Game #34 - Toronto Blue Jays (16-18) @ Minnesota Twins (15-20) - game recap

 

Kazuma Okamoto hit a 2-run HR in a 4-3 loss to the Twins

After a huge comeback win over the Twins after plating 8 runs in the 8th inning, the Bklue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games, notch their 5th series win and 1st season series win of the season. Trey Yesavage got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Lenyn Sosa at 1B. Yohendrick Pinago was in LF and Jesus Sanchez was in RF. Andres Gimenez was at SS and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games, notch their 5th series win and 1st season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Twins starter Joe Ryan left the game aftter 2 batters, walking one and striking out one on just nine pitches
• The Twins opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Victor Caratini singled scoring Trevor Larnach
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 4IP 5H 1R (earned) 3BB 6K 82 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Twins added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Luke Keaschall doubled scoring Caratini
• A batter later, Kody Clemens doubled home Keaschall 
• Two batters later, Matt Wallner doubled scoring Clemens
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Daulton Varsho singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the top of the 9th as Kazuma Okamoto whacked a 2-run blast to left-center and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Justin Topa got the last 3 outs for his 2nd save of the season
• Final score: Twins 4 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage battled through 4 innings, giving up a run on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 6. It's not ideal that Yesavage was only able to toss 4 innings when the Blue Jays coulds have what amounts to a bullpen game tomorrow with an inconsistent Eric Lauer either getting a traditional start or following an opener. Yesavage battled command issues and got himself into some tough jams today. He was fortunate to get out of the 3rd inning when a ball hit by Luke Keaschall bounced out of play for a ground rule double or that would have been a run against. To be fair, Yesavage is still working himself into form after coming back from an injury to start the season. It's also possible teams are starting to adjust to his stuff. 
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs, all charged to Brayden Fisher, on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3 over the last 4 innings
• Kazuma Okamoto went deep in the 9th inning to get the Blue Jays within a run, but that's as close as they got. Daulton Varsho also had a solid day at the plate. 
• Really odd decision by John Schneider to let Tyler Heineman bat with the bases loaded in the 6th, see him fly out to end the inning on a pitch he should have taken, and then replace him in the bottom half of the inning. He might very well be DFA'd when Alejandro Kirk returns from his broken thumb injury in a few weeks. Brandon Valenzuela has simply outplayed the veteran backup catcher
• In the ouch department, it has to be concerning for the Twins that Joe Ryan pulled himself from the game after 9 pitches with soreness in his elbow. Hopefully the MRI doesn't show a torn UCL. For the Blue Jays, Jesus Sanchez blew a tire on the bases, was looked at by Blue Jays trainer Jose Minstrel but was ok to continue. The Blue Jays can ill afford to lose another player to injury, esprcially with George Springer hobbled with a very sore toe.
• The Blue Jays were 1-2 in ABS challenges and the Twins were 1-1 in ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 1-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays continue the road trip in Tampa Bay. The Rays won the season series last year 7-6, outscoring the Blue Jays 58-48. Eric Lauer starts against Rays righty Nick Martinez

Game #33 - Toronto Blue Jays (16-17) @ Minnesota Twins (14-20) - game recap-

 

Brandon Valenzuula hit a 3-run HR in an 11-4 comeback win over the Twins

After rebounding nicely from a tough loss Thursday, the Blue Jays evened the series with Kazuma Okamoto and Yohendrick Pinago driving the offense, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the winning streak to 2 games. Dylan Cease got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. Ernie Clement was back in the lineup and at SS. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Twins opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Byron Buxton led off with a solo blast to the opposite field in right
• The Blue jays tied in the top of the 2nd as Lenyn Sosa whacked a solo blast to left-center and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Two batters later, Myles Straw belted a solo jack to the second deck in left
• The Twins retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Brooks Lee singled scoring Kody Clemens and Luke Keaschall. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was charged with a throwing error on the play.
• George Springer left the game in the top of the 3rd after fouling a ball off the toe he fractured.
• The Twins added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Trevor Larnach singled scoring Tristan Gray
• Connor Prielipp pitching line: 5IP 3H 2R (both earned) 2BB 4K 91 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 6th as Kazuma Okamoto hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 7IP 7H 4R (3 earned) 1BB 7K 106 pitches (66 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 8th as Okamoto singled scoring Ernie Clement
• A batter later Sosa singled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• Three batters later, Davis Schneider doubled scoring Daulton Varsho and Sosa
• A batter later, Brandon Valenzuela hammered a 3-run bomb to straightaway center; also scoring Schneider and Straw
• Final score: Blue Jays 11 Twins 4

My Take:

• Dylan Cease fired 7 solid innings, giving up 4 runs, 3 earned on 7 hits while walking  1 and striking out 7. Cease is quickly becoming a very important part of the rotation with his ability to pitch deep into games and getting extra outs. He made the pitches when he had to in order to limit the damage in the jams he encountered. He probably regrets shaking off Brandon Valenzuela first batter he faced with Byron Buxton taking him deep.
• The bullpen threw 2 perfect innings
• The offense exploded in the 8th inning for 8 runs on 5 hits, 2 walks and a fielding error from Twins reliever Anthony Banda. Davis Schneider got a huge monkey off is back with a clutch hit in the 8th, snapping an 0-26 slump. Brandon Valenzuela capped the inning off with a bomb to dead center for 3 runs. Kazuma Okamoto homered for the second straight day.
• Every starter but George Springer and Vlad had a hit. Springer was the only one who neither scored a run nor drove in a run
• Don't be surprised if Springer goes back on the IL. He needs to heal completely before he comes back.
• The Blue Jays were 2-2 in ABS challenges. Davis Schneider had his first unsuccessful challenge of the season. The Twins didn't utilize any ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 4-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games, and notch their 5th series win and 1st season series win of the season. Trey Yesavage starts against Twins righty Joe Ryan.

