Blue Jays crushed by Rockies in second straight abysmal series

In one of the season’s most hopeless series, the Blue Jays, now losers of six straight games, fell to the streaking Colorado Rockies in Denver. The entire series was, to put it lightly, marred by errors and dreadful performances.

Outscored 22-9 in a sloppily played series at Coors Field, the Blue Jays were clearly feeling frustrated, as evidenced by some of the players’ comments after Saturday’s tough defeat.

Still, here’s a look at the good, the bad, and the weird from this weekend’s series in Colorado:

Despite some struggles on the mound, the team’s offence, led valiantly by Justin Smoak (2-for-6, HR, 2 BB) and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (5-for-12, HR, BB, 2B), was actually palatable throughout the three-game set. Eric Sogard (3-for-8, R, RBI) and Luke Maile (3-for-7, 2 RBI, BB) also came alive in support of the meat of the order.

Marcus Stroman (7.0 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 2 SO) was solid in his start, with Ken Giles (1.0 IP, 3 SO, H) and Thomas Pannone (1.0 IP, 0 R, 0 H) supporting the starting rotation with a pair of great innings in relief. Starter Aaron Sanchez (6.0 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 2 SO) was also quietly effectively in his start in Sunday’s finale.

Edwin Jackson (2.1 IP, 10 ER, 10 H, 3 BB, L) was beyond dreadful in his lone start, with Sam Gaviglio (2.0 IP, 2 ER, HR) and Justin Shafer (1.0 IP, 2 H, ER, HR) struggling out of the bullpen.

At the plate, Brandon Drury (1-for-5, 2 SO) faltered yet again, while Rowdy Tellez (0-for-4, 0 TB) and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (2-for-10, 5 SO) also were transparent in big spots. Elsewhere in the lineup, Freddy Galvis (0-for-12, 2 SO) was roughed up, as was Randal Grichuk (1-for-12, HR, 2 RBI, 2 SO, 4 TB).

In yet another wild and ridiculous play, Rockies outfielder Raimel Tapia hit an inside-the-park home run against the Blue Jays on Saturday. What is perhaps even more interesting is that this little league homer was Tapia’s second this season! According to MLB.com, Tapia’s first inside-the-parker, which came in April against Philadelphia, was the fastest in Rockies history.

After an off-day on Monday, the Blue Jays will return to Rogers Centre to host the New York Yankees (38-19), who’ll send three pitchers to be determined to face off against the trio of Clayton Richard (0-1, 3.38 ERA, 5 SO), Trent Thornton (1-4, 4.53 ERA, 65 SO), and Edwin Jackson (0-3, 13.22 ERA, 12 SO).

The Yankees, who lead the American League East by three games, have won eight of their last ten and are currently riding a three-game winning streak. The Blue Jays have lost nine of their last ten.