Game #119 - Toronto Blue Jays (56-63) @ Philadelphia Phillies (63-56) - game recap

 

-Andres Gimenez drove in a pair of runs in a 7-6 extra innings, come-from-behind loss to the Phillies

After another extra innings triumph on the strength of a 2-run HR off the bat of Nathan Lukes, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games, complete their 2nd sweep and notch their 8th season series win of the season. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH with Kazuma Okamoto at 1B. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. Josh Smith was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games, complete their 2nd sweep and notch their 8th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Phillies opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Kyle Schwarber whacked a 3-run HR to the opposite field in left-center; also scoring Alec Bohm and Justin Crawford
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 4th as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th as Brett Bateman singled scoring Myles Straw
• The Phillies added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Schwarber hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in right
• The Phillies added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Bohm singled scoring Bryson Stott
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 5.2IP 6H 5R (all earned) 3BB 4K 97 pitches (52 for strikes)
• Jesus Luzardo pitching line: 7IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 12K 100 pitches (70 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one  back in the top of the 8th as Ernie Clement doubled scoring Alejandro Kirk
• A batter later, Andres Gimenez singled scoring Kazuma Okamoto and Clement
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 12th as Lukes scored on a double play ball hit by Jesus Sanchez 
• The Phillies tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Stott singled scoring Arraez
• Three batters later, Derek Hill singled home JT Realmuto
• Final score: Philies 7 Blue Jays 6 (12 innings)

My Take:

• Shane Bieber battled through 5.2 innings, giving up 5 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4. He retired 6 of the first 7 batters he faced before Kyle Schwarber took him deep for the first of two times on the day. Not his best start, but not his worst start either
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on4 hits while walking 8 and striking out 5 over the last 5.2 innings. Spencer Miles was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced.
• Offensively, Andres Gimenez came up with a clutch 2-run single to tie the game at 5, Brett Bateman knocked in a run for his first career RBI and Nathan Lukes gave the Blue Jays a brief lead in the 12th, scampering home on a double play ball a day after heroically going deep in extra innings.
• The Blue Jays were 6-2 on ABS challenges with Alejandro Kirk successfully overturning 4 balls into strikes for his pitchers. Bryce Harper was unsuccessful on the Phillies only ABS challenge of the day
• The Blue Jays were 5-15 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays return home to take on the Boston Red Sox. The Blue Jays have won 6 of the first 9 games of the season series, outscoring the Red Six 35-22. Jameson Taillon starts againstt Red Sox righty Sonny Gray.

Game #118 - Toronto Blue Jays (56-62) @ Philadelphia Phillies (62-56) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes hit a go-ahead 2- run HR in the iith inning of a 7-5 extra innings comback win over the Phillies

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After hanging on for a huge win on the strength of two sac flies by Alejandro Kirk and a solo home run off the bat of Josh Smith, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win of the season. Max Scherzer got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Vlad was back in the lineup after missing a few games with a sore hamstring. George Springer was a late scratch due to a sore left shoulder so Jesus Sanchez served as DH and Myles Straw was in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and notch their 16th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. whacked a solo blast to left
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Myles Straw
• Aaron Nola pitching line: 5IP 6H 2R (both earned) 2BB 6K 97 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Phillies got one back in the bottom of the 6th as Trea Turner whacked a solo blast to left-center
• A batter later, Bryce Harper belted a solo jack to right-center
• Three batters later, Luis Arraez scored on a sac fly by Brandon Marsh 
• A batter later, Justin Crawford tripled scoring Bryson Stott
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 5.1IP 5H 2R (both earned) 0BB 4K 84 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 8th as Andres Gimenez doubled scoring Guerrero Jr. and George Springer
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 10th on a sac fly by Gimenez that scored Brett Bateman
• The Phillies tied it in the bottom half of the inning on a asac fly by Arraez that scored Turner
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 11th as Nathan Lukes smashed a 2-run blast to right-center; also scoring Brandon Valenzuela
• Lazaro Estrada threw a perfect 9th for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 7 Phillies 5 (11 innings)

My Take:

• Max Scherzer fired 5.1 solid innings, giving up a pair of runs on 5 hits while walking none and striking out 5. He is now in the top 10 in career strikeouts after he struck out Kyle Schwarber in the 6th inning. He is showing he still has a bit left in the tank. If my math is correct, he is 1.1 innings from pitching 3000 career innings. Barring injury or a disastrous start, he'll reach that milestone next start against Boston on Thursday.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3 over the last 5.2 innings. Spencer Miles, who has been a better reliever than starter this season, had a rare bad night coming out of the bullpen, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits before he could get out of the 6th inning. Louis Varland got the win. Lazaro Estrada was the only reliever to retire every batter he faced
• Offensively, Vlad (2 runs scored, 2RBI, including a solo HR), Andres Gimenez (3RBI) and Nathan Lukes (11th inning go-ahead 2-run HR) led the way. It was great to see Vlad finally come through at the plate. Love him or detest that contract of his, Guerrero Jr. will be a key cog in the lineup for the next decade.
• Lots of ABS challenges in this one. The Blue Jays were 5-1 on ABS challenges and the Phillies were 4-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 4-14 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games, complete their 2nd sweep of the season and notch their 8th season series sweep of the season. Shane Bieber starts against Phillies lefty Jesus Luzardo

Game #117 - Toronto Blue Jays (55-62) @ Philadelphia Phillies (62-55) - game recap

 

Josh Smith scored three times, including his first HR as a Blue Jay as the Blue Jays hung on to edge the Phillies 5-4

