Game #108 - Toronto Blue Jays (49-59) @ Washington Nationals (55-53) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a 3-run HR in an 8-6 loss to the Nationals

After pulling off a win yesterday thanks to a solid effort from the bullpen and Myles Straw and Luis Urias providing the offense, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 13th series win and 5th season series win of the season. Shane Bieber got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Yohendrick Pinago was in LF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Andres Gimenez got the start at SS. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 13th series win and 5th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Nationals opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st on a bases loaded walk to Keibert Ruiz that forced in James Wood 
• A batter later, Dylan Crews was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Daylen Lile
• A batter after that, CJ Abrams scored on a sac fly by Nasim Nunez
• Two batters later, Ruiz scored on a bases loaded walk to Jacob Young
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 0.2IP 1H 4R (all earned) 6BB 0K 42 pitches (16 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 3rd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring Nathan Lukes. Nationals 3B Jorbit Vivas was charged with a throwing error on the play
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th on a ground out hit by Andres Gimenez that scored Brandon Valenzuela 
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was removed from the game prior t-o the start of the bottom of the 4th with hamstring tightness
• The Nationals added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Luis Garcia Jr. whacked a 2-run blast to right; also scoring Jacob Young
• Three batters later, Crews hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th as Kazuma Okamoto hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Nationals added a run in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by Young that scored Liles
• Cade Cavalli pitching line: 6IP 6H 3R (2 earned) 2BB 3K 98 pitches (64 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got 3 back in the top of the 8th as George Springer hammered a 3-run bomb to straightaway center; also scoring Okamoto and Lukes
• Clayton Beeter pitched a perfect 9th for his 11th save of the season
• Final score: Nationals 8 Blue Jays 6

My Take:

• Shane Bieber was lit up for 4 runs on a hit while walking 6 and striking out none. He had absolutely no command of his pitches today and could be a real risk for someone who tries to acquire him at the deadline since he as been struggling all season with command. At the same time, he won the Cy Young award in 2020 and that will be attractive.
• The bullpwn gave up 4 runs on 7 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. The two relievers, who are partially responsible for the Blue Jays being in the position they are with with 6 blown saves between them, Jeff Hoffman and Brendon Litlle threw a combined 3.1 innings and struck out 6 batters. I can see CJ Van Eik being optioned tomorrow since he obviously won't be available after throwing 69 pitches.
• The offence tried to do its part with George Springer hitting a huge 3-run bomb to dead center to put the Blue Jays within a pair of runs and 6 outs to work with. Alas, the next 6 batters went down in order. Kazuma Okamoto also went deep in his first AB after taking over for Vlad, who exited the game prior to the bottom of the 4th after tweaking his hamstring running the bases in the 3rd inning.
• The Blue Jays were 1-2 on ABS challenges and the Nationals were 2-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 1-6 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to end the road trip with a win and notch their 13th series win and 5th season series win of the season. Trey Yesavage starts against Nationals righty Zack Littell

Game #107 - Toronto Blue Jays (49-58) @ Washington Nationals (54-53) - game recap

 

Myles Straw scored a run and drove in a run in a 3-2 comeback win over the Nationals

After dropping yesterday's game due to another poor effort from the offense, the Blue Jays were looking to start the week with a win as they continued the road trip in Washington DC. The Blue Jays swept the season series vs. the Nationals, outscoring the Nationals 14-7 last season. Max Scherzer was reinstated from the 15-day IL (and got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate) and Brayden Fisher was placed on the bereavement list. Myles Straw got the start in LF. Could the Blue Jays  start the week with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Nationals opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Luis Garcia Jr. doubled scoring Nasim Nunez
• The Blue Jays tied it in the top of the 3rd as Luis Urias hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• Two batters later, Ernie Clement doubled scoring Myles Straw
• Eddy Yean pitching line: 2.1IP 3H 2R (both earned) 0BB 0K 20 pitches (15 for strikes)
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 2.2IP 4H 1R (earned) 3BB 4K 75 pitches (44 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th as Straw singled scoring Kazuma Okamoto
• The Nationals got one back in the bottom of the 5th as Andres Chapparo whacked a solo blast to left
• Louis Varland threw a scoreless 9th for his 22nd save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 3 Nationals 2

My Take:

