walking 4 and striking out 6. He pitched well enough to keep a dangerous Astros lineup off the scoreboard until the 5th inning when the Astros scored 4 times on 5 hits and an intentional walk.Getting 6 innings out of Gausman was important since the Blue Jays bullpen has been busy lately.
• Lefty Josh Walker got the last 2 innings, giving up 3 more runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3. Smart of the Blue Jays not to waste any other reliever with the game out of reach
• Offensively, the Blue Jays did nothing and squandered their best, and pretty much only chance, in the 2nd inning after George Springer led off the inning and stole two bases with none out.
• The Blue Jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 3-game skid and even the series. Chris Bassitt starts against Astros righty Ronel Blanco

Game #87 - Houston Astros (45-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-48) - game recap

 

Spencer Horwitz drove in a pair of runs in a 5-3 loss to the Astros

After a blowout loss yesterday after the bullpen imploded the Blue Jays were trying to end the homestand with a win and avoid their 12th series loss of the season (Houston clinched the season series win yesterday). Danny Jansen was reinstated from the paternity leave list and Brian Serven was optioned back to AAA-ball. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette was a late scratch due to a sore forearm from getting hit by a pitch while striking out. George Springer was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (Danny Jansen served as DH tonight). Kevin Kiermaier was in CF. Could the Blue Jays end the homestand on a winning note and avoid their 12th series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Astros opened the scoring in the top of the 1st pn a groundout hit by Yainer Diaz that scored Jose Altuve
• A batter later, Jon Singleton singled home Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom half of the inning as Spencer Horwitz singled scoring George Springer and Danny Jansen
• A batter later, Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Davis Schneider
• The Astros added a run in the top of the 5th as Mauricio Dubon singled scoring Jeremy Pena
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5IP 8H 4R (all earned) 4BB 3K 105 pitches (66 for strikes)
• Framber Valdez pitching line: 6IP 9H 3R (all earned) 2BB 4K 90 pitches (55 for strikes) 
• The Astros added a run in the top of the 7th as Pena hammered a solo bomb to left
• Josh Hader threw a scoreless 9th for his 14th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Mariners 3

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits while walking 4 and striking out 4. Bassitt had a rough opening inning, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks. After allowing a further 2 hits in the 2nd inning, Bassitt settled down and retired 5 in a row. Not a terribly efficient start with him needing 105 pitches to complete 5 innings
• The bullpen gave up back-breaking insurance run in the 7th with Jeremy Pena going yard off Trevor Richards. Genesis Cabrera was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced
• And then there was the offence, which produced 3 runs in the 1st inning, and grounded into 5 double plays, including in the 9th inning. Spencer Horwitz (2RBI) and Alejandro Kirk drove in the 3 runs
• Leo Jimenez drew a walk and made one play defensivly in his big league debut
• Every Blue Jays starter except Ernie Clement and Kevin Kiermaier reached base at least once and all but Jimenez, Clement and Kiermaier had at least one hit
• The Blue Jays were 3-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays begin a 9-game west coast swing that begins tomorrow night in Seattle. The Blue Jays took 2 of 3 from the Mariners back in April to open the home portion of the 2024 schedule. Both teams scored 11 times. Kevin Gausman starts against Mariners righty Luis Castillo

Game #85 - Houston Astros (43-42) @ Toronto Blue Jays (39-46) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a 3-run HR as the Blue Jays hung on to edge the Astros 7-6

After another loss due to lacklustre offence, the Blue Jays were attempting to snap the 2-game skid and avoid their 7th season series loss of the season. IKF was placed on the 10-day IL retroactive to yesterday with a left-knee sprain. Infielder Leo Gimenez was recalled from AAA-ball. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the lineup and at 1B, after missing a day due to being hit by a pitch two days ago. Daulton Varaho was in LF and Addison Barger was in LF. Spencer Horwitz got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 7th 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 Justin Turner singled scoing Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Spencer Horwirz hammered a solo bomb to right
• Three batters later, George Springer belted a 3-run jack to lift and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Guererro Jt. and Justin Turner
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Addison Barger singled scoring Ernie Clement
• Two batters later, Alejandro Kirk scored on a passed ball by Cesar Salazar 
• Spencer Arrightetti pitching line: 4IP 6H 7R (6 earned) 4-BB 5K 89 pitches (63 for strkes)
• The Astros got one back in the top of the 5th as Salazar singled scoring Jon Singleton
• A batter later, Jose Altuve singled scoring Jeremy Pena
• Three batters later, Yordan Alvarez bashed a 3-run blsst to right; also scoring Salazar and Altuve
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 5IP 5H 5R (all earned) 2BB 1K 60 pitches (39 for strkes)
• The Astros got one back in the top of the 8th as Alvarez scored on a ground out hit by Jake Meyers
• Chad Green pitched a scoreles 9th for his 3rd save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 Astros 6