After dropping yesterday's make-up game in Chicago due to an awful day for the offense, that was a dreadful 1-19 with runners in scoring position, the Blue Jays continued the road trip in Philadelphia. The  Phillies took the series in Toronto 2 months ago, outscoring the Blue Jays 14-9. Luis Urias was placed on the 100-day IL with a right quad strain. Outfielder Rudy Martin Jr. was DFA'd and outfielder Brett Bateman was selected to the MLB roster (and got the start in CF). Jose Soriano got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Jesus Sanchez was in LF. Josh Smith was at the hot corner and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Andres Gimenez whacked a solo blast to right
• The Phillies tied it in the bottom half of the inning as JT Realmuto singled scoring Brandon Marsh. Jesus Sanchez was charged with a fieldig error on the play
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 3rd on a sac fly by Alejandro Kirk that scored Brett Bateman
• The Phillies tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Bryce Harper singled scoring Kyle Schwarber
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 4th as Nathan Lukes singled scoring Josh Smith
• Jose Soriano piching line: 4.2IP 4H 2R (1 earned) 3BB 3K 94 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added run in the top of the 6th on a sac fly by Kirk that scored Smith
• Zack Wheeler pitching line: 5.1IP 7H 4R (all earned) 5BB 6K 116 pitches (72 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Smith belted a solo jack to right-center
• The Phillies got one back in the bottom of the 9th on a fielder's choice hit by Trea Turner that scored Bryson Stott
• A batter later, Harper singled home Justin Crawford
• Tyler Rogers got the last 3 outs for his 4th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Phillies 4

My Take:

• Jose Soriano battled through 4.2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3. Soriano retired the first 5 batters he faced before the Phillies started getting to him. He fell an out shy of qualifying for his first win in a Blue Jays uniform. He'll be a part of the rotation whenever baseball starts in 2027.
• The bullpen had mixed results. Matt Waldron and Mason Fluharty retired every batter they faced. Lazaro Estraded, credited with the win, walked a couple of batters but gave the Blue Jays 4 outs. Brendon Little also walked a couple of batters and had fans biting their nails.Then there was Tyler Rogers, who nearly blew a 3-run lead and it took a review to confirm the last out on a bang-bang play at 1st when Kazuma Okamoto made the decision to go after the ground ball when he should have been retreating to 1st base. Rogers isn't likely available tomorrow after throwing nestly 30 pitches. Somewhere, Jeff Hoffman is watching a replay of the 9th inning and having a chuckle now that he can't be blamed for blowing a save in Toronto anymore - at least not in a Blue Jays uniform.
• Offensively, Alejandro Kirk had a pair of sac flies, Josh Smith scored three times amd went deep for his first HR in a Blue Jays uniform, and, making his big league debut, Brett Bateman misse his first career HR by inches in the first pitch he saw in the majors.
• Alejandro Kirk was 1-2 on ABS challenges and the Phillies were an impressive 4-1 on ABS challenges.
• The Blue Jays were 2-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the winning streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Phillies righty Aaron Nola

Game #69 - Philadelphia Phillies (37-31) @ Toronto Blue Jays (33-36) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement scored a run and drove in a run in a 7-4 loss to the Phillies

After a walk off win thanks to some smart baseball and a clutch hit from Brandon Valenzuela, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 10th series win of the season. Max Scherzer was activated off the 15-day IL and Connor Seabold was DFA'd. Scherzer got the start with Valenzuela behind the plate. Yohendrick Pinago was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (George Springer served as DH today). Ernie Clement was at SS and Charles McAdoo got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 10th series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• Max Scherzer notched his 3500th career strikeout in the top of the 1st. 
• Two batters later, Bryce Harper whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in left and into the Blue Jays bullpen to open the scoring. 
• The Phillies added 3 runs in the top of the 3rd as Alec Bohm drilled a 3-run blast to left-center; also scoring Kyle Schwarber and Harper 
• The Phillies added a pair of runs in the top of the 4th as Schwarber belted a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Justin Crawford
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 3.1IP 5H 5R (all earned) 3BB 4K 82 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the botttom of the 6th as Brandon Valenzuela singled scoring Ernie Clement. Phillies 3B Adolis Garcia was charged with a throwing error on the play
• Jesus Luzardo pitching line: 5.2IP 4H 1R (earned) 4BB 8K 96 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Phillies added a run in the top of the 7th as Bryson Stott singled scoring Harper
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a bases loaded walk to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that forced in Myles Straw
• A batter later, Nathan Lukes scored on a sac fly by Clement
• A batter after that, George Springer scored on a sac fly Kazuma Okamoto
• Jhoan Duran threw a scoreless 9th for his 17th save of the season
• Final score: Phillies 7 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Max Scherzer was lit up for 5 runs on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4 over 3.1 innings. He started out by finally collecting his 3500th career strikeouts. However, he was quite inefficient and just not locating his pitches. The Phillies took him deep twice for 4 runs. At 41 years old, Scherzer is significantly less effective than he was last year when he did a decent job in the second half of the season. I think he'll get at least one more start and a shot at moving into the top 10 in career strikeouts (he's just 6 strikeouts shy of tying Walter Johnson, who had 3509 career strikeouts) since Shane Bieber will need 2-3 more rehab starts before he's ready to join the rotation. At the very least, he can be a good mentor for some of the young pitchers on the staff and rookie catcher Brandon Valenzuela 
• The bullpen gave up 2 runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5 over the last 5.2 innings. Spencer Miles retired every batter he faced.
• The offence rallied for 3 runs in the 7th on a bases loaded walk and a pair of sac flies and Brandon Valenzuela singled home a run. The veterans were a tad more productive today with Vlad and George Springer both getting on base 3 times via a pair of walks and a hit, but they need to do more
• Every Blue Jays starter except Yohendrick Pinago and Charles McAdoo reached base at least one and all but Pinago, McAdoo and Kazuma Okamoto had a hit
• Phillies catcher JT Realmuto succesfully overturned the only 2 ABS challenges on the day
• The Blue Jays were 1-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays continue the home stand as they welcome the Yankees to town. The two teams split the 4 games in NY last month with the Blue Jays outscoring the Yankees 14-13. The Yankees will start lefty  Ryan Weathers. The Blue Jays haven't set their rotation for the series yet.