• Max Scherzer battled through 2.2 innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4, Would an extra rehab start have made a difference in his next MLB start? Perhsaps, but not likely with the way his 2026 season has gone. He loaded the bases in the 1st inning but managed to escape that jam. Second inning, he ran into more trouble but limited the damage to a run. Quite frankly he should retire. He has battled injuries this year and has been very ineffective when he has pitched. If he's concerned about moving up another place on the all-time strikeout list, he's one start away with the 4 strikeouts he got today putting him one strikeout away from tying Walter Johnson, who had 3509 strkeouts.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 9 over the last 6.2 innings. Mason Fluharty was credited with the win. Fluharty and Tyler Rogers both retired every batter they faced
• Myles Straw (run scored, RBI) and Jose Urias (solo HR) drove the offense.
• The Blue Jays were unsuccessful on boh ABS challenges. The Nationals were 1-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 3-7 with runners in scoring position. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 13th series win and 5th season series win of the season. Shane Bieber starts against Nationals righty Cade Cavalli

Game #7 - Washington Nationals (1-5) @ Toronto Blue Jays (5-2) - game recap

 

Easton Lucas threw 5 shutout innings in his first career start in a 4-2 Blue Jays win

After extending the win streak to three games thanks to a clutch 2- run single off the bat of Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays were looking to make it four straight wins and to complete their first sweep of the season. Lefty Easton Lucas got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate.  George Springer got the half day off as DH with Myles Straw in CF. Davis Schneider was in LF and Anthony Santander was in RF. Could the Blue Jays make it 4 straight wins and complete their 1st sweep of the season?  Here is today's game recap

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Andres Gimenez singled scoring Anthony Santander
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as George Springer whacked a solo blast to left
• The Blue jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th on a sac fly by Ernie Clement that scored Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Easton Lucas pitching line: 5IP 1H 0R 2BB 3K 74 pitches (45 for strikes)
• The Nationals got one back in the top of the 6th as CJ Abrams belted a solo jack to right
• MacKenzie Gore pitching line: 5IP 9H 3R (all earned) 2BB 5K 95 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning on a fielder's choice hit by Guerrero Jr. that scored Myles Straw
• The Nationals got one back in the top of the 9th as Nathaniel Lowe doubled scoring James Wood
• Jeff Hoffman got the last 3 outs for his 3rd save of the season\
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Nationals 2

My Take:

• Easton Lucas had a strong start, throwing 5 shutout innings, giving up a hit, walking 2 and striking out 3. His biggest out streak was 6 outs. Hopefully he can replicate today's start next week in Boson.
• The bullpen gave up 2 runs on 4 hits while walking none and striking out 2 over the last 4 innings. Chad Green and Yimi Garcia both retired every batter they faced. Jeff Hoffman had fans biting their nails with a dicey inning that only ended on a nice throw from Tyler Heineman to nab Jacob Young at 2nd base
• Offensively, the Blue Jays did a nice job of manufacturing runs in multiple innings. George Springer went deep, just the 3rd Blue Jay to go yard this season. The bottom third of the order was a combined 5-8 with a run scored. The top of the lineup was 3-13 with a pair of runs scored
• Maybe the Blue Jays should follow the Yankees lead and start using torpedo bats
• The Blue Jaus were 3-12 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays open the road portion of their schedule in New York vs. the Mets, who won the season series last year outscoring the Blue Jays 11-10. The Blue Jays were 35-46 last season on the road. Kevin Gausman starts against Mets righty Tylor Megill

Game #6 - Washington Nationals (1-4) @ Toronto Blue Jays (4-2) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette hit a clutch 2-run single in the 8th inning in a 5-3 win over the Nationals