Game #32 - Toronto Blue Jays (15-17) @ Minnesota Twins (14-19) - game recap

 

Kazuma Okamoto hit a pair of home runs and drove in 3 runs in a 7-3 win over the Twins

After a loss yesterday from an uncharacteristically bad start by Kevin Gausman and a non-existent offense, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and avoid their 4th season series loss of the season. Patrick Corbin got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Lenyn Sosa got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 4th season series loss of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd on a fielder's choice hit by Yohendrick Pinago that scored Daulton Varsho and Lenyn Sosa. Twins 1B Josh Bell was charged with a throwing error on the play.
• The Twins tied it in the bottom of the 3rd as Byron Buxton whacked a 2-run blast to left; also scoring Brooks Lee
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 4th as Kazuma Okamoto hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in left
• Three batters later, Pinago singled scoring Sosa
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 5th as Okamoto smacked a 2-run blast to left; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Simeon Woods Richardson pitching line: 4.2IP 9H 6R (4 earned) 1BB 2K 88 pitches (60 for strikes)
• Patrick Corbin pitching line: 5.1IP 6H 2R (both earned) 1BB 4K 79 pitches (53 for strikes)\
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 7th as Pinago singled home Okamoto
• The Twins got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by Ryan Jeffers that scored Lee
• Final score Blue Jays 7 Twins 3

My Take:

• Patrick Corbin threw 5.1 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. He retired 6 of the first 7 batters he faced and, for the most part, he was able to pitch his way out of the jams he got into. If Corbin keeps pitching like thism he'll make the decision  difficult when Shane Bieber is ready to make his 2026 regular season debut. If he has a better attitude than Lauer, he may replace Lauer as the long man out of the bullpen
• Speaking of the bullpen, Jeff Hoffman is still a work in progress. He got himself into a bases loaded jam after giving up 3 hits, but managed to hold it to a run on a sac fly. Tyler Rogers is still ridiculously dominant and is making an early case to be the reliever of the year. Louis Varland may make fans as nervous as Jeff Hoffman did in the closer role.
• Offensively, Kazuma Okamoto is making the fans forget about letting Bo Bichette walk in free agency, Okamoto homered twice and drove in 3 runs and scored 3 runs. Yohendrick Pinago would have had 4RBI if not for a throwing error in the 2nd inning. Good hitting is contagious and the offense is slowly looking like the one thar came inches from winning the Blue Jays 3rd world series 6 months ago.
• Twins catcher Victor Saratini was 3-3 on ABS challenges (overall, the Twins were 3-2). Tyler Heineman was unsuccessful in the Blue Jays lone ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 2-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games. Dylan Cease starts against Twins lefty Connor Prielipp

Game #32 - Toronto Blue Jays (14-17) @ Minnesota Twins (14-18) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho hit a solo home run in a 7-1 comeback loss to the Twins

After finishing off a floundering Red Sox team yesterday thanks to an all around team effort, the Blue Jays hit the road for their first 4-game series of the season in Minnesota. The Twins won the series in Toronto a couple of weeks back, outscoring the Blue Jays 19-16. Ace Kevin Gausman got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup as DH after being activated off the IL yesterday. Yohendrick Pinango was in LF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights

:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Daulton Varsho hammered a solo bomb to right
• The Twins took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Ryan Jeffers belted a 2-run jack to left-center; also scoring Trevor Larnach
• The Twins added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Byron Buxton whacked a solo blast to left-center
• Four batters later, Austin Martin singled scoring Larnach
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5.2IP 4H 4R (all earned) 2BB 2K 94 pitches (58 for strikes)
• Bailey Ober pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 2BB 2K 88 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Twins added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 8th as Josh Bell singled scoring Jeffers and Buxton
• Three batters later, Bell scored on a sac fly by Luke Keaschall
• Final score: Twins 7 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• The two starters had very similar pitching lines with both Gausman and Ober giving up 4 hits, walking 2 batters and striking out 2. The difference was two of the hits against Gausman went over the wall for 3 runs (Ober was also taken deep, but for just one run). Ober made it through 6 innings and Tommy Nance needed to get the last out of the 6th inning. Gausman threw a few more pitches (94 while Ober needed only 88 pitches to get 18 outs). Gausman also threw an extra pitch, 58 for strikes. You can tell when Gausman isn't pitching with his best stuff when the strikeout count is low.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on 2 hits and a walk over the last 2.1 innings. All three runs against were charged to Mason Fluharty, who wasn't helped by the defense that committed 2 errors in the inning. Tommy Nance and Joe Mantiply both retired every batter they faced with Nance striking out 3 batters.
• Varsho went deep and that was abour it for the offense. George Springer had a third of the Blue Jays hits, singling twice.
• The Twins were 1-1 in ABS challenges and Brandon Valenzuela lost the Blue Jays only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 0-2 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 5th season series loss of the season. Patrick Corbin starts against Twins righty Simeon Woods Richardson.

Game #15 - Minnesota Twins (9-7) @ Toronto Blue Jays (6-9) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement scored both runs for the Blue Jays in a losing effort as the Twins came from behind to rout the Blue Jays 8-2

After a rough loss due to a tough 3rd inning that snowballed on Eric Lauer, the Blue Jays were looking to end the home stand and week with a win and notch their 2nd series win of the season. George Springer was placed on the 10 day IL with a fractured big toe.  Elon Jimenez was recalled from AAA- ball and took Springer's place at DH. Max Scherzer got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Kazuma Okamoto was back in the lineup and at the hot corner with Ernie Clement sliding back to 2B. Could the Blue Jays hit the road on a winning note 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 1st as Daulton Varsho singled scoring Ernie Clement
• The Twins took the lead in the top of the 2nd as Tristan Gray belted a 3-3-run jack to the second deck in right; also scoring Josh Bell and Matt Wallner
• The Twins added a run in the top of the 3rd as Kody Clemens smashed a solo blast to the second deck in right-center 
• Four batters later, Wallner singled scoring Trevor Larnach 
• A batter later, Luke Keaschall scored on a sac fly by Victor Caratini
• Two batters later, Brooks Lee doubled scoring Bell and Wallner 
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 2.1IP 5H 8R (all earned) 2BB 3K 68 pitches (41 for strikes)
• Taj Bradley pitching line: 5IP 5H 1R (earned) 4BB 7K 106 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 7th on a sac fly by Jesus Sanchez that scored Clement-
• Final score: Twins 8 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• A day after Eric Lauer had an inning snowball on him, Max Scherzer couldn't get out of the 3rd inning and gave up 8 runs on 6 hits, 2 walks and 2 hit batters over 2 innings. Scherzer looked great in the 1st inning, retiring the side in order and  making it look easy. From there, it was all down hill. It's hard to see a role for Scherzer once everyone is healthy. The Blue Jays certainly can't have Scherzer only lasting a couple of innings and making the bullpen pick up the slack every 5 days.
• The bullpen was sharp today, holding the Twins to 2 hits while walking none and striking out 9 over the last 6 innings once Joe Mantiply escaped the 3rd inning. Tommy Nance, Mason Fluharty, Louis Varland and Jeff Hoffman threw a perfect inning each and got a combined 8 strikeouts.
• The Twins were 1-2 on ABS challenges. The Blue Jays did not challenge any pitches today.
• Offensively, Daulton Varsho drove in a run right away in the 1st inning and Jesus Sanchez knocked in Ernie Clement, who deserves another day in the leadoff spot after a strong 3-5 effort and scoring both Blue Jays runs today
• Where was the effort from Vlad after he hit one off the end of the bat in the 9th inning. You have to run that one out. Yes, the Blue Jays were going to lose, but be a pro and try on every play. Vlad's supposed to be a team leader and should be leading by example.
• The Blue Jays were a pathetic 2-14 with runners in scoring position.
• Up next, after an off-day/travel day tomorrow, the Blue Jays  open a 9-game road trip that begins in Milwaukee. The Brewers won the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 15-11. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Brewers righty Jacob Misiorowski