Game #68 - Philadelphia Phillies (36-31) @ Toronto Blue Jays (33-35) - game recap

 

Brandon Valenzuela drove in the winning run in a 3-2 comeback walk-off win over the Phillies

After a loss yesterday due to Patrick Corbin imploding, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and avoid their 9th series loss of the season. Dylan Cease was activated from the 15-day IL (and got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate) and Adam Macko was optioned to AAA-ball. George Springer got the full day off with Vlad getting the half day off as DH and  Chatles McAdoo at 1B. Jesus Sanchez was in LF, Nathan Lukes was in CF and Yohendrick Pinago was in RF. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 9th series loss of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Phillies opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Brandon Marsh doubled scoring Trea Turner
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 6th as Jesus Sanchez belted a solo jack to right-center
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 6IP 3H 1R (earned) 1BB 11K 93 pitches (60 for strikes)
• Zack Wheeler pitching line: 6IP 6H 1R (earned) 0BB 5K 96 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Phillies took the lead in the top of the 9th as Bryson Stott doubled scoring Bryce Harper 
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning on a wild pitch by Jhoan Duran that scored Myles Straw
• Same batter, Brandon Valenzuela singled scoring Daulton Varsho
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 Phillies 2

My Take:

• Dylan Cease fired 6 strong innings, giving up a run on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 11. He had out streaks of 7 and 8 batters. Cease has been the Blue Jays best starting pitcher and a great off-season signing by Ross Atkins. He should be considered for the all-star game.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 2 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4 over the last 3 innings. It's amazing how often a leadoff walk comes back to bite a pitcher in the ass. Louis Varland, who should not only be an all-star, he should be the reliever of the year, walked Bryce Harper on 4 pitches to start the 9th, saw him score when Bryson Stott lined a double opposite field. Sometimes you just have to tip your cap to a nice swing on a solid pitch. Mason Fluharty retired every batter he faced
• The offense came through when it mattered with a 2-run rally in the 9th. Brandon Valenzuela will only get credited for one RBI, but he played a huge role in Myles Straw scoring on the wild pitch to tie the game by waving the pinch runner home. Jesus Sanchez took starter Zack Wheeler deep for the other Blue Jays run on the day. Vlad hit leadoff and the move didn't really work with him going 1-4 on the day.
• Harper was successful on the Phillies only ABS challenge while the Blue Jays were 1-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 1-3 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 10th series win of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Phillies lefty Jesus Luzardo

Game #67 - Philadelphia Phillies (36-30) @ Toronto Blue Jays (32-35) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement hit a solo HR in a 5-2 loss to the Phillies

After a huge win thanks to a 5- run 6th inning rally yesterday, the Blue Jays continued the homestand as they welcomed the Phillies to town. The Phillies won the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 32-20. Tommy Nance was activated off the IL and Yariel Rodriguez was DFA'd. Patrick Corbin got the start with  Tyler Heineman behind the plate. Yohendrick Pinango was in LF and Nathan Lukes was in RF

Game Highlights:

• The Phillies opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Adolis Garcia whacked a 2-run blast to left-center; also scoring Bryson Stott
• The Phillies added a run in the top of the 3rd as Alec Bohm singled scoring Trea Turner
• A batter later, JT Realmuto singled scoring Bryce Harper 
• A batter after that, Brandon Marsh scored on a bases loaded walk to Stott
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a ground out hit by Yohendrick Pinago that scored Myles Straw
• Patrick Corbin pitching line: 3IP 4H 5R (all earned) 4BB 3K 79 pitches (44 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays  got one back in the bottom of the 5th as Ernie Clement whacked a solo blast to left-center
• Christopher Sanchez pitching line: 7IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 10K 107 pitches (75 for strikes)
• Jhoan Duran threw a scoreles 9th for his 16th save of the season
• Final score: Phillies 5 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Patrick Corbin was lit up for 5 runs on 5 hits while walking 4 and striking out 3 over 3 innings. This is likely his last appearance in a Blue Jays uniforn with Dylan Cease and Max Scherzer both coming off the IL the next 2 days. Corbin did a nice job overall filling in when the Blue Jays were razor thin in the rotation with Jose Berrios, Cody Ponce, Scherzer and Cease all on the IL simultaneously at one point. The Blue Jays won't carry more than 6 starters in the rotation at a time and the bullpen has some long man options in SWR and Spencer Miles.
• The bullpen threw 6 scoreless innings, giving up 3 hits, walking 1 and striking out 5. SWR looked fantastic in his Blue Jays debut (I bet the team was secretly hoping he would crash and burn to give them an easier DFA when they need to open a roster spot. Management is going to have some very difficult choices to make in the coming days as the injured players come back. Maybe there's a reliever, like Trevor Hoffman, who might be playing through an injury they can put on the IL, though he could be DFA'd. Maybe Scherzer retitres if his physical issues creep up again this week. Or the team could option a player who has options left.
• Yohendrick Pinago, another player likely to be optioned, had a very up and down day. He flubbed a fly ball in LF that he should have caught in the 1st inning, knocked in the Blue Jays 1st run in the 3rd inning on a productive ground out and legged out a double into a triple after that liner was misplayed by Adolis Garcia. Ernie Clement went deep in the 5th inning for the Blue Jays other run 
• George Springer and Vlad were a combined 0-8 with 5 strikeouts - not good enough. Vlad takes the most heat being the team's top paid player, getting what Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge are making but not giving the team the same bang fot the buck. He is still at 3 home runs on the season and all on the road. He'll likely be voted in as an all-star because the starting lineup amounts to a popularity contest at times. Springer isn't much better, barely hitting above the Mendoza line of .200. His resurgance from last season did not continue into this season.
• Tyler Heineman started what could be his last game in a Blue Jays uniform with Alejandro Kirk expected to come off the IL against the Yankees Friday. He was 0-2 today at the plate and did not attempt any ABS challenges. Simply put, rookie catcher Brandon Valenzuela has outplayed him and forced his way to the backup role behind Alejandro Kirk.
• The Phillies were 2-1 on ABS challenges and the Blue Jays did not attempt any ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 0-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 9th series loss of the season. Dylan Cease starts against Phillies righty Zack Wheeler.