After a solid win on the backs of a strong start from Bowden Francis and a red-hot Andres Gimenez scoring three times, including a mammoth HR, the Blue Jays were trying to extend the win streak to 3 games and to notch their first series win of the season. Prior to the game, the Blue Jays traded righty Nick Robertson to the Astros for righty Edinson Batista. Robertson made one appearance for the Blue Jays this season, tossing a scoreless inning. Batista was 6-6 with a 5.01ERA in 26 appearances (16 starts) last season in high-A ball. Ace Jose Berrios got the start tonight with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Anthony Santander was in LF, George Springer was in CF and Alan Roden got the start in RF. Ernie Clement got the start at the hot corner with Will Wagner serving as DH. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 1st series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as George Springer singled scoring Andres Gimenez
• Two batters later, Alejandro Kirk scored on a fielder's choice hit by Ernie Clement. Will Wagner was out at 2nd on the play
• A batter later, Alan Roden singled home Sprimger
• The Nationals got a pair back in the top of the 6th as Keibert Ruiz singled scoring Jacob Young and CJ Abrams
• Jose Berrios pitching line: 5IP 10H 3R (all earned) 0BB 3K 84 pitches (53 for strikes)
• Trevor Williams  pitching line: 5IP 4H 2R (both earned) 3BB 8K 95 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Nationals tied it in the top of the 7th as Abrams doubled scoring Alex Call
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 8th as Bo Bichette singled scoring Springer and Wagner
• Jeff Hoffman pitched a perfect 9th for his ssecond save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Nationals 3

My Take:

• Like Bowden Francis yesterday, Jose Berrios was excellent first time through the order, facing the minimum and walking a batter. It was the 6th inning where he ran into trouble, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits and a walk. He should have stayed in a batter longer to save the bullpen.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 2 hits while walking 1 and strkiing out 4 over the las 3.1 innings. Lefty Mason Fluharty made his big league debut, giving up a hit and punching out the first batter of his career. It's key to have at least a couple of lefty relievers in the bullpen to face the left-handed batters and switch hitters in the lineup.
• Offensively the Blue Jays put together a 3-run rally in the 2nd on 5 hits and Bo Bichette had a clutch 2-run single in the 8th. 
• The Blue Jays had plenty of chances and went 4-10 with runners in scoring position
• Bo and Vlad have the biggest expectations heading into free agency. While Vlad will likely get bigger $$, Bo Bichette is more consistent as a hitter and should also receive a big payday
• Who had Andres Gimenez leadinf the teams (and the only one with a HR) with 3HR
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for 4 straight wins and completing their first sweep of the season. The Blue Jays will either start Kevin Gausman as scheduled or go with a bullpen day with either Yariel Rodriguez ot lefty Easton Lucas. The Nationals will counter with lefty MacKenzie Gore 

Game #5 - Washington Nationals (1-3) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-2) - game recap

 

Andres Gimenez scored 3 runs and drove in a run in a 5-2 win over the Nationals

After eking out a series split against the Orioles, the Blue Jays were going for their second straight win as they opened a series against the Nationals, who won the season series last year and outscored the Blue Jays 23-17. Bowden Francis got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's thrilling win, but Nathan Lukes was in CF. Could the Blue Jays build their first multi-win streak of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in bottom of the 2nd as Andres Gimenez hammered a solo bomb off the basing of the 3rd deck
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Alan Roden
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Alejandro Kirk doubled scoring Gimenez
• Three batters later, Kirk scored on a fielder's choice hit by Nathan Lukes
• The Nationals got one back in the top of the 6th as CJ Abrams hammered a solo bomb off the basing of the 2nd deck
• A batter later, James Wood belted a solo jack to the opposite field in left-center
• Mike Soroka pitching line: 5IP 5H 4R (all earned) 1BB 3K 83 pitches (57 for strikes)
• Bowden Francis pitching line: 6IP 2H 2R (both earned) 3BB 4K 91 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as George Springer singled scoring Gimnez
• Yimi Garcia threw a pefect 9th inning for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Nationals 2

My Take:

• Bowden Francis was solid today, spinning a no-hitter through 5 innings that was promptly broken up by back to back solo HR to start the 6th inning. Francis was excellent in the 2nd half of the 2024 season and he picked up where he left off. He had out streaks of 6 and 8 batters With the uncertainty of Max Scherzer's spot in the rotation, the Blue Jays need Francis to pitch well and eat some innings.
• The bullpen threw 3 scoreless innings, giving up 3 hits, walking none and striking out 5. Yimi Garcia retired every batter he faced\
• Andres Gimenez continued his hot streak, going 2 for 2 with 3 runs scored, including a monster HR, and he drew a walk. Alejandro Kirk drove in a run and scored a run. On two separate occasions, Kirk's lack of speed cost the team a run (he would later score in the 4th inning, but pretty much any runner would have scored from 2nd base on the Will Wagner single to CF)
• The Blue Jays were 6-13 with runners in scoring position
• With the win, the Blue Jays are above .500 for the first time. While they won the opening day game last season, it took until game 17 to be above .500 again and they never reached that mark again after falling to .500 in game 26. Let's see how the team hansles this early success
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 1st series win of the season. Jose Berrios starts against Nationals righty Trevor Williams