Game #14 - Minnesota Twins (8-7) @ Toronto Blue Jays (6-8) - game recap

 

Daulton Varsho hit a 2-run HR in a losing effort as the Twins came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 7-4

After a strong comeback win over the Twins yesterday thanks to a solid team effort offensively, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the winning streak to 3 games and notch their 2nd series win of the season. Eric Lauer got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Davis Schneider was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games 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 1st as Daulton Varsho whacked a 2-run blast to right-center and into the Twins bullpen; also scoring George Springer
•  The Twins got one back in the top of the 3rd as Brooks Lee smacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Five batters later, Byron Buxton was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Ryan Jeffers
• A batter later, Josh Bell singled scoring Austin Martin and Luke Keaschall
• Two batters later, Trevor Larnach hammered a three run bomb off the second deck in right; also scoring Jeffers and Bell 
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 5.1IP 5H 7R (all earned) 5BB 3K 95 pitches (53 for strikes)\
• George Springer left the game after his second AB after fouling a ball off his big toe and fracturing it.
• Joe Ryan pitching line: 7IP2H 2R (both earned) 1BB 5K 91 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom of the 9th as Jesus Sanchez drilled a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Final score: Twins 7 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Eric Lauer battled through 5.1 innings, giving up 7 runs on 5 hits while walking 5 and striking out 3. One inning, the 3rd, snowballed on him to the tune of 7 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks. Lauer actually retired 6 of the 7 batters he faced. Maybe he should have done what Shohei Ohtani did on Wednesday and tied his shoelaces a few times in the 3rd inning to slow things down a bit. That was important that Lauer pitch into the 6th inning with Scherzer due to start tomorrow and liable to blow out his arm the way the Blue Jays injury luck has gone this season (he is dealing with forearm tightnessm often a precursor to UCL tears).
• Spencer Miles was outstanding today, finishing the game to save the bullpen for tomorrow. Miles held the Twins to a hit and a walk while striking out 2 over 3.2 innings. The Bllue Jays could have some interesting decisions to make once they start getting some injured bodies back since there is only room for 5 pitchers in the rotation. The Blue Jays could opt for a 6-man rotation once or twice, but that's not sustainable since pitchers are creatures of habit and an extra day of rest doesn't necessarily mean they will have their best stuff going.
• And the injury bug continues to hit the Blue Jays hard. This time, George Springer went down with a fractured big toe after fouling a ball off it in his second AB. While Springer completed the at-bat, he was clearly in pain running to 1st base on the ground out. Best case scenario would see Springer back in 2-4 weeks if it's not a displaced fracture. Likely Eloy Jimenez gets the callup and you could see a platoon of players filling the void both at DH and at the leadoff spot.
• Offensively, Daulton Varsho went deep in the 1st inning and Jesus Sanchez went deep in the 9th inning. With Springer now probably out at least a couple of weeks, the Blue Jays are going to be searching for runs even more.
• The Blue Jays were a perfect 3-3 on ABS challenges and the Twins were successful on their one ABS challenge. I'm a little surprised teams aren't challenging more often, considering there are some bad/gullible umpires who routinely fall for catchers dramatically moving their gloves back in the strike zone. I guess with only 2 challenges, one would want to be pretty sure that the call is incorrect
• The Blue Jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position\
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to end the home stand with a win and notch their 2nd series win of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Twins righty Taj Bradley.

Game #13 - Minnesota Twins (7-7) @ Toronto Blue Jays (6-7) - game recap

 

Davis Schneider scored twice and drove in 2 runs in a 10-4 comeback win over the Twins

-

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened a series against the Twins. The Blue Jays took the season series last year outscoring the Twins 38-33. Patrick Corbin got the start with Patrick Valenzuela behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Jesus Sanchez was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and start the weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Twins took the lead in the top of the 1st as Ryan Jeffers whacked a 3-run blast to left-center; also scoring Austin Martin and Luke Keaschall
• The Twins added a run in the top of the 4th as Brooks Lee belted a solo jack to left
• The Blue jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Jesus Sanchez doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr 
• Two batters later, Davis Schneider doubled home Sanchez
• Two batters later, Andres Gimenez singled scoring Schneider
• A batter later, Brandon Valenzuela smashed a 2-run blast to right and into the Twins bullpen; also scoring Gimenez
• Patrick Corbin pitching line: 4IP 6H 4R (all earned) 1BB 3K 85 pitches (52 for strikes)
• Simeon Woods Richardson pitching line: 4IP 6H 5R (all earned) 1BB 2K 68 pitches (47 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Daulton Varsho drilled a solo blast to right-center
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Ernie Clement doubled scoring Schneider
• Three batters later, George Springer doubled scoring Clement
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottiom of the 7th as Schneider singled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Valenzuela
• Final score: Blue Jays 10 Twins 4

My Take:

