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Addison Barger hit a home run in the Blue Jays’ 3-2 loss to the Cubs
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Photo credit: © Patrick Gorski - USA Today
Ryley Delaney
Aug 17, 2024, 18:30 EDTUpdated: Aug 17, 2024, 19:10 EDT
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Another day, another Toronto Blue Jays loss.
It’s starting to look like that 2017 series against the Chicago Cubs all over again. Coming into the series seven years ago, the Blue Jays had a short two-game win streak, but were swept in the three-game series. Fast forward seven years to the current day, the Blue Jays had a three-game win streak coming into this series, but have now lost two straight.
For the second straight game, the Cubs took a lead in the bottom of the first inning thanks to a home run, as Ian Happ hit his 22nd home run of the season. After two separate delays, the Cubs scored two more in the bottom of the fifth thanks to Michael Busch’s triple, giving the Cubs a 3-0 lead.
The Blue Jays didn’t go quietly though. In the top of the seventh, Daulton Varsho hit his patented bunt single, scoring Steward Berroa from third base. In the top of the ninth, Addison Barger hit his third career home run in the big leagues to make it 3-2.
Unfortunately, the Blue Jays were unable to score any more runs, falling 3-2 to the Cubs to bring their season record to 57-66. Toronto is now 10.5 games back of the final Wild Card spot, but have a 5.55% chance of landing the first overall pick in the draft lottery.

Diving into the stats…

There were two separate rain delays totaling 55 minutes, but that didn’t stop Chris Bassitt from pitching five inning, finishing with a line of 5 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K with one home run allowed to bring his season ERA to 4.34. Chicago’s starter, Justin Steele, only pitched two innings.
The winning pitcher of this game was none other than Nate Pearson, who pitched two innings with two walks, a strikeout, and a hit allowed. Another former Blue Jay, Julian Merryweather, pitched an inning and picked up a hold.
As for the Blue Jays relievers, Zach Pop pitched an inning with a strikeout, while Ryan Yarbrough pitched two innings with two strikeouts and a walk. The bullpen had a solid day, Bassitt was alright, but the bats were cold.
In total, the Blue Jays had seven hits and five walks. Daulton Varsho had two singles, while Alejandro Kirk walked twice. Addison Barger hit his third home run of the season and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his 33rd double of the year. Moreover, George Springer, Will Wagner, and Steward Berroa each had a single. Wagner, Guerrero Jr., and Spencer Horwitz walked once.
It’s worth noting that Leo Jiménez was pulled from Saturday’s game due to right knee soreness. He’ll be day to day, according to Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling.
Despite the 57-66 record, the Blue Jays have only been swept twice this season while picking up three sweeps of their own. They’ll look to avoid being swept on Sunday at 2:20 PM ET, as Bowden Francis will face off against Shōta Imanaga.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.

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