Game #35 - Toronto Blue Jays (16-19) @ Washington Nationals (17-17) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a grand slam in a losing effort as the Nationals came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 11-8

After hanging on for a win with a shaky Jordan Romano doing enough to get the last three outs, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games, notch their 5th series win of the season and 3rd season series win. The big story today was expected to be the return to the bigs for Alek Manoah, who has much to prove after a disastrous 2023 season that resulted in two separate demotions. One of the ugliest moments came July 29th when he ended the season of Taylor Wall with a fastball to the face that resulted in facial fractures. There were early injury concerns for Manoah in spring training where he made just one start before being shut down with shoulder soreness. Brenden Little was optioned back to AAA-ball. Alejandro Kirk was behind the plate. Justin Turner was back at DH after playing the hot corner yesterday (Ernie Clement was at the hot corner today). IFK got the start at 2B. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and notch their 5th series win and 3rd season series win? Here is today's game recap.

Game #34 - Toronto Blue Jays (16-18) @ Washington Nationals (16-17) - game recap

 

Kevin Kiermaier hit a 2-run HR in a 6-3 win over the Nationals

After an ugly loss after the bullpen imploded, ruining a solid start from Yusei Kikuchi, the Blue Jays were looking to snap the three game skid and avoid their 6th series loss and 3rd season series loss of the season. Kevin Kiermaier was reinstated from the 10-day IL and got the start in CF, Nathan Lukes was optioned back to AAA-ball.  Daulton Varsho was back in LF (and batting 2nd. Bo Bichette was dropped to 5th in the batting order). Kevin Gausman got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Justin Turner was at the hot corner and Daniel Vogelbach served as DH. Cavan Biggio got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays snap the 3-game skid and avoid their 6th series loss and 3rd season series loss? Here is today's game recap.

Game #134 - Washington Nationals (62-72) @ Toronto Blue Jays (73-61) - game recap

 

Chris Bassitt threw 8 shutout innings in a 7-0 shutout win over the Nationals

After a heartbreaking loss when a 9th inning rally fell short, the Blue Jays were looking to end the homestand on a winning note and notch their 24th series win and 14th season series win of the season.  Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer got the half day off with Cavan Biggio in RF. Daulton Varsho was in CF and Whit Merrifield was in LF. Could the Blue Jays end the homestand with a win and notch their 24th series wina nd 14th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap. 

Game #132 - Washington Nationals (61-71) @ Toronto Blue Jays (72-60) - game recap

 

Danny Jansen scored 3 times, including a solo HR in a 6-3 win over the Nationals

After a disappointing extra innings loss yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking to start a crucial series against bottom feeders, the Washington Nationals, who took 3-4 from the Blue Jays and outscored the Blue Jays 33-22. Matt Chapman was placed on the 10-day IL with a middle finger sprain. Ernie Clement was recalled from AAA-ball and got the start at SS with Bo Bichette being given the compete day off to rest his sore quad. Ace Kevin Gausman got the start with Danny Jansen behind the plate. Davis Schneider was at the hot corner and Whit Merrifield got the start at 2B. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday (Brandon Belt served as DH. Could the Blue Jays start the week with a win? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game #119 Toronto Blue Jays (63-56) @ Washington Nationals (52-68) - game recap

 