• Paatrick Corbin battled through 4 innings, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3. The Blue Jays might have rushed him to play in the majors with the current health of the starting rotation with 8 starters either too hurt to play, playing hurt or very ill. If Corbin plays well, he might get a spot in the bullpen, but he won't be in the rotation when Jose Berrios, Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber return from the IL.
• The bullpen slammed the door shut with 5 shutout innings, giving up 1 hit, walking 1 and striking out nine. Lefty Joe Mantiply, who struck out the side in his inning of work, was credited with the win. Brayden Fisher, who had 2 perfect innings and struck out 4 also deserves an honorable mention.
• The offense started rolling in the 5th inning and plated at leas one run in each of the last 4 innings. Davis Schneider (2RBI, 2 runs scored), Vlad (an RBI, 2 runs scored) and Brandon Valenzuela (2 runs scored, including a 2-run HR, the first of his big-league career) led the way. 
• Every Blue Jays starter except Kazuma Okamoto had a hit and either scored a run or drove in a run. It was a team effort tonight.
• The Twins were 1-2 on ABS challenges and the Blue Jays were 2-2 with ABS challenges.
• The Blue Jays were 5-14 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and to notch their 2nd series win of the season. Eric Lauer starts against Twins righty Joe Ryan

-Game #134 Minnesota Twins (60-73) @ Toronto Blue Jays (78-56) - game recap

 

Addison Barger hit a clutch RBI double to lift the  Blue Jays to a 9-8 comeback win over the Twins

After dropping yesterday's game due to the bullpen (especially Jeff Hoffman) imploding, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 23rd series win and 17th season series win of the season. Eric Lauer got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing the last 2 games (George Springer served as DH tonight). Davis Schneider was in LF, Daulton Varsho was in CF and  Nathan Lukes was in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays notch their 23rd series win and 17th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Twins opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Byron Buxton led off the game by hammering a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom of the 2nd as Davis Schneider drilled a solo blast to the second deck in left
• The Twins retook the lead in the top of the 3rd as Buxton whacked a solo blast to left-center
• Three batters later, Luke Keaschall belted a solo jack to left-center
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Bo Bichette singled scoring Andres Gimenez and George Springer
• The Twins added a pair of runs in the top of the 4th as Edouard Julien doubled scoring Austin Martin and Julien. Technically it was an inside the park home run, but Julien was credited with a double and Tyler Heineman was charged with a throwing error on the play
• Two batters later, Ryan Jeffers singled home Buxton. Jeffers was thrown out at 2nd base to end the inning
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Schneider hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in left
• Three batters later, Gimenez belted a solo jack to right-center
• Simeon Woods-Richardson pitching line: 3.2IP 5H 5R (all earned) 2BB 2K 69 pitches (44 for strikes)
• The Twins added a run as Brooks Lee smashed a solo blast to left
• Two batters later, Royce Lewis singled scoring Kody Clemens
• Eric Lauer pitching line: 4.2IP 10H 8R (6 earned) 0BB 4K 98 pitches (68 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 6th as Gimenez doubled scoring Davis
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Ty France belted a solo jack to left-center
• Three batters later, Addison Barger doubled scoring Alejandro Kirk and Springer
• Jeff Hoffman pitched a scoreless 9th for his 29th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 9 Twins 8

My Take:

• Eric Lauer was lit up for 8 runs on 10 hits while walking none and sriking out 4 over 4.2 innings. He may be tiring since he's already doubled the number of innings he threw in 2023. He added 4 more HR to the total given up by Blue Jays pitchers (only the A's have allowed more long balls this season). It is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed in the off-season, if not sooner. Lauer might be better suited to a bullpen role come playoff time. Two of Berrios, Gausman, Bassitt, Bieber, Lauer and Scherzer will not be in the playoff rotation. 
• The bullpen gave up 2 hits, walked 2 batters and struck out 6 over the last innings. I don't know what was more gutsy: John Schneider's decision to go right back to Jeff Hoffman after Hoffman imploded last night or Hoffman having a mostly dominant inning, including a huge strikeout of Matt Walllner, who hit a 3-run HR off the Blue Jays closer last night. There has been much angst over Hoffman in the closer's role, particularly his dreadful ERA, which is by far the worst of the likely playoff contender's closer, but tonight he showed why he should be the Blue Jays closer. Here's hoping tonight's  performance is the start of a hot streak for him.
• The bats were not going to let the Blue Jays lose tonight. Davis Schneider belted a pair of HR, Ty France came off the bench and went deep for the first time as a Blue Jay, Addison Barger erased a bad day at the plate with a go-ahead 2-run double and Bo Bichette knotted the game at 3 with a clutch 3-run single. If the Blue Jays do win a playoff round or two, it will be thanks to a lineup that can hurt you in most parts of the batting order and the ability to get clutch hits at the right time
• The team will be breathing a sigh of relief they came back and won because if the Twins won, the Bosox would have been just 3 games back and the Yankees would have been 3.5 games back. Instead the Red Sox and Yankees remain 4 and 4.5 games back respectively. Both the Yankees and Red Sox can gain a half game if they win their respective games tomorrow with the Blue Jays idle until Friday
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays will be looking to extend the win streak to 2 games as they open a tough weekend series against the Brewers, who took the season series last year. Both teams scored 8 runs. Shane Bieber makes his home debut for the Blue Jays Friday. The Brewers haven't set their rotation for the seres yet.

Game #133 Minnesota Twins (60-72) @ Toronto Blue Jays (77-56) - game recap

 

George Springer scored 4 times, including a pair of home runs in a losing effort as the Twins came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 7-5

After a solid win over the Twins lsst night thanks to a team effort offensively, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 23rd series win and 17th season series win of the season. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Nathan Lukes was in CF and Addison Barger was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 23rd series win and 17th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st on a sack fly by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that scored George Springer
• Three batters later, Bo Bichette singled scoring Nathan Lukes 
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom of the 2nd as Springer hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in left-center 
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Springer hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in left-center
• The Twins got a pair back in the top of the 6th as Luke Keaschell whacked a 2-run blast to left-center; also scoring Brooks Lee
• Bailey Ober pitching line: 5IP 10H 4R (all earned) 0BB 3K 96 pitches (65 for strikes)
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5.2IP 4H 2R (both earned) 3BB 6K 93 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Twins got one back in the top of the 7th on a sac fly double play hit by Lee  that scored Mickey Gasper 
• The Twins tied it in the top of the 9th as Gasper belted a solo jack to right
• Five batters later, Matt Wallner whacked a 3-run blast to right-center and into the Twins bullpen; also scoring Austin Martin and Lee
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho doubled scoring Springer
• Final score: Twins 7 Blue Jays 5

