Instant Reaction: Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s first multi-home run game wasn’t enough as the Jays fell 6-3 to the Guardians
5 days ago
Oh brother, this team stinks!
On Saturday, the Toronto Blue Jays looked to avoid losing their fifth-straight game and their second consecutive series. However, that didn’t happen as they fell 6-3 to the Cleveland Guardians to move their record to 35-41.
Toronto actually took the lead early in this game, as Davis Schneider hit his 10th home run of the season in the second inning, continuing to pile the runs in the second frame. However, Cleveland answered with two of their own on a Bo Naylor home run in the next half-inning.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit a home run in the top of the third inning, his fifth of the year, to tie the game. But once again, the Guardians answered the Jays with a two-run shot in their half-inning, making it a 4-2 game.
In the bottom of the fifth, Steven Kwan hit his sixth home run, followed by Daniel Schneemann’s second home run in the bottom of the sixth to give the Guardians a 6-2 lead. Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit his second home run of the game to cut Cleveland’s lead to 6-3, but it wasn’t enough.
Things worth mentioning…
Daulton Varsho appeared to be injured during his last at-bat, swinging awkwardly and hitting a ground ball for the out. Hopefully, this is a case of looking worse than it actually is, as Varsho has been the team’s best player this season.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa has been a terrific signing. This season, the 29-year-old is slashing .281/.325/.408 with six homers (two shy of his career-high) for a 110 wRC+ in 249 plate appearances. Between second base, third base, and shortstop, he has accumulated 12 Defensive Runs Saved and 5 Outs Above Average.
Davis Schneider hit double-digit home runs for the first time in his career. It’s pretty obvious that the 25-year-old is here to stay, as he’s slashing .227/.319/.435 with 10 home runs for the season. Not too shabby for a 28th-round pick.
The Blue Jays matched their longest losing streak of the season with this loss. On top of that, they’ve fallen to six games below .500, matching their lowest point of the season back on May 26. Please sell.
José Berríos looked like a potential Cy Young candidate early in the season, but has returned to be the pitcher he’s always been. That’s not a bad thing, Berríos is a good pitcher, but Saturday was rough for him. The 30-year-old finished with a line of 5 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, with three home runs allowed to move his season ERA to 3.43.
Other than the home runs, there wasn’t much action on the bases for the Jays. Spencer Horwitz had the only non-home run hit, a single while also walking once. Alejandro Kirk walked twice, while George Springer walked once and struck out twice. Kiner-Falefa reached on a hit by pitch.
Up next: The Blue Jays look to avoid being swept for the second straight series on Sunday, as they’ll play the third and final game against the Cleveland Guardians this season. Yusei Kikuchi will get the ball and looks to have a much better game than last outing.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.
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