Game #71 Toronto Blue Jays (38-33) @ Philadelphia Phillies (42-29) - game recap

 

Ernie Clement scored twice and extended his hitting streak to 7 games in an 11-4 loss to the Phillies

After a heartbreaking loss due to an 8th-inning home run given up by Chad Green, the Blue Jays were trying to snap the 2-game skid, avoid being swept for the 4th time this season and end the road trip on a winning note. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Bo Bichette got the half day off as DH with Ernie Clement at SS. George Springer got the complete day off with Will Robertson in RF and making his big league debut. Alan Roden was in LF and Jonatan Clase was in CF.  Could the Blue Jays snap the 2 game skid and avoid being swept for the 4th time this season and end the road trip on a winning note? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Phillires opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Kyle Schwarber singled scoring Trea Turner
• The Phillies added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Alec Bohm singled scoring Otto Kemp
• The Phillies added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 4th as Kemp singled home Max Kepler and JT Realmuto
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th on a sac fly Alan Roden that scored Andres Gimenez
• Three batters later, Jonatan Clase singled scoring Ernie Clement. Zach Wheeler was charged with a throwing error on the play
• The Phillies got a pair back in the bottom of the 5th as Bohm drilled a 2-run bomb to left; also scoring Schwarber
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 4.2IP 9H 6R (all earned) 1BB 5K 88 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Phillies added 4 runs in the bottom of the 6th as Nick Castellanos whacked a grand slam to left; also scoring Kemp, Schwarber and Bohm
• Zack Wheeler pitching line: 6IP 4H 2R (1 earned) 0BB 9K 94 pitches (61 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 7th as Will Robertson singled scoring Clement
• Two batters later, Bo Bichette singled scoring Roden
• The Philles added a run in the bottom half of the inning on a fielder's choice on a ball hit by Schwarber that scored Kemp
• Final score: Phillies 11 Blue Jay 4 

My Take:

• Jose Berrios battled through 4.2 innings, giving up 6 runs on 9 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. He was battling in and out of jams in all but the 2nd inning. Berrios obviously did not have his best stuff today, but there has been so much pressure on him, Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt to pitch well and deep into games with an ineffective Bowden Francis and bullpen days in the other two rotation spots. It is simply not feasible nor fair to expect these three veteran starters to be at their best every start.
• The bullpen gave up 7 runs on 5 hits while walking 4 and striking out 1 over 3.1 innings. Not sure where Eric Swanson fits in this bullpen. In a low-leverage situation, Swanson gave up a grand slam, and needed 27 pitches to record 2 outs. There's no way he can be trusted in a high-leverage situation at this point. Is he even healthy? Also, is Spencer Turnbull going to be a viable option on the bullpen day? He needed 51 pitches to get 7 outs. Unfortunately, Max Scherzer still has at least one more tehab start before he may be ready to return. His velocity was low-90s Saturday and dropped a few MPH by the time his first rehab appearance was done. The good thing is Scherzer hit the magic 50-pitch plateau where his thumb has been barking and apparently came out of it with just normal soreness.
• Offensively, Ernie Clement continued to swing a hot stick, extending his hitting streak to 7 games and collecting 3 hits in the game. Will Robertson got his first big league hit in his big league debut
• Despite the score, every Blue Jays starter but Vlad and Alejandro Kirk reached base and all but Kirk, Vlad and Addison Barger had a hit
• The Blue Jays were 3-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays start a week long homestand as the Diamondbacks come to town. The Diamondbacks won the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 24-13. Chris Bassitt starts against Diamondbacks righty Brandon Pfaadt

Game #70 Toronto Blue Jays (38-32) @ Philadelphia Phillies (41-29) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in a run in a losing effort as the Phillies came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 3-2

After a brutal shutout loss thanks to a lackluster offence and a rough start from Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Bowden Francis got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. George Springer was in RF after DH'ing yesterday (Alejandro Kirk served as DH today). Jonatan Clase was in LF. Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 9th series loss? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Myles Straw singled scoring Ernie Clement
• The Phillies tied it in the bottom of the 3rd on a bases loaded walk to Bryson Stott that forced in Nick Castellanos
• A batter later, Otto Kemp was hit by a pitch to force in Max Kepler
• Bowden Francis pitching line: 3.2IP1H 2R (both earned) 3BB 4K 74 pitches (41 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 5th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Bo Bichette
• The Phillies took the lead in the bottom of the 8th as Kepler whacked a solo blast to right
• Mattt Strahm pitched a perfect 9th for his 3rd save of the season
• Final score: Phillies 3 Blue Jays 2