My Take:-

• Chris Bassit threw 5.2 solid innings, giving up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 6. After allowing the first two he faced to reach base, Bassitt recovered to strike out the side and retire nine straight. There is really only one pitch he'll want back and that's the one that went over the wall to cut the lead in half
• The bullpen gave up 5 runs on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3 over the last 3.1 innings. Jeff Hoffman was a disaster in the 9th, blowing his 7th save of the season. Blue Jays fans booed him off the field when he was pulled after giving up 2 home runs and 4 runs on 25 pitches. He threw more balls than strikes. I don't trust anyone else to be the closer, but maybe Hoffman needs a short IL stint to reset for the postseason.
• George Springer was the Blue Jays offense tonight, scoring 4 times, including 2 mammoth home runs.
• There has to be concern about the sore hands of Ernie Clement and Alejandro Kirk, who took a foul tip off the exposed hand. Danny Jansen broke his hand a few times getting dinged by foul balls. The Blue Jays can ill afford to lose either Kirk or Clement.
• The Blue Jays were 3-10 with runners in scoring position
• With the loss, the Yankees and Red Sox both gained a game on the Blue Jays since they won their games. The Bosox are 4 games back and the Yankees are 4.5 games back of 1st in the AL East
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to notch their 23rd series win and 17th season series win of the season. Eric Lauer starts for the Blue Jays. The Twins haven't named a starter yet.

Game #132 Minnesota Twins (59-72) @ Toronto Blue Jays (77-55) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes scored twice and drove in two runs in a 10-4 win over the Twins

After dropping yesterday's game against the Marlins due to a tough start from Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays began a weeklong homestand as they welcomed the Twins to town. The Blue Jays took the series in Minnesota back at the beginning of June with both teams scoring 14 runs. Righty Paxson Schultz was optioned to AAA-ball and lefty Justin Bruihl was recalled from AAA-ball. Max Scherzer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad made his return to the lineup as DH as he slowly returns from a sore hamstring. George Springer was in LF. Could the Blue Jays start the week and homestand 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 George Springer
•  A batter later, Nathan Lukes scored on a sac fly by Daulton Varsho
• A batter after that,  Alejandro Kirk whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right-center; also scoring Bichette
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 2nd as Andres Gimenez belted a solo jack to right-center 
• The Twins got one back in the top of the 4th as Matt Wallner hammered a solo bomb to right-center 
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Springe singled scoring Gimenez
•  The Twins got one back in the top of the 6th on a ground out hit by Brooks Lee that scored Byron Buxton
• A batter later, Wallner smacked a 2-run blast to right and into the Twins bullpen; also scoring Trevor Larnach
• Joe Ryan pitching line: 5IP 7H 6R (all earned) 1BB 7K 93 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning as Lukes doubled scoring Kirk and Ernie clement
• A batter later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Gimenez and Lukes
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 6IP 4H 4R  (all earned) 1BB 5K 97 pitches (67 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 10  Twins 4

My Take:

• Max Scherzer battled through 6 innings, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. He retired 12 of the 1st 14 batters he faced. The left-handed batters were having better swings on Scherzer today. One issue that has hampered the pitching staff has been home runs. Twins RF Matt Wallner took him deep twice. 
• The bullpen gave up a hit and 2 walks over 3 scoreless innings. Justin Bruihl gave the Blue Jays a bit of a scare when he rolled his ankle on a pitch in the 8th. Luckily he was able to complete the inning. Hopefully it doesn't swell up on him overnight because the Blue Jays can ill afford to lose a reliever with Yimi Garcia and Nick Sandolin both suffering setbacks as they try to ramp back up. Garcia may be done for the season with the ulnar nerve issue. Sandlin is also a concern since his elbow is hurting throwing at 120 feet.
• Offensively, the Blue Jays jumped on Twins starter Joe Ryan, scoring 5 times over the first 2 innings. I really like that the bats reponded in the 6th inning with 4 runs after the Twins clawed back with 3 runs in the top half of the inning. Nathan Lukes (2 runs scored, 2 RBI), Alejandro Kirk (2 runs scored, including a 2-run HR) and Andres Gimenez (3 runs scored, including a solo HR) led the way.
• Every Blue Jays starter except Ty France reached base at least once and all but France and Daulton Varsho had at least one hit
• Standings wise, the Blue Jays remain 5 and 5.5 games up on the Red Sox and Yankees, who both won their games tonight, respectively. They gain a half game on the idle Astros for the 2nd bye to the divisional round. Should the Tigers lose, they'll be just a game back for the best record in the AL and home field advantage through the ALCS.
• The Blue Jays were 4-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 23rd series win and 17th season series win of the season. Chris Bassitt starts against Twins righty Bailey Ober.

Game #64 Toronto Blue Jays (35-29) @ Minnesota Twins (34-30) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a 2-run HR in a 5-4 win over the Twins

After a blow out win on the strength of with runs over 2 innings,  the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 10th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's win.  Could the Blue Jays make it 4 straight wins and 10 series wins? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Nathan Lukes singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 2nd as Tyler Heineman whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right 
• The Twins got one back in the bottom of the 4th as Ryan Jeffers was forced in when Ty France was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded
• A batter later, Carlos Correa was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Royce Lewis
• The Twins took the lead in the bottom of the 6th as Matt Wallner belted a solo jack to right
• Chris Paddack pitching line: 6IP 4H 2R (both earned) 2BB 2K 86 pitches (55 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 4H 3R (all earned) 3BB 5K 104 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 8th as George Springer whacked a 2-run blast to left; also scoring Addison Barger
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Heineman
• The Twins got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Kody Clemens hammered a solo bomb to right-center
• Jeff Hoffman got the last 3 outs for his 15th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Twins 4

