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Nathan Lukes drove in 3 runs, including a go-ahead 2-run HR in a 4-2 win over the Rays |
After a huge win on the strength of a 6-run 6th inning thanks to a grand slam off the bat of Daulton Varsho and a 2-run dinger by George Springer, the Blue Jays were looking to make it two straight wins as they opened the final series of the regular season against the Rays, who have won 7 of the first 10 meetings of the season series, outscoring the Blue Jays 51-26. Alek Manoah was claimed off waivers by the Braves. Lefty Justin Bruihl was recalled from AAA-ball and righty Paxton Schultz was optioned to AAA-ball. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's huge win over the Bosox. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue jays opened the scoring in the button of the 1st as Nathan Lukes singled scoring George Springer
- The Rays tied it in the top of the 2nd as Junior Caminero whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right
- A batter later, Jonathan Aranda whacked a solo blast to right-center and into the Rays bullpen
- The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Ernie Clement singled scoring Daulton Varsho
- The Blue jays took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Lukes belted a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Springer
- Shane Bieber pitching line: 5IP 5H 2R (both earned) 2BB 3K 90 pitches (57 for strikes)
- Adrian Houser pitching line: 6IP 7H 4R (all earned) 2BB 5K 96 pitches (66 for strikes) Jeff Hoffman pitched a scoreless 9th for his 33rd save of the season
- Final score: Blue Jays 4 Rays 2
My Take:
- Shane Bieber fired 5 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 2 hits while walking 2 and striking out 3. 2 mistake pitches that went over the wall in right was the damage against him today. Bieber retired 6 in a row at one point. He should be getting a start in the playoffs, hopefully in the divisional round, which would give him a full week off.
- The bullpen threw 4 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and walking 3. Mason Fluharty was excellent, firing 2 perfect innings and striking out 4. It will be defibrilator time for Blue Jays fans when Jeff Hoffman comes in to close out a game in the playoffs. He barely escaped a jam caused by him walking 2 batters. His pitches were not close on his 11 balls. The Blue Jays may want to look at a different closer next year. If he had converted even half of his 7 blown saves, this win would have clinched the AL East title.
- Offensively, Nathan Lukes led the way, driving in 3-runs, including a 2-run blast in the 5th that turned out to be the difference in the game. Ernie Clement drove in the other Blue Jays run. Vlad has to start picking it up offensively. He hit into a rally-killing DP in the 2nd inning and popped out to end the inning in the 7th.
- The Blue Jays were 2-5 with runners in scoring position
- This was the 48th comeback win of the year, 2 comeback wins behind the juggernaut 1987 squad that had 50 comeback wins
- The Yankees also won today which means the Blue Jays could clinch the AL East tomorrow if they win their matinee against the Rays and the Yankees lose a few hours later to the Orioles. At worst, the Blue Jays would host a wild card series likely against the Red Sox
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 games and notch their 27th series win of the season. Trey Yesavage starts against Rays righty Joe Boyle