My Take:-

• Bowden Francis battled through 3.2 innings, giving up a pair of runs on a hit while walking 3 and striking out 4. Command was a big issue and that made this start very inefficient. Francis needs a reset. The Blue Jays might want to check him out physically or give him an IL stint just to give him a break and let him work through things. A certain Blue Jays hall of famer, Roy Halladay, was sent all the way back to single-A, where he reworked his delivery, and ended up throwing a perfect game in 2010, winning 2 Cy Young awards and making the all-star team eight times. Francis might need something similar, but running him out every 5 days is not helping him work through the issues he is battling, whether it be mechanical, physical or both. Plus it's forcing the bullpen to pitch even more when the Blue Jays are having bullpen days in Max Scherzer's rotation spot.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 over the last 4.1innings. Chad Green was tagged with the loss after Max Kepler took him deep. Home runs have been a big problem for Green, who has now allowed 9 this season in 30 appearances, so pretty much one every three appearances. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced.
• Offensively, Myles Straw and Vladdy both drove in a run. Guerrero Jr. has certainly not lived up to his 500 million deal that will kick in next season. 8HR and 30ish RBI won't cut it. He needs to be closer to his 2021 season, where he finished 2nd in AL MVP voting with 48HR and 111RBI. 
• The Blue Jays were 1-4 with runners in scoring position. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2-game skid, avoid being swept for the 3rd time this season and end the road trip with a win. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Phillies righty Zach Wheeler.

Game #69 Toronto Blue Jays (38-31) @ Philadelphia Phillies (40-29) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk had a pair of hits in an 8-0 shutout loss to the Phillies

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays continued the road trip in Philadelphia. The Blue Jays won  of 3 in Toronto a week ago, outscoring the Phillies 14-10. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirke behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Davis Schneider in LF and Addison Barger in RF. Andres Gimenez was back in the lineup at 2B after the complete day off Wednesday. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Phillies opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Brandon Marsh doubled scoring JT Realmuto. Otto Kemp was thrown out at home on the play
• Two batters later, Kyle Schwarber hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Marsh and Trea Turner
• The Philles added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Kemp singled scoring Realmuto
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5IP 4H 4R (all earned) 4BB 7K 95 pitches (56 for strikes)
• Ranger Suarez pitching line: 7IP 4H 0R 1BB 9K 94 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Phillies added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Reamuto doubled scoring Max Kepler
• Three batters later, Realmuto scored on a sac fly by Marsh
• A batter later, Turner singled scoring Bryce Stott
• Final score: Phillies 8 Blue Jays 0

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits while walking 4 and striking out 7. After a rough 1st two innings, Gausman settled down and retired 9 in a a row to end his start. Not a real efficient game, and the Blue Jays needed length from him with a struggling Bowden Francis on the bump tomorrow.
• The bullpen gave up 4 runs on 6 hits and a walk while striking out 3 over the last a3 innings. Eric Swanson was charged with 3 of the runs. He has definitely declined since he started with the Blue Jays. His injury problems the lsst couple of years are a major factor
• Offensively, Alejandro Kirk, Ernie Clement and Davis Schneider all reached base multiple times. 
• The Blue Jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Bowden Francis starts against Phillies lefty Cristopher Sanchez

Game #62 Philadelphia Phillies (37-25) @ Toronto Blue Jays (33-29) - game recap

 

Myles Straw drove in three runs and scored twice in a 9-1 rout over the Phillies

After a walk off win over the Phillies thanks to Alejandro Kirk's RBI single off old battery mate Jordan Romano,  the Blue Jays were looking to make it two straight wins and notch their 9th series win of the season.  Chris Bassitt got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field in RF after DH'ig yesterday (Alejandro Kirk served as DH today.) Jonatan Clase was in LF and Myles Straw was in CF. Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Myles Straw doubled scoring Davis Schneider 
• Two batters later, Tyler Heineman doubled home Straw
• A batter batter,  Bo Bichette hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Heineman 
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Straw singled scoring Alejandro Kirk and Ernie Clement
• Two batters, Heineman singled scoring Schneider and Straw 
• Jesus Luzardo pitching line: 3.2IP 9H 8R (all earned) 2BB 2K 61 pitches (38 for strikes)
• The Phillies got one back in the top of the 6th as Kyle Schwarber singled scoring Trea Turner
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Kirk singled scoring George Springer
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 7IP 5H 1R (earned) 2BB 6K 99 pitches (62 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 9 Phillies 1

My Take:

• Chris Bassit threw 7 strong innings, giving up a run on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. He retired 9 of the first 11 batters he faced. Bassitt has been one of the pleasant surprises this season. The wily veteran has given the Blue Jays a chance to win in most of his starts and has pitched into the 6th inning in 10 of his 12 starts. No doubt he'll have teams looking to add the veteran starter in free agency in the off-season.
• The bullpen threw 2 perfect innings and Mason Fluharty recorded 2 strikeouts.
• The offense did most of the damage in the 2nd and 3rd innings, combining for 8 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks. Bo Bichette (2-run HR), Myles Straw (3RBI, 2 runs scored) and Tyler Heineman (3RBI, 1 run scored) did the damage
• The Blue Jays have been doing well against lefty starters, something that has been an achilles heel in past seasons
• The Blue Jays were 5-8 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays hit the road again as they begin a weekend series in Minnesota. The Twins won the season series last year, but the Blue Jays outscored the Twins 31-22. It will be a bullpen day for the Blue Jays, who have not announced an opener yet. The Twins will counter with righty Bailey Ober.