My Take:

• Jose Berrios battled through 5 innings, giing up 5 runs on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 1. All the damage was done in the 5th inning when the Astros scored 5 times, capped off by a three-run dinger off the bat of Yordan Alvarez. Schneider pulled him after that inning - might have been best since there was no telling if Berrios would have had a bounceback inning in the 6th 
• The bullpen came through, giving up a run on 3 hits while walking none and striking out 5 over the last 4 innings. Chad Green gave the fans some nervous moments in the 9th, giving up a leadoff double in the 9th, but he retired the next three batters to end the threat and game.
• Offensively, Justin Turner (a run scored and an RBI), Vlad (2 runs scored) and George Springer (3-run HR)  did the damage offensively 
• Every Blue Jays starter except Bo Bichette reached base at least once and all  but Bichette and Daulton Varsho had at least one hit
• The Blue Jays were 3-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, thr Blue Jays try to extend the win streak ro 2 games. Yusei Kikuchi starts against Astros righty Ronel Blanco

Game #84 - Houston Astros (43-41) @ Toronto Blue Jays (38-46) - game recap

 

Yariel Rodriguez threw 6.2 strong innings in a 3-1 loss to the Astros

Happy Canada day to all you loyal readers of this blog. After a blowout loss yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to start the weekith a win. Their record on Canada Day to date was 18-28. There was no Canada game in 1981 (strike), 1993 (off-day) and 2020 (pandemic. Season didn't start until July 24). The longest game was in 2016 (19 innings in a 2-1 loss to the Rays). Last season, they lost 7-6 to the Red Sox. This season, the Houston Astros will be their opponent. The Astros took 2 of 3 in Houston way back in the first full week of the season, Outscoring the Blue Jays 19-2. Danny Jansen was placed on the paternity leave list. Brian Serven was recalled from AAA-ball to back up Alejandro Kirk, who was behind the plate today and catching Yariel Rodriguez. Bo Bichette was back in the field and at SS after the complete day off yesterday. Vlad was a late scratch due to sore fingers from getting hit in the hand by the Gerrit Cole fastball yesterday. Spencer Horwitz took his spot at 1B. IKF was also a late scratch with a knee injury. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays start the week with a win and improve their Canada Day record to 19-28? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Astros opened the scoring in the top of the 5th as Jeremy Pena whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Yariel Rodriguez pitching line: 6.2IP 2H 1R (earned) 2BB 6K 83 pitches (51 for strikes)
• Hunter Brown pitching line: 6IP 2H 0R 3BB 5K 99 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Astros added a pair of runs in the top of the 9th as Yordan Alvarez hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Alex Bregman
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Ernie Clement belted a solo jack to left-center
• Josh Hader got the last three outs for his 13th save of the season
• Final score: Astros 3 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Yariel Rodriguez had his best start in a Blue Jays uniform, firing 6.2 strong inning, giving up a run on 2 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. It's unfortunate that one of the hits Rodriguez allowed went over the left field fence for a home run. Otherwise, the Blue Jays rookie matched Astros veteran Hunter Brown pitch for pitch in a classic pitcher's duel. Rodriguez was even a bit more efficient, needing just 83 pitches to get 20 outs, whereas Brown needed 99 pitches to get 18 outs. Today's game is trending towards starters throwing 6 innings and the bullpen getting the last nine outs.
• The bullpen gave up a costly pair of insurance runs in the 9th. The way the offence is functioning, the bullpen can ill afford to give up extra runs. Trevor Richards retired every batter he faced
• Two bases loaded chances, zero runs scored. In the 2nd inning, the Blue Jays loaded the bases with one out only to see Ernie Clement pop out and Kevin Kiermaier strike out swinging. Same scenario bottom of the 8th: George Springer lined out and Daulton Varsho grounded out.The Blue Jays batters in today's bullpen need to apologize to Yariel Rodriguez, who did not deserve to lose today
• The Blue Jays were 0-6 with runners in scoring position; just not good enough
• Someone needs to be fired by the all-star break
• Up next, the Blue Jays aim to snap the 2-game skid and avoid their 6th season series loss of the season. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Astros righty Spencer Arrighetti