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 6 innings, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 5. After giving up a leadoff walk to start the game, Gausman retired 9 in a row. Then he struggled through the 4th inning, loading the bases and then allowing 2 runs on a hit batter and a walk. I found it odd that Pete Walker didn't come out to calm Gausman, who did eventually escape the jam. The Blue Jays needed Gausmsan to get as deep in the game as possible with Bowden Francis, who has been unreliable this season, set to start tomorrow.
• The bullpen gave up a run on three hits while walking 1 and striking out 2 over the last 3 innings. Brayden Fisher was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced. After giving up a solo HR, Jeff Hoffman nailed down the save, the 15th on the season for him.
• Tyler Heineman continues to take advantage of his playing time. Defensively, he did a nice job relaying the ball to first on the double play that ended the 4th inning, extending the Blue Jays lead to 2 runs with a solo shot in the 2nd inning and scoring a key insurance run in the 9th that turned out to be the difference in the game. The Blue Jays should consider giving Heineman more playing time, whether it's behind the plate to giving Alejandro Kirk an extra day off to preserve his body, or as DH once in a while.
• Another Blue Jay who has impressed is George Springer. The veteran outfielder/DH went deep in the 8th inning to give the Blue Jays the lead
• The Blue Jays were 3-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 5 games and complete their 4th sweep of the season. Bowden Francis starts against Twins righty Jon Ryan

Game #63 Toronto Blue Jays (34-29) @ Minnesota Twins (34-29) - game recap

 

Bo Bichettte hit a 2-run RBI single to give the Blue Jays the lead in a 6-4 comeback win over the Twins

After blowing out the Phillies on the strength of a combined 8 runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the winning streak to 3 games. The Twins won the season series last year, but the Blue Jays outscored the Twins 31-22. It was another bullpen day. Paxton Schultz got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Addison Barger in RF. Andres Gimenez was back in the lineup and at 2B after the day off yesterday. Nathan Lukes was in LF and Jonatan Clase was in CF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Twins opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Trevor Larnach hammered a solo bomb to right-center
• The Twins added a run in the bottom of the 2nd on a ground out hit by Kody Clemens that scored Brooks Lee
• Two batters later,  Christian Vasquez  doubled scoring Royce Lewis 
• Paxton Schultz pitching line: 2IP 4H 3R (all earned) 0BB 1K 40 pitches (24 for strikes)
• The Blue jays got a pair back in the top of the 4th as Addison Barger annihilated a 5-run bomb to right- center; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 
• The Blue jays took the lead in the top of the 5th as Bo Bichette singled scoring Andres Gimenez and Ernie Clement
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as George Springer hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• Bailey Ober pitching line: 7IP 5H 5R (all earned 1BB 4K 87 pitches (64 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring  Guerrero Jr. 
• The Twins  got one back in he bottom half of the inning as Lewis singled scoring Larnach
• Jeff Hoffman pitchrd a scoreless 9th for his 14th save of the season
• Final score; Blue Jays 6 Twins 4

My Take:

• Paxton Schultz battled through 2 innings,  giving up 3 runs on 4 hits while walking none and striking out 1. I'm going to keep saying this every time the Blue Jays have a bullpen day,  but they are taking a huge risk by doing so.  First, it puts added pressure on the other 4 starters in the rotation to pitch deep into the game.  Second,  the bullpen is eventually going to be ineffective due to overuse and there will be injuries.  Yimi Garcia end Nick Sandin have already paid the price and both missed significant time on the IL. if there are no setbacks, Max Scherzer could be ready to return to the rotation soon. Bowden Frances can't seem to find his game,  which has turned into a second bullpen game some nights. The blue jays need to do something soon because Alek Manoah will not be ready to pitch until after the all star break
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits while walking 3 and striking out 9 over the last 7 innings. Mason Fluharty was the only teliever to retire every batter he faced
• The offence was powered by Addison Barger (2-run HR), Bo Bichette (2-run single), George Springer (solo HR) and Alejandro Kirk (RBI single)
• The Blue Jays never really feel out of games this season. Last season, the fans could have turned their attention to a certain hockey game once the Twins were up by 3 after 2 innings. Not so this season.
• The Blue Jays were 2-3 with runners in scoring position.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 10th series win of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Twins righty Chris Paddack

Game #139 - Toronto Blue Jays (67-72) @ Minnesota Twins (74-62) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement scored twice, including a solo HR, in a losing effort as the Twins came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 4-3

After a blowout 14-0 shutout win over the Twins thanks to the offence going bonkers, the Blue Jays were going for their 2nd straight win and 13th series win of the season. Infielder Luis De Los Santos, who got the start at the hot corner, and lefty Brandon Eisert were recalled from AAA-ball. Yariel Rodriguez got the start with Brian Serven behinf the plate. Vlad, George Springer and Daulton Varsho got the complete day off with Spencer Horwitz at 1B, Addison Barger in LF and Joey Loperfido in CF. Ernie Clement was at SS and Leo Jimenez was at 2B. Davus Schneider served as DH. Righty Dillon Tate was claimed off waivers from the Orioles. Righty Paolo Espino was DFA'd. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and 13 series wins? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Ernie Clement whacked a solo blast to left-center
• Yariel Rodriguez pitching line: 3IP 3H 0R 2BB 3K 57 pitches (33 for strikes)
• Bailey Ober pitching line: 6IP 1H 1R (earned) 3BB 8K 94 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Twins tied the game in the borrom of the 7th on a groundout hit by Carlos Santana that scored Royce Lewis
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 8th on a hit by pitch to Leo Jimenez that forced in Nathan Lukes
• A batter later, Clement scored on a groundout hit by Joey Loperfido
• The Twins took the lead in the bottom of the inning as Lewis whacked a 3-run blast just over the wall in left; also Ryan Jeffers and Austin Martin
• Jhoan Duran threw a scoreless 9th for his 20th save of the season
• Final score: Twins 4 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• This game felt a bit like game 2 of last year's WC series against the Twins. This time, Yariel Rodriguez was yanked after 3 innings. Rodriguez got into a few jams whereas Jose Berrios was dealing when he was removed from the AL Wild card game. The other factor is the Blue Jays are going to be careful with Rodriguez's usage in the final month given they want to limit his innings.
• The bullpen gave up 4 runs on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 3 over the last 6 innings. Ryan Yarbrough and Tommy Nance both retired every batter they faced. Branden Little and Chad Green were both charged with blown saves.
• Offensively, Ernie Clement hit a solo home run and later scored on a bases loaded ground out. Leo Jimenez  got a RBI the painful way, taking one for the team on a hit by pitch. Twins pitching was effectively wild with 5 walks and a hit batter. 
• The Blue Jays were 0-7 with runners in scoring position
• The Blue Jays could play spoiler in the last month of the season with series against the Braves, Mets and Cardinals in the next couple of weeks, who are all in the hunt for the 3rd WC spot, with the Braves clinging to the 3rd WC spot. They also face the Red Sox in the final week of the season and the Red Sox are clinging to the final WC spot in the AL.
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays return home for a brief 2-game home stand against the Phillies. The two teams split the 2 games in Philly way back in May with the Phillies outscoring Blue Jays 13-6. Chris Bassitt starts against Phillies righty Tyler Phillips