Game #61 Philadelphia Phillies (37-24) @ Toronto Blue Jays (32-29) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk hit a walkoff single in the bottom of the 9th to lift the Blue Jays to a 2-1 comeback win over the Phillies

After a tough loss due to a very rough start for Bowden Francis, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Ace Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Alan Roden was in LF, Jonatan Clase was in CF and Nathan Lukes was in RF. Addison Barger got the start at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays even the series? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Phillies opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Nick Castellanos whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom of the 6th as Bo Bichette tripled scoring Andres Gimenez
• Mick Abel pitching line: 5.1IP 3H 1R (earned) 0BB 2K 78 pitches (52 for strikes)
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 2BB 5K 89 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays walked it off in the bottom of the 9th as Alejandro Kirk singled home Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Phillies 1 while walking 2 and striking out 5. 

My Take:

• Jose Berrios fired 6 solid innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while  while walking 2 and striking out 5. The most important stat was that he was able to ge through 6 innings. Bowden Francis got only 5 outs yesterday and the Blue Jays will need another bullpen day later in the week with the vacant 5th spot in the rotation coming up.
• The bullpen threw 3 shutout innings, allowing 1 hit, walking none and striking out 3. Jeff Homan was credited with the win
• The offense did just enough to prevail. Bo Bichette drove in a run with a triple and Alejandro Kirk walked it off against old battery mate Jordan Romano. 
• The Blue Jays were 2-5 with runners in scoring position
• They definitely need another starting pitcher and a bat that can produce consistently
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 9th series win of the season. Chris Bassitt starts against Phillies lefty Jesus Luzardo

Game #60 Philadelphia Phillies (37-23) @ Toronto Blue Jays (31-29) - game recap

 

Addison Barger homered for the 4th consecutive game in a 8-3 loss to the Phillies

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays continued the homestand as the Phillies came to town. The Phillies took the season series 3-1 last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 27-17. Andre Gimenez came off the 10-day IL and got the start at 2B and Tyler Heineman was reinstated from the 7-day concussion IL and was available off the bench. Michael Stefanic and Ali Sanchez were both DFA'd. Bowden Francis got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after a half day off as DH on Sunday. George Springer got the half day off as DH with Addison Barger in RF. Davis Schneider got the start in LF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 6 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Phillies opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Trea Turner whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right-center; also scoring Bryson Stott
• A batter later, Bryce Harper smacked a solo blast to right-center and into the Phillies bullpen
• Four batters later, Max Kepler singled scoring Alec Bohm
• Three batters later, Stott singled home Nick Castellanos and Kepler
• The Phillies added a run in the top of the 2nd on a sac fly by Castellanos that scored Harper 
• Bowden Frances pitching line: 1.2IP 7H 7R (6 earned) 2BB 2K 58 pitches (39 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 5th as Davis Schneider belted a solo jack to the opposite field in right-center and into the Phillies bullpen 
• Christopher Sanchez pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 4BB 4K 96 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Phillies added a run in the top of the 8th as Turner whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the bottom half of the inning as Addison Barger hammered a 2-run bomb off the basing of the 3rd deck. It was the 4th straight game where Barger had a home run; also scoring Alejandro Kirk
• Final score: Phillies 8 Blue Jays 3

My Take:-

• Bowden Frances was lit up for 7 runs on 7 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 (and he hit a batter). There was nothing positive about this outing, but it has to be concerning to John Schneider and co that the Blue Jays essentially have 3 starters they can rely on to go deep into the game. Frances had a nice run last season, but it certainly hasn't translated to success this season. It's clear that batters have adjusted to him and he has no answer. The Blue Jays don't have much choice but to keep him in the rotation until Max Scherzer, assuming no setbacks in the rehab, returns and/or Spencer Turnbull has finished building up and is set to join the rotation (hopefully soon
• The bullpen gave up a run on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 8 over the last 6.1 innings. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced. Eric Lauer has established himself as a valuable long reliever. He threw 4 shutout innings, only walking one batter and striking out 2.
• The red hot Addison Barger homered for the 4th straight game, putting him halfway to the record of homering in 8 consecutive games. Don Mattingly, Ken Griffey Jr. and Dale Long all homered in 8 consecutive days. Kendrys Morales strung together a 7-game home run streak as a Blue Jay in 2018. 
• Davis Schneider, doing his best to stick in the bigs, also homered and was the only other Blue Jay to reach base multiple times
• The Blue Jays were 0-2 with runners in scoring position.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Ace Jose Berrios starts against Phillies righty Mick Abel.

Game #141 Philadelphia Phillies (83-56) @ Toronto Blue Jays (67-74) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. scored a run and drove in a run in a 4-2 loss to the Phillies