Marcus Semien hit a paur of solo HR in an 8-5 loss to the Nationals 

After a terrible loss due to poor pitching by both starter Alek Manoah and relievers Taylor Saucedo and RFel Dolis, the Blue Jays were looking to earn the season series split with a win today. Dolis was DFA'd (finally) after another dreadful performance. Alek Manoah was placed on the bereavement list. Tim Mayza is back after missing ten days with left elbow inflammation.Kevin Smith was added to the roster and active today. Jose Berros got the start with Reese McGuire behind the plate. Breyvic Valera was at the hot corner and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was in LF. Could the Blue Jays split the season series? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Nationals opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Juan Soto whacked a 3-run opposite-field blast to left; also scoring Victor Robles and Alcides Escobar
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 2nd as Teoscar Hernandez whacked a solo shot to left-center and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 3rd as Marcus Semien crushed a solo bomb to left
• Jose Berros pitching line: 5IP 5H 3R (2 earned) 3BB 3K 88 pitches (49 for strikes)
• The Nationals added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Ryan Zimmerman singled scoring Carter Kieboom
• Josiah Gray pitching line: 6IP 5H 2R (both earned) 1BB 4K 87 pitches (55 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 7th as Corey Dickerson smashed a 2-run blast to right; also scoring Randal Grichuk
• A batter later, Semien whacked his second solo blast into the Blue Jays bullpen in left-center 
• The Nationals retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Josh Bell hammered a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Escobar and Soto
• Two batters later, Kieboom whacked a solo blast to left
• Kyle Finnegan threw a scoreless 9th for his 4th save of the season
• Final score: Nationals 8 Blue Jays 5

My Take:

• Jose Berros had a rough start to his start, giving up a 3-run blast in the 1st inning. Berros dealth with base runners in all five innings, but managed to limit the dame to just three runs
• Much like yesterday, the Blue Jays clawed their way back from an early deficit, only to see the bullpen blow it late. It's been a trend all season, and management thought they had stopped the bleeding with their in-season and deadline moves, but the bulpen has blown games late two days in a row. This time, Brad Hand gave up a devastating 3-run shot immediately after the Blue Jays had taken the lead. He also gave up a solo shot to really put the game out of reach
• Offensively, the home run was king. The Blue Jays launched 4 home runs for five runs. They were 1-5 with runners in scoring position.
• Marcus Semien, Bo Bichette and Teoscar Hernandez all had multi-hit days. Lourdes Gurriel Jr was the only other starter to get a hit (Corey Dickerson has a oinch hit 2-run shot and Breyvic Valera, Randal Grichuk and Reese McGuire all drew walks)
• In terms of the wild card race, The Yankees were winning in the top of the 9th and the A's were down in the top of the 7th and the Rays were down at the time of this positing. The Blue Jays need to string together wins.
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays open up a 3-game set at home vs. the Tigers. In 2019, the Blue Jays won 4  of the 7 games in the season series last year and outscored the Tigers 34-16. Robbie Ray gets the start Friday against an unknown Tigers pitcher.

Game #118 Toronto Blue Jays (63-55) @ Washington Nationals (51-68) - game recap

 

Teoscar Hernandez was 2-4 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI in a 12-6 loss to the Nationals

After winning Sunday to avoid a weekend sweep to the Mariners, the Blue Jays opened a mini 2-game series against the Nationals. The Blue Jays and Nationals split the 2 games in Dunedin back at the end of April, with the Nationals outscoring the Blue Jays 13-11. Alek Manoah got the start. Reese McGuire was behind the plate. Santiago Espinal was at the hot corner. George Springer was place on the 10-day IL with a left knee sprain (Otto Lopez was recalled), so Corey Dickerson was in LF, Randal Grichuk in CF and Teo in RF. Bo Bichette was back in the field after DH'ing Sunday. Could the Blue Jays make it two wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Nationals opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Yadiel Hernandez whacked a solo blast to left
• The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the 3rd on a ground out by Corey Dickeson that scored Bo Bichette
• The Nationals took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Alcides Escobar doubled scoring Riley Adams and Victor Robles
• Three batters later, Hernandez singled home Escobar and Juan Soto
• A batter later, Josh Bell scored on a thowing error by Alek Manoah
• Same batter, Hernandez scored on a sac fly by Carter Kieboom
• Alek Manoah pitching line: 3IP 6H 7R (6 earned) 1BB 2K 53 pitches (33 for strikes)
• The Nationals added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Adams whacked a solo blast to left
• The Blue Jays got a pair back in the top of the 5th as Teoscar Hernandez drilled a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 8th on a fielder's choice hit by Santiago Espinal that scored Hernandez
• A batter later, Dickerson scored on a fielding error by Luis Garcia on a fielder's choice hit by Reese McGuire 
• A batter after that Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Espinal
• The Nationals added a run on a sac fly by Ryan Zimmerman that scored Soto
• A batter later, Adams doubled scoring Lane Thomas and Kieboom
• Two batters later, Robles singled home Adams
• Final score: Nationals 12 Blue Jays 6

