The bats go completely silent as the Rays end the Blue Jays’ winning streak

Things worth mentioning…

• Without any starters available, the Rays operated with a bullpen game, starting Aaron Slegers with the intention of getting a couple of good innings. The Blue Jays couldn’t solve Slegers at all, as he ended up tossing four hitless innings. It wasn’t until Sean Gilmartin came into the game in the fifth inning that Toronto finally got something going. After walks to Vlad Jr. and Lourdes Gurriel, Joe Panik hit a single to load the bases. Finally, Cavan Biggio came up and took a bases-loaded walk to drive in what would be the Jays’ only run of the game. Not ideal!
• In the seventh inning, the Jays threatened again as Biggio hit a single and stole second with Randal Grichuk at the plate. Grichuk would strike out, but catcher Mike Zunino couldn’t handle the pitch, allowing Grichuk to trot to first. But, rather than setting up a first-and-third situation, Biggio tried to book it home, where he was easily thrown out. I don’t hate the aggression on the bases, but that was ill-advised running from Biggio.
• Otherwise? Nothing. The Jays couldn’t get anything going off of Tampa Bay’s bullpen. They hit the ball hard a few times, but, unfortunately, they did so right at fielders. The Jays grounded into a few double-plays late in the game, killing any chances they had at rallying and scoring a go-ahead run.
• It’s a shame the bats didn’t show up on Saturday because a very, very good pitching performance was spoiled. Hyun Jin Ryu continued to be excellent, as he went five innings allowing just one run. After him, Wilmer Font came in and picked up five outs before Julian Merryweather dazzled with six outs of his own. Anthony Bass would end up taking the loss in extra innings as Kevin Kiermaier drove in the runner from second with a single. But, all in all, Toronto’s pitchers allowed one earned run on five hits while striking out 11. You aren’t going to win many games when you score only one run.