After the bullpen coughed up another lead, the Blue Jays were looking to avoid being swept for the 3rd time this season, their 25th series loss and 13th season series loss of the season. Bowden Francis got the start with Brian Serven behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF, Vlad was at the hot corner and Spencer Horwotz was at 1B. Alejandro Kirk served as DH. Could the Blue Jays avoid being swept for the 3rd time, their 25th series loss, and 13th series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Phillies opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Kyle Schwarber led off with a solo bomb to the 3rd deck in right
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom half of the inning as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Daulton Varsho
• A batter later, Alejandro Kirk doubled home Guerrero Jr.
• The Phillies retook the lead in the top of the 2nd as Kody Clemens smacked a 2-run blast to right and into the Phillies bullpen; also scoring Brandon Marsh
• Bryce Harper left the game prior to the top of the 3rd with a sore left elbow from being hit by a pitch in the 1st inning
• Bowden Francis pitching line: 6IP 6H 3R (all earned) 0BB 6K 89 pitches (61 for strikes)
• Cristopher Sanchez pitching line: 7IP 6H 2R (both earned) 0BB 7K 96 pitches (72 for for strikes)
• The Phillies added a run in the top of the 9th as JT Realmuto smacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Carlos Estevez threw a scoreless 9th for his 24th save of the season
• Final score: Phillies 4 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• After dominating all 5 starts in August and being named pitcher of the month, Bowden Francis crashed backed to earth, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits while walking none and striking out 6 over 6 innings. The Phillies struck early, scoring three times in the first two innings on five hits and a hit batter. Francis settled down after that and retired eleven of the last twelve batters he faced.
• The bullpen, namely Ryan Burr, gave up a costly insurance run on a solo HR off the bat of catcher JT Realmuto. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced
• Offensively, the Blue Jays quickly answered the Phillies run in the 1st inning with back to back doubles from Vlad and Alejandro Kirk.
• Quirky stat of the day: five of the six hits by the Blue Jays were doubles
• The Blue Jays were 2-9 with runners in scoring position. 
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays head to Atlanta to take on the Braves. The Blue Jays swept the season series in 2023, outscoring the Braves 14-7. Neither team has set their rotation for the series.

Game #140 Philadelphia Phillies (82-56) @ Toronto Blue Jays (67-73) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jt. hit a 2-run HR in a losing effort as the Phillies came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 10-9

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays returned home for a brief 2-game set against the Phillies. The two teams split the two games in Philadelphia way back in May with the Phillies outscoring the Blue Jays 13-6. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad, Daulton Varsho and George Springer were back in the lineup and in the field after complete days off Sunday. Joey Loperfido was in LF, Addison Barger was at the hot corner, Ernie Clement was at SS and Will Wagner got the start.at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the week with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Phillies opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Kyle Shwarber whacked a solo blast to right-centet
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring George Sptringer
• Three batters later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a ground out hit by Will Wagner
• A batter later, Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Spencer Horwitz
• A batter later, Addison Barger smacked a 2-run blst to right-center and into the Phillies bullpen; also scoring Kirk 
• Tyler Phillips pitching line: 0.2IP 8H 6R (all earned) 0BB 1K 36 pitches (28 for strikes)
• The Phillies got one back in the top of the 3rd on a fielder's choice hit by Nick Castellanos that scored Scwarber
• A batter later Bryson Stott doubled scoring Trea Turner 
• The Phillies got one back in the top of the 4th as Schwarber belted a solo jack off the basing of the second deck in right
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 5.1IP 10H 4R (3 earned) 2BB 7K 92 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 6th as Guerrero Jr. drilled a 2-run bomb to left; also scoring Springer 
• The Phillies took the lead in the top of the 9th as Schwarber annihilated a 3-run bomb to the 2nd deck in right; also scoring Edmundo Sosa and Kody Clemens
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Leo Jimenez smashed a solo blast to left-center 
• Matt Strahm got the last 3 outs for his 2nd save of the season
• Final score: Phillies 10 Blue Jays 9

My Take:-

• Chris Bassitt battled through 5.1 innings, giving  up 4 tuns (3 earned) on 10 hits while walking 2 and striking out 7. He was working in and out of jams all night long and has regressed from the pitcher he was last season. At this point, he maybe slides into the 3rd or 4th spot in the rotation for 2025. 
• The bullpen gave up 6 runs on 8 hits while walking 4 and striking out 4 over the last 3.2 innings. Chad Green was charged with his 2nd blown save of the season and in a row. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced/
• The offense jumped all over Phillies starter Tyler Phillips, scoring six times on 8 hits. Daulton Varsho (2-run HR), Vlad (2-run HR and 2 runs scored), Addison Barger (2-run HR), Alejandro Kirk (RBI, run scored), Leo Jimenez (solo HR) led the way offensively
• Every Blue Jays starter except Joey Loperfido had at least one hit and all but Loperfido, Ernie Clement and George Springer drove in a run.
• The Blue Jays were 1-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to avoid their 25th series loss, being swept for the 3rd time and their 14th season series loss of the season. Bowden Francis starts against Phillies righty Cristopher Sanchez

Game #37 - Toronto Blue Jays (17-20) @ Philadelphia Phillies (26-12) - game recap

 

Chris Bassitt threw 6.1 strong innings in a 5-3 win over the Phillies

After an ugly loss yesterday due to an uncharacteristically bad start from ace Jose Berrios, the Blue Jays were looking to escape Philadelphia with the series split and snap the 2-game skid. Chris Bassitt got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Daulton Varsho was in LF. IKF was at the hot corner, and Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Justin Turner served as DH. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid. earn the series split and (possibly) save some jobs? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring George Springer
• The Phillies tied it up in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by Kyle Schwarber that scored Bryson Stott
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 6th as Bo Bichette singled scoring Justin Turner 
• A batter later, Davis Schneider singled scoring Danny Jansen
• Two batters later. Kevin Kiermaier singled home Bichette
• Aaron Nola pitching line: 5.2IP 9H 4R (all earned) 0BB 7K 96 pitches (68 for strikes)
• The Phillies got one back in the bottom of the 7th on a sac fly by Stott that scored Nick Castellanos
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 6.1IP 3H 2R (both earned) 2BB 6K 102 pitches (67 for strikes)
• The Phillies got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Stott doubled scoring Brandon Marsh
• Jordan Romano got the last 3 outs for his 5th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Phillies 3