My Take:

• Alek Manoah was lit up for 7 runs (6 earned) on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2. He actually started out great, throwing an efficient 9 pitches, while retiring the side in order. He was taken yard in the 2nd. It was his final inning that he was really roughed up, giving up 6 runs on 4 hits, a hit batter and a walk, as well as an forced throwing error on an attempted pickoff. Manoah will bounce back, I have faith.
• The bullpen blew any chance of a comeback. After the Blue Jays chipped away and reduced the Nationals lead to a manageable 2 runs, Taylor Saucedo and Rafael Dolis combined to give up 4 runs on 3 walks, 2 hits and a sac fly. Three of the runs were charged to Saucedo. Dolis must give Pete Walker nightmares. He is so methodical and slow and yet he is so inefficient and walks too many batters. Connor Overton was excellent in his second big league appearace, throwing 2 perfect innings, while striking out 2. Trent Thornton gave up a solo shot. Maybe this revamped bullpen isn't any better?
• Vlad seems to be coming out of his slump. He was 2-3 and also drew 2 walks and scored a run. Fellow all-star Teoscar Hernandez bashed a 2-run shot, was 2-4 and later scored on a fielder's choice
• Every Blue Jays starter except Markus Semien and Manoah got on base at least once.
• The Blue Jays were a pitiful 1-11 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, the Yankees swept the Red Sox in their double-header today, The Rays routed and blanked the Orioles and the A's were shut out by the White Sox (here's hoping A's pitcher Chris Bassitt is OK after getting hit in the head by a pitch). The Blue Jays are now 4 games back of the A's, Red Sox and Yankees, who are in a 3-way tie for the two wild card spots.
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for the split. Jose Berros pitches against Nationals righty Josiah Gray.

Game #23 Washington Nationals (9-12) @ Toronto Blue Jays (11-12) - game recap

 

George Springer made his Blue Jays regular season debut in an 8-2 rout loss to the Nationals

After a huge come from behind win, the Blue Jays were looking to sweep the mini two game set with the Nationals. George Springer made his long-anticipated debut after recovering from oblique and quad strains. Springer was signed to a huge $150-million 6-year deal in the off-season. Hyun-jin Ryu was placed on the 10-day IL with a glut strain suffered in his start Sunday vs. the Rays. Hopefully he only misses one start because the Blue Jays are super thin in the pitching department and already have a couple of bullpen days a week. Rowdy Tellez was optioned to the alt. squad with Springer expected to DH a lot in the early going as he continues to work his way back to full health. Steven Matz got the start and was looking to improve to 5-0. He's looked excellent in his first 3 starts. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate after the day off yesterday. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday. Could the Blue Jays make it three wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap

Game Highlights:

• The Nationals opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Ryan Zimmerman singled home Victor Robles and Trea Turner
• A batter later, Starlin Castro singled scoring Josh Harrison
• The Nationals added 3 runs in the top of the 4th on three run bomb to dead center by Harisson; also scoring Robles and Turner
• Steven Matz pitching line: 32IP 8H 6R (all earned) 1BB 2K 80 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Nationals added a pair of runs in the top of the 5th as Josh Bell hammered a opposite-field 2-run bomb to left; also scoring Kyle Schwarber
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. whacked a solo blast to right
• Erick Fedde pitching line: 6IP 2H 1R (earned) 3BB 7K 98 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 8th as Bo Bichette annihilated a solo bomb off the scoreboard in left
• Final score: Nationals 8 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• It was not a good night for Steven Matz, who was knocked around for 6 runs on 8 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 2. He also hit Josh Bell to load the bases in the 3rd inning. He pitched in and out of trouble in every inning but the 2nd when he had a clean 1-2-3 inning. Hopefully he bounces back next start because the Blue Jays need starters to eat innings.
• George Springer finally made his regular season debut after missing the first 22 games with oblique and quad strains. Springer was just days away from making his debut when he injured his quad while running the bases. While Springer was 0-4 in his debut, he made contact in every AB. It might take a few games for him to get his timing back. Batting practice is vastly different from playing a game.
• Danny Jansen's hitless streak was extended to 0-34. His last hit was a double April 7 against Texas. With few catching options, the best the Blue Jays can really do is give more playing time to Alejandro Kirk. The Blue Jays could send Jansen to the minors if he has options left. Jansen is under Blue Jay control until 2025 when he becomes a free agent
• The Blue Jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays begin a weekend series against the Braves. Atlanta won 2 of the 3 games in the season series last year and outscored the Blue Jays 15-6. Robbie Ray gets the start Friday against an unannounced Braves starter.

