-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.

Game #66- Minnesota Twins (33-32) @ Toronto Blue Jays (36-30) - game recap

 

Whit Merrifield scored a run and drove in a run in a losing effort as the Twins came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 9-4

After a tough extra innings loss yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to even the weekend series with the Twins. It was a bullpen day with Alek Manoah down in Florida trying to work out his pitching issues. Trevor Richards got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the lineup and in RF after the complete day off yesterday. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Whit Merrifield was in LF. Could the Blue Jays even the weekend series? Here is today's game recap. 

Game #54 - Toronto Blue Jays (28-26) @ Minnesota Twins (27-26) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk drove in a pair in a 3-0 shutout win over the Twins

After another tough loss on a late game rally that came up short, the Blue Jays were looking to end the week and road trip on a winning note and note their 10th series win of the season. Jose Berrios got the start with Ajandro Kirk behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Whit Merrifield was in LF. Cavan Biggio was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays end the week and road trip with a win and notch their 10th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game #53 - Toronto Blue Jays (27-26) @ Minnesota Twins (27-25) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette was a double short of the cycle, driving in 4 runs and scoring once in a losing effort as the Twins came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 9-7

After a much-needed win yesterday, the Blue Jays were going for their 10th series win. Chris Bassitt got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (Brandon Belt DH'd today). Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to two games and notch their 10th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game #108- Toronto Blue Jays (60-48) @ Minnesota Twins (57-51) - game recap

Cavan Biggio drove in a run and scored a run in a 3-2 extra innings win over the Twins. Vladimir Guerrero extended his hitting streak to 18 games with a 6th inning single.

After a costly loss to the Twins where Tim Mayza dislocated his right (thankfully non-throwing) shoulder diving to make a play on a sac bunt, the Blue Jays were looking to split the 4-game series and remain .500 on the road trip. Mayza was placed on the 15-day IL, but will likely be out longer than that. Trent Thornton was recalled in his place, leaving the Blue Jays with no lefties in their bullpen after Anthony Banda cleared waivers and elected free agency. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off with Cavan Biggio at 1B. Santiago Espinal was at 2B. Raimel Tapia got the start in CF. Could the Blue Jays earn the series split? Here is today's game recap.

Game #107- Toronto Blue Jays (59-48) @ Minnesota Twins (57-50) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette drove in all three runs for the Blue Jays in a 7-3 loss to the Twins

After dropping yesterday's game in extra innings, the Blue Jays were looking to take the lead in the series. Mitch White was recalled from the AAA-ball to make his Blue Jays debut. Trent Thornton was optioned to AAA-ball. George Springer was placed on the 10-day IL, retroactive to August 5, with right elbow inflammation. Infielder Joel Otto was recalled to take his spot on the roster. Danny Jansen was behind the plate, Cavan Biggio was at 2B and Alejandro Kirk served as DH. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Could the Blue Jays take the lead in the series and set up a rubber match for the season series win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #106- Toronto Blue Jays (59-47) @ Minnesota Twins (56-50) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended his hitting streak to 16 games wiith a 2-run HR in a 6-5 extra innings loss to the Twins

After a huge win after scoring 9 runs over the final half of the game, the Blue Jays were looking for their second straight win over the Twins and overall. Ace Jose Berrios faced his former team for the first time since his trade deadline acquisition from the Twins a year ago and was looking for his 3rd win over his former team. Danny Jansen was behind the plate. George Springer was out of the lineup for the 4th time in 5 games with an elbow injury. One wonders if he's going to be heading for an IL stint soon. Merrifield was in CF for the second straight game and batted leadoff today. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. got the half day off as DH with Raimel Tapia in LF. Santiago Espinal was back at 2B after the day off yesterday. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #105- Toronto Blue Jays (59-46) @ Minnesota Twins (55-50) - game recap

  

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. drove in a pair and scored a pair in a 9-3 come-from-behind win over the Twins

After dropping the last game of the mini series against the Rays, the Blue Jays were looking to start the series that began in Minnesota tonight with a win. The Twins took 2/3 in Toronto back on June 3-5, but the Blue Jays outscored the Twins 21-20 in that series. Whit Merrifield (apparently newly vaxxed against COVID-19) made his Blue Jays debut tonight in CF. Righty relivers Anthony Bass and Zach Pop were also active tonight and in the bullpen. Catcher Zach Collins, righty Matt Peacock and lefty Matt Gage were all optioned back to AAA-ball in the corresponding moves. George Springer returned to the lineup as DH after missing the last 3 games with a sore elbow. Alek Manoah got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Cavan Biggio was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend series with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.