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt gave the Blue Jays everyrhing they needed today: length (6.1 inning) and a chance to win, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. Bassitt retired the first 6 batters he faced then 13 straight. You can't ask for much more 
• Even when they win, the bullpen tends to make fans nervous. Tonight, Jordan Romano found himself in a situation with runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out and the winning run at the plate. Lucky he was able to get Kody Clemens and ex-teammate Whit Merrifield to pop out to end the game. It was great to see Tim Mayza retire 2 of the 3 batters he faced. It has been a rough start to the season for the veteran lefty reliever
• Offensively, it was the best game in a while in terms of driving in runners in scoring position - going 5-11
• Don't look now, but Vladdy is swinging a hot stick. He now has hits in 9 of his last 10 games
• Every Blue Jays starter except Justin Turner and Daulton Varsho had at least one hit and all starters reached base at least once
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays return home for a brief weekend homestand against the Twins, who eliminated the Blue Jays in the wild card series last October, outscoring the Blue Jays 5-1. The two teams split the 6 games in the regular season last year with the Twins outscoring the Blue Jays 28-26. Yusei Kikuchi starts Friday against Twins righty Joe Ryan

Spring training continues - Week of March 4th!

 

SPRING TRAINING WEEKEND #1 - PHILLIES @ BLUE JAYS - 1:07PM FEBRURAY 24, 2024

 

Game #122 - Philadelphia Phillies (66-55) @ Toronto Blue Jays (67-55) - game recap

 

Cavan Biggio drove in a pair and scored once in a losing effort as the Phillies came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 9-4

After eking out a win yesterday when cavan Biggio took one for the team in a bases loaded hit by pitch, the Blue Jays were looking for their 7th series sweep and 3rd straight win. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The Blue Jays fielded the same lineup as last night.  Could the Blue Jays win their 3rd straight game and complete their 7th sweep? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Phillies opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd on a sac fly by Jake Cave that scored Nick Castellanos
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Daulton Varsho bashed a 2-run blast to right; also scoring Cavan Biggio
• The Phillies tied it up in the top of the 3rd as Bryce Harper drilled a solo jack to dead center
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Biggio singled scoring George Springer and Brandon Belt
• The Phillies got one back in the top of the 5th as Castellanos doubled scoring Kyle Schwarber 
• A batter later, Castellanos and Harper scored on a throwing error by Santiago Espinal on a ball hit by Bryson Stott
• The Phillies added a run in the top of the 6th on a sac fly by Schwarber that scored JT Realmuto
• A batter later Alec Bohm singled scoring Cave
• Aaron Nola pitching line: 5IP 4H 4R (all scored) 4BB 7K 92 pitches (57 for strikes)
• Kevin Gausman pitching line 5.1IP 7H 7R (5 earned) 3BB 4K 84 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Phillies added a run in the top of the 7th as Cave hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Phillies added a run in the top of the 9th as Harper drilled a solo blast to right-center
• Final score: Phillies 9 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman was lit up for 7 runs (5 earned thanks to avhorrible throwing error by Santiago Espinal that resulted in 2 runs scored on the play) on 7 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4. Ironically, the Blue Jays actually gave him some run support, but sadly he did not have his best stuff tonight. Gausman was pitching in and out of trouble all night, including a bases loaded jam with none out in the 2nd inning. Gausman also took a comebacker off his leg in the 6th inning. He was ok and faced one more batter before being removed. 
• The bullpen gave up two runs on 4 hits while walking none and striking out 2 over the last 3.2 innings.  Tim Mayza allowed two inherited runners to score.  Genesis Cabrera and Erik Swanson were the only relievers to retire every batter they faced.  It is likely one or both of Jay Jackson and bowden Francis may have made their final appearance in the majors for a couple of months with Chad Green and Trevor Richards potentially returning Friday in Cincinnati. 
• Offensively, Cavan Biggio led the way, driving in 2 and scoring once. Daulton Varsho also went deep for two more runs. 
• The Blue Jays were 2-4 with runners in scoring position 
• In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays maintain control of the 3rd WC spot, but the Mariners gained a game on the Blue Jays after they defeated the Royals, cutting the lead to just 1 game. The Blue Jays are 3 games back of the Astros for the 2nd WC spot and 5.5 games back of the Rays for the 1st WC spot. The Red Sox are 3 games back of the Blue Jays for the final WC spot. The Blue Jays are 3rd in the AL East standings and 7.5 games back of the Orioles for the AL East division title.
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays head to Cincinnati for a weekend set with the Reds. The Blue Jays won the season series last year, outscoring the Reds 7-5. Jose Berrios will start for the Blue Jays. The Reds have not set their rotation for the weekend series yet.

Game #121 - Philadelphia Phillies (65-55) @ Toronto Blue Jays (67-54) - game recap

 

Whit Merrifield scored twice in a 2-1 come-from-behind win over the Phillies

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened up a mini 2-game set against the Phillies, whe swept the Blue Jays in the two games in Philadelphia three months ago, outscoring the Blue Jays 10-5. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Jordan Romano was reinstated from the 15-day IL and Nate Pearson was optioned back to AAA-ball. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing Sunday (Brandon Belt served as DH today. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and avoid their 6th season series loss? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game #37 - Toronto Blue Jays (21-16) @ Philadelphia Phillies (18-19) - game recap

 

Kevin Gausman threw 6 shutout innings in a losing effort as the Philles came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 2-1 in 10 innings

After dropping the opening game of the mini series against the Phillies, thanks to a rough night by the pitchers, the Blue Jays were looking to split the mini 2-game series against the Phillies and end the road trip on a winning note. Kevin Gausman got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. George Springer remained out with a nagging injury (Cavan Biggio took his spot in RF). Whit Merriield was at 2B.  Could the Blue Jays split the series and end the road trip on a winning note? Here is tonight's game recap