Game #23. Spring(er) has sprung! Nats @ Jays

 

Game #22 Washington Nationals (8-12) @ Toronto Blue Jays (11-11) - game recap

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit three HR, including a grand slam in a 9-5 come-from behind victory over the Nationals 

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened a mini 2-game series with the Washington Nationals. Last season, the Blue Jays were supposed to play a home and home 4-game series. Due to Buffalo needing renovations to meet MLB standards and COVID protocols and the border closed, all four games were played in Washington, but the Blue Jays were considered the home team in the latter 2 games. The Blue Jays and Nationals split the 4 games with the "home" team winning all 4 games. The Blue Jays outscored the Nationals 13-12. Tonight, the Blue Jays faced Nats ace Max Scherzer. Scherzer allowed just three hits over 7.1 innings his start against the Blue Jays last season. He earned a no-decision that day. It was a bullpen day for the Blue Jays as they continue to deal with a rash of injuries to their pitching staff. Trent Thornton got the ball first. Alejandro Kirk got the start behind the plate. Joe Panik was at the hot corner. George Springer was not activated tonight as his quad is becoming a nagging issue. Marcus Semien was back at 2B after playing SS Sunday. Bo Bichette was back at SS after serving as DH Sunday. Cavan Biggio was in LF and batted leadoff. Rowdy Tellez served as the DH today. Could the Blue Jays make it three straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Nationals opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as leadoff hitter Trea Turner lined a screamer over the wall in left
• The Nationals added a run in the top of the 3rd as Turner whacked a solo blast to left-center
• Trent Thornton pitching line: 2.1IP 3H 2R (both earned) 0BB 2K 42 pitches (26 for strikes)
• A batter later, Yadiel Hernandez smacked a solo shot to left-center 
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hammered a grand slam to left-center; also scoring Alejandro Kirk, Cavan Biggio and Bo Bichette
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 4th as Joe Panik scored on a fielding error by Josh Harrison on a ball hit by Kirk 
• A batter later, Kirk scored on a sac fly by Biggio
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Guerrero Jr. annihilated a solo bomb to dead center 
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 5IP 8H 7R (5 earned) 2BB 5K 86 pitches (54 for strikes)
• The Nationals got a pair back in the top of the 8th as Ryan Zimmerman knocked a 2-run shot to right; also scoring Hernandez
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning as Guerrero Jr. whacked a 2-run opposite field shot to right also scoring Bichette
• Final score: Blue Jays 9 Nationals 5
• 
  

My Take:

• The Blue Jays went with the opener again and it didn't work out great, at least to start. Trent Thronton gave up a couple of solo HR, including one to the 1st batter of the game. Tommy Milone followed Thornton and the first batter he faced took him yard. I've never been a fan of using an opener. Call me a traditionalist, but I like the old days where pitchers pitched 7 or so every night and faced the lineup 3 times. Sadly, the norm now is to maybe throw 5 or 6 innings. Bullpens used to have 6 or 7 pitchers. Now, they have nine pitchers, who typically throw a couple of innings at most. Roster sizes are still the same, but now there are three bench players available.
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had a HUGE night with 3 HR (including a grand slam off Max Scherzer), and 7RBI. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the first player age 22 or younger with 3 career Grand Slams since Alex Rodriguez.
• Every Blue Jays starter got on base at least once, except Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
• Tommy Milone was credited with his first win in a Blue Jays uniform, pitching an inning.
• Up next, the Blue Jays and Nats finish off this quick 2-game series. Steven Matz gets the start against Nationals righty Erick Fedde

Game #7 Washington Nationals (3-4) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-4) - game recap

