Instant Reaction: Blue Jays fell in the series finale to the Astros to go nine games under .500
2 days ago
What a disaster of a season this has turned into.
On Thursday, the Blue Jays played the fourth and final game against the Astros this season, falling 5-3 to bring their record to 39-48. They are a season-low nine games back of .500.
The Astros jumped out to a lead in the top of the first inning, as Yainer Díaz grounded out with the bases loaded to score the first run of the game. The very next batter, Jon Singleton, lived up to his name and hit a line drive single to centre field that scored two runs, giving the Astros a 3-0 lead.
However, the Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of that inning. George Springer and Danny Jansen hit a single, before Vladimir Guerrero Jr. struck out. After the strikeout, Davis Schneider hit a single to load the bases, just for Spencer Horwitz to hit a single that scored two. Alejandro Kirk followed that up with a double to cash in the tying run.
Sadly, that was it for the Blue Jays’ offence though. In the top of the fifth, Mauricio Dubón hit a line drive to score Jeremy Peña for the game-winning run, before Peña hit a solo-home run in top of the seventh to make it 5-3.
Things worth mentioning…
The good news is that Yordan Álvarez didn’t torch the Jays on Thursday. He was walked twice, once internationally with third base open, while being hit by a pitch twice. So you know, there’s some good there.
Chris Bassitt didn’t have the best of games, finishing with a line of 5 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 K to bring his season ERA to 3.43. However, he settled down after the first inning to give the Jays some much needed length.
The Blue Jays used their better relievers in Thursday’s game. Génesis Cabrera struck out two in an inning and a third of work. Trevor Richards struck out four but gave up a solo home run in an inning and two thirds. Moreover, Chad Green pitched a scoreless inning with a walk.
Spencer Horwitz should be in the lineup everyday, even against left-handed pitchers. He hit two singles off starter Framber Valdez, as well as a single off one of our generation’s best relievers, Josh Hader.
Davis Schneider and George Springer also had multi-hit games, as both those players had two singles. Danny Jansen and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. each had a single, while Alejandro Kirk hit a double.
Up next: The Blue Jays head west to play at home against the Seattle Mariners. Well, not literally at home, but it’s basically a home game when they play Seattle. Kevin Gausman will start for the Jays while Luis Castillo is expected to start for the Mariners.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.
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