Game #7 - Toronto Blue Jays (3-4) @ Houston Astros (2-5) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho got the only hit for the Blue Jays in an 8-0 shutout loss to the Astros

After a huge comeback win on the backs of a clutch go-ahead HR from Davis "Babe" Schneider, the Blue Jays were going for their first multi-game win streak and first series win of the season. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was in LF and Kevin Kiermaier in CF. Isiah Kiner-Falefa was at the hot corner and Cavan Biggio was at 2nd base. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and notch their first series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #6 - Toronto Blue Jays (3-3) @ Houston Astros (1-5) - game recap

 

Davis Schneider hit a clutch 2-run HR with the Blue Jays down to their last strike in a 2-1 come-from-behind win over the Astros

After a horrendous showing yesterday in a 10-0 no-hit loss, the Blue Jays were looking to bounce back and continue their trend of winning one, losing one, etc. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette was back in the lineup at SS after missing the last couple of days with neck spasms. Ernie Clement remained in the lineup and was at the hot corner tonight. Davis Schneider got the start in LF. Isiah Kiner-Falefa was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays even the series? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #5 - Toronto Blue Jays (2-3) @ Houston Astros (1-4) - game recap

 

George Springer drew a pair of walks and was the only Blue Jay to reach base in a 10-0 no-hit shutout to the Astros

After wrapping up the season opening series in Tampa Bay with a respectable series split, the Blue Jays moved onto Houston to take on the Astros as they continued their 10 game road trip to start the season. The Astros will be a hungry team after gettig swept at home to the surging Yankees. The Blue Jays won the season series last yea 4-2, but the Astros outscored the Blue Jays 35-22. Bowden Francis got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plat. Bo Bichette is still dealing with a stiff neck and was out of the lineup with Ernie Clement at SS. George Springer was back in the field after a half day off as DH yesterday (Justin Turner served as DH tonight). Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Cavan Biggio got the start at 2B. Isiah Kiner-Falefa was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays get their first multi-game win streak of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #64- Houston Astros (36-27) @ Toronto Blue Jays (36-28) - game recap

 

Brandon Belt drove in the game winning run in a 3-2 come-from behind win over the Astros

After a huge comeback win over the Astros, thanks to 8 stellar innings from new papa Chris Bassitt and a clutch RBI single from Alejandro Kirk, the Blue Jays were trying to extend the win streak to 3 games, notch their 13th series win of the season and completed their 5th season series win of the season. Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Whit Merrifield was in LF and Santiago Espinal was at 2B. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday/ Could the Blue Jays make it three straight wins, 13 series wins and complete their 5th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #63- Houston Astros (36-26) @ Toronto Blue Jays (35-28) - game recap

 

Chris Bassitt threw 8 excellent innings in a 3-2 come-from-behind win over the Astros 

After a solid win on a dominant pitching performance from Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were looking to even the season series and make it two straight wins. New father Chris Bassitt got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'IN yesterday (Brandon Belt served as DH tonight). Matt Chapman was back in the lineup and at the hot corner after the full day off last night. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and set up a rubber match on the season series? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #62- Houston Astros (36-25) @ Toronto Blue Jays (34-28) - game recap

 

Kevin Gauman pitched seven strong inninngs in a 5-1 win over the Astros

After a blowout loss on Alek Manoah's worst start of his career, the Blue Jays were trying to even the series and prevent their first season series loss of the season. Lots of moves prior to the game. First, to the surprise of no one, Alek Manoah is being optioned to the Florida training complex to attempt to figure out his pitching issues. Jay Jacksom and Ernie Clement were both optioned to AAA-ball with Santiago Espinal coming off the IL and Chris Bassit coming off the paternity list. Bowden Frances was also recalled from AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after the half day off yesterday. Vlad got the half day off tonight with Brandon Belt at 1st base. Matt Chapman got the full day off with Santiago Espinal at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays bounce back after a tough loss? Here is tonight's game recap.