Teoscar Hernandez was 3-4, including 2 solo HR, in a losing effort as the Nationals defeated the Blue Jays 6-4

After a tough 4-0 shutout loss in extra innings yesterday, the Blue Jays wrapped up the four-game set with the Nationals, looking for their 1st series win of the season. Prior to the game, it was announced that the weekend series against Philly is cancelled after 2 Phillies staff members tested positive for COVID-19. It's possible that the Blue Jays and Nationals could continue the series, now that both teams have three games to make up. Hyun-jin Ryu got his second start of the season. Bo Bichette returned to the lineup after missing a pair of games with a hamstring injury. Vlad was back at DH. There has to be major concerns that he is physically unable to handle being in the field more than one game at a time. Derek Fisher got the start in RF with Randal Grichuk still out with an SI joint injury. Could the Blue Jays take three of four from the defending World Series champs? Here is today's game recap.

Game #6 Washington Nationals (2-4) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-3) - game recap

Nate Pearson tossed 5 shutout innings in a losing effort as the Blue jays were defeated 4-0 in 10 innings by the Nationals 

The Toronto Blue Jays have looked like a playoff contender this week with two huge wins over the defending world series champs. Tonight, Nate Pearson made his MLB debut, after shamelessly having his service time manipulated and starting the season on the taxi squad. Pearson was roughed up in the first inning of the first exhibition game in Boston a week ago, but settled down after that. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate after a night off last night.. Bongo moved back to his natural position at 2B with Derek Fisher getting the start in right field. Glad was also back in the field playing 1B with Rowdy Tellez DH'ing. Joe Panik switched positions for the third straight day, playing the hot corner tonight. Could the Blue Jays make it there since in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.

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

Tanner Roark pitched 5 strong innings as the Blue Jays knocked off the Nationals 5-1

After a solid victory over the Defending World series Champs on the back of 4 solo shots and a lights out performance over the game's final five innings by the bullpen, the Blue Jays were looking to make it two in a row for the first time this season. Tanner Roark made his Blue Jays debut tonight. Randal Grichuk and Bo Bichette remain out with minor injuries, so players were shuffled around. Cavan Biggio moved to Right field for the 8th start of his career at that position, Joe Panik moved to 2B after starting at SS last night, Danny Espinal got his second big league start - first as a SS and Vlad got another half day off, serving as the DH, with Rowdy Tellez at 1B. Reese McGuire got his second start of the season behind the plate. Could the Blue Jays make it a two game winning streak? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game #4 Toronto Blue Jays (2-2) @ Washington Nationals (1-3) - game recap

Teoscar Hernandez smacked two solo home runs to lift the Blue Jays to a 4-1 victory over the defending World Series champs, Washington Nationals 

After a disappointing loss yesterday that saw Randal Grichuk and Ken Giles leave the game with injuries, the Blue Jays travelled north to Washington to take on the defending World series champs. There is much uncertainty about the season continuing after 14 Miami Marlins players tested positive for COVID-19. By the way, Geovany Soto has previously tested positive as well. Trent Thornton got his first start of the season. In 2019, he was 4-9 in 32 starts with a 4.84ERA and 1.41WHIP. Derek Fisher was in RF in place of the injured Grichuk tonight and Joe Panik made his Blue Jays debut at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2 game losing streak? Here is today's game recap.

Game #71 Washington Nationals (37-31) @ Toronto Blue Jays (33-38) - game recap

Randal Grichuk had a huge day at the plate with 2 HR and 4 RBI as the Blue Jays defeated the Nationals 8-6 to complete the series sweep.

Happy Father's day to all dad's in JITH. You guys have been an amazing addition to our game threads and blog. After winning the first two in this series, the Blue Jays were looking for their second series sweep in three series. Toronto took the first 2 games on the strength of their pitching and some timely hitting. A win today would be huge, giving the Blue Jays a guaranteed winning home stand before heading on a difficult road trip to Anaheim and Houston, starting on Thursday. Here is today's game recap.

no. 71 - Washington Nationals (37-30) at Toronto Blue Jays (32-38)

Sunday, June 17, 2018 | 1:07 pm

Rogers Centre | Toronto, Ontario

Tanner Roark (3-7, 3.63, 1.11 whip) vs. Sam Gaviglio (2-2, 3.66, 1.16 whip)