Blue Jays explode for 11 runs in win over Cubs with Special Advisor Edwin Encarnacion on the bench

Things worth mentioning…

• Things started off poorly for the Blue Jays. Brandon Belt made a fielding error in the first inning and the Cubs capitalized when Dansby Swanson came up and smacked a two-run double. Those were the only two runs that Hyun Jin Ryu would allow. He wound up going five innings and didn’t allow an earned run while scattering two hits and two walks with three strikeouts. His ERA over three starts since returning from Tommy John surgery is 2.57.
• The offence answered back quickly as the Blue Jays scored five runs in the bottom of the second frame to regain the lead. Daulton Varsho hit a three-run bomb and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer both drove in runs with singles. The Blue Jays had two more big innings later in the game as they rallied for three runs in both the fourth and eighth to put the score out of reach.
• Varsho was the star of the day offensively for the Blue Jays with five runs batted in but a handful of players were productive at the plate. Whit Merrifield picked up four hits, Brandon Belt walked three times, Cavan Biggio had a pair of singles, and Paul DeJong drove in his first run since joining the Blue Jays.
• This win guarantees that the Seattle Mariners can’t jump the Blue Jays in the standings on Saturday. Next up, the Blue Jays will be off on Monday while Seattle starts a series with the Kansas City Royals. The Blue Jays will then host the Philadelphia Phillies for a two-game set before having another day off on Thursday.

ARTICLE PRESENTED BY BETANO