Game #136 - Toronto Blue Jays (66-71) @ Minnesota Twins (73-61) - game recap

 

Spencer Horwitz had a pair of hits in a 2-0 shutout loss to the Twins

After a shutout win over the Red Sox thanks to yet another outstanding start from Bowden Francis, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games. Nathan Lukes was re called from AAA-ball and Steward Berroa was optioned to AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the complete day off with Addison Barger in RF. Nathan Lukes got start in LF. Ernie Clement was at the hot cornerm Leo Jimenez was at SS and Will Wagner got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make ir 2 straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights;

• The Twins opened the scoring in the bottom of the 5th as Carlos Santana singled scoring Jose Miranda
• Four batters later, Santana scored on a sac fly by Willi Castro
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5.2IP 4H 2R (both earned) 4BB 4K 103 pitches (58 for strikes)
• Pablo Lopez pitching line: 7.2IP 6H 0R 0BB 3K 106 pitches (75 for strikes)
• Jhoan Duran threw a scoreless 9th for his 19th save of the season
• Final score: Twins 2 Bklue Jays 0

My Take:

• And the Blue Jays pitchers continue to feed off of each other's strong performances. Tonight, Kevin Gausman fired 5.2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 4 and striking out 4. Gausman retired 9 of the first 10 batters he faced before the Twins batters adjusted and started barreling up his ptches. He's going to need to have more consistent starts next year
• The bullpen gave up a walk while striking out 2 over the last 2.1innings. Zack Pop retired every batter he faced.
• Offensovely, the bats wasted another strong effort from the pitchers. The Blue Jays best chance to score was in the 5th inning when they hit back-to-back singles to start the inning. That might have been a situation where bunting to advance the runners might have produced a run.
• The Blue Jays were 0-4 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Jose Berrios starts against Twins righty Zebby Matthews

Game #40 - Minnesota Twins (24-16) @ Toronto Blue Jays (18-22) - game recap

 

Alek Manoah threw seven strong innings in a 5-1 loss to the Twins 

After pulling off a a huge comeback win yesterday to save Kevin Gausman, who was bad yesterday, the Blue Jays were going for their 2nd straight win and 5th series win of the season. Alek Manoah got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Sppringer was back in the lineup and in RF. Daniel Vogelbach served as DH. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and 5 series wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Twins opened the scoring in the top of the 7th as Carlos Santana belted a 3-run jack to right-center; also scoring Max Kepler and Alex Kirillof
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by Danny Jansen that scored Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Bailey Ober pitching line: 6.1IP 1H 0R 0BB 10K 104 pitches (67 for strikes)
• Alek Manoah pitching line: 7IP 4H 3R (none earned) 1BB 6K 78 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Twins added a pair of runs in the top of the 8th as Kepler doubled scoring Edouard Julien and Carlos Correa
• Final score: Twins 5 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Alek Manoah was excellent today, firing 7 strong innings, giving up 3 unearned runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 6. Manoah's delivery was a lot more consistent and he had much better command of his pitches. Maybe this might be the turning point in his career and not a one-off good start 
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 2 hits and a walk while striking out 3 over 2 innings. Erik Swanson was responsible for both runs, both hits and the walk. It has been a disastrous season for Swanson, who missed the first few weeks with an injury suffered in spring training. One has to wonder if he was rushed back too soon.
• The offense was almost non-existent today, after its biggest output of the season yesterday.. Through the first 6 innings, the Blue Jays had exactly one hit - a single by the red hot Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who later scored the Blue Jays only run on a sac fly by Danny Jansen
• The Blue Jays were 0-2 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays hit the road for a brief three-game series in Baltimore. The Orioles won 10 of 13 games in the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 75-40. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Orioles righty Corbin Burnes.

Game #39 - Minnesota Twins (23-16) @ Toronto Blue Jays (18-21) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was 4-4 with a run scored and 3RBI in a 10-8 come-from-behind win over the Twins

After a heartbreaking loss yesterday, the Blue Jays were trying to even the series and avoid their 6th series loss of the season. Kevin Gausman got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's loss. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 6th series loss of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Twins opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Carlos Correa singled scoring Edouard Julien
• A batter later, Alex Kirilloff singled scoring Correa and Max Kepler. Davis Schneider was charged with a fielding error on the play
• The Twins added a run in the top of the 2nd as Trevor Larnach singled scoring Carlos Santana
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Bo Bichette hammered a solo bomb to keft-center
• The Twins added 3 runs in the top of the 3rd as Santana hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Correa and Willi Castro
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho doubled scoring Davis Schneider
• A batter later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled home Varsho\
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 3IP 10H 7R (6 earned) 2BB 6K 86 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Twins added a run in the top of the 4th as Ryan Jeffers drilled a solo jack to left-center
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 5th as Schneider whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Four batters later, Danny Jansen smacked a 2-run blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Guerrero Jr.
• Simeon-Woods Richardson pitching line: 4.1IP 8H 5R (all earned) 1BB 2K 91 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom of the 7th as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Cavam Biggio and Schneider
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 7th as Ernie Clement singled scoring Danny Jansen
• A batter later, Jansen scored on a sac fly by Schneider
• Jordan Romano pitched a scoreless 9th for his 6th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 10 Twins 8

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman eas rocked tonight, giving up 7 runs (6 earned) on 10 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. It was his worst start of the season and was bad timing with Alek Manoah slated to start tomorrow. The Blue Jays are about to enter their busiest stretch of baseball with just two off-days left in May and 13 straight days of games after the off-day Thursday. It is imperative that the Blue Jays find a couple of starters capble of pitching deep in games,\
• The bullpen was excellent tonight, giving up a run on three hits while walking none and striking out 6. Erik Swanson, Yimi Garcia and Trevor Richards retired every batter they faced
• The offence was the star of the game today with their largest output of the season, hitting double digits in runs for the first time this season
• Every starter except Justin Turner had at least one hit
• The Blue Jays were 5-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 5th series win of the season. Alek Manoah starts against Twins righty Bailey Oder

Game #38 - Minnesota Twins (23-15) @ Toronto Blue Jays (17-21) - game recap

 

Yusei Kikuchi threw 8 stellar innings in a 3-2 loss to the Twins

After an off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened an abbreviated one series weekend homestand against the Minnesota Twins. The Blue Jays and Twins split the season series last year with the Twins outscoring the Blue Jays 28-26. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer got the complete day off with Cavan Biggio in RF. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. Ernie Clement got the start at the hot corner and IKF was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Twins opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Jose Miranda singled scoring Carlos Correa
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom of the 3rd as Isiah Kiner-Falefa bashed a solo jack to left-center
• The Twins retook the lead in the top of the 5th as Carlos Santana smacked a solo blast just fair to the opposite field in right
• Joe Ryan pitching line: 7IP 6H 1R (earned) 0BB 7K 104 pitches (75 for strikes)
• Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 8IP 4H 2R (both earned) 0BB 3K 97 pitches (68 for strikes)
• The Twins addded a run in the top of the 9th as Max Kepler singled home Correa
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Kiner-Falefa singled scoring Bo Bichette
• Griffin Jax got the last 3 outs for his 5th save of the season
• Final score: Twins 3 Blue Jays 2

My Take

•  Yusei Kikuchi was excellent tonight and may have had his best start in a Blue Jays uniform, firing 8 innings, allowing a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking none and striking out 3. After giving up a run on three straight hits in the 1st inning, Kikuchi retired 11 straight before giving up a leadoff homerun in the 5th and 23 of the next 24 batters he faced. He was stellar from the get go and could be an early candidate to rep the Blue Jays at the all-star game.
• The bullpen, on the otther hand gave up a costly insurance run in the 9th that was the difference in the game. It has been an achilles heel for the Blue Jays after being an asset for the last couple of seasons. Injuries to Erik Swanson, who hasn't looked good at all since returning from that injury, and Jordan Romano, who has also not been too sharp, but that could be from lack of consistent work. The lefties haven't consistently been able to get out left-handed batters. It will be interesting to see if Aaron Sanchez pans out. The Blue Jays are stretching him out to be a starter, but he has had bullpen success too.
• The offence continues to be anemic and lack the ability to strike at key times. Yes, they did get a run back in the 9th inning, but they could not tie it up. The top 5 hitters in the lineup were a combined 2-15. Vlad had a pair of hits and Davis Schneider drew a walk. The other Schneider, manager John Schneider needs to start setting his lineup based on who is hot and who is not. Players should be earning their playing time, not having it handed to them. For example, why not bat Vlad cleanup tomorrow since he now has hits in 10 of his last 11 games
• I don't foresee anyone getting fired until the next off-day Thursday. You want to give the new manager, likely to be an interim from within the organization, to have a fresh series to work with. Quite frankly, Ross Atkins needs to go first
• It would seem the 2-year renovation project had the unintended consequence of being to the Blue Jays' offence's disadvantage, but hey, fans have cup holders and more comfy seats. There is also still loonie dog day to offset the exorbitant price of food every other day.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 6th series loss of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Twins righty and ex-Blue Jays prospect Simeon Woods-Richardson

Wild Card series 2023 game #2 - Tornto Blue Jays (0-2) @ Minnesota Twins (2-0) - game recap.

 

Jose Berrios allowed one run in three innings in a 2-0 shutout loss to the Twins The Blue Jays playff game losing streak extended to 6 games with today's loss

After dropping the first game of the wild card series that snapped an 18 game playoff losing skid, the Blue Jays were looking to snap their own 5- game playoff skid. The exact same lineup as yesterday, except Jose Berrios was on the bump. Could the Blue Jays even the wild card series and snap the 5-game losing streak in playoff games? Here is today's game recap. 

Wild Card series 2023 game #1 - Tornto Blue Jays (0-1) @ Minnesota Twins (1-0) - game recap.

 

Kevin Kiermaier drove in the only run for the Blue Jays in a 3-run loss to the Twins

After 162 games, the Blue Jays begin their 2023 postseason run after barely nabbing a playoff spot thanks to the Mariners losing to the Rangers in game 161.The fact that the Blue Jays had to rely on another team to clinch a playoff berth says a lot about how the season went. Pitching is perhaps the teams greatest strength and this series and the playoffs success/failure will be dictated by an offence that struggled mightily for much of the seasonwith driving in runners in scoring position.The Blue Jays sacrificed offence for defense with off-season trades of Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Teoscar Hernandez for Daulton Varsho and Erik Swanson. They also signed Kevin Kiermaier, who came up with several big plays in CF this season. The Blue Jays will be a bit weaker at the catcher position with Danny Jansen not ready to play after breaking his hand. He may be able to return should the Blue Jays advance as far as the ALCS or perhaps the world series. They say defense (and pitching) wins championships - we're about to find out how true that is with the Blue Jays trotting out a very strong quadrant of starters that starts with ace Kevin Gausman, who should get some Cy Young votes to Yusei Kikuchi, who had a rebound season after a disastrous 2022 season.

The Blue Jays will face the Minnesota Twins, the  winners of the AL Central. The Blue Jays and the Twins split the 6 games in the season series with the Twins outscoring the Blue Jays 28-26. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejsandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was in his traditional leadoff spot and in RF. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Vladdy was at 1B, Cavan Biggio got the start at 2B, Bo Bichette was at SS and Matt Chapman was at the hot corned. Brandon Belt served as DH.  We will soon see if this talented lineup can snap the five game playoff losing streak that dates back to 2016. The Twins have not won in 18 playoff games dating back to 2004. Someone's drought will be snapped and the other team will have to wait at least a day to snap the skid. Could the Blue Jays snap their five game playoff skid?  Here is today's game recap

Game #67- Minnesota Twins (33-33) @ Toronto Blue Jays (37-30) - game recap

 

Cavan Biggio hit a clutch 3-run HR in a 7-6 come-from behind win over the Twins

After the bullpen imploded yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the 2-game skid and avoid being swept for the 4th time this season. Thomas Hatch was recalled from AAA-ball  and Bowden Francis was sent back to AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Cavan Biggio at 1B. Nathan Lukes was in LF. Whit Merrifield was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays end the week and homestand on a winning note while avoiding being swept for the 4th time? Here is today's game recap.