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Instant Reaction: Blue Jays fall 8-3 to Rays in series finale
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Photo credit: © Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
May 15, 2025, 18:00 EDTUpdated: May 15, 2025, 18:06 EDT
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Three words describe this game best: Home run galore.
On Thursday afternoon, the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays played the rubber match of the series, with the Rays coming out on top by a score of 8-3. Let’s take a look at what happened in this game.
The recently activated Josh Lowe reached with a single in the top of the first, with Brandon Lowe cashing both of them in with his sixth home run of the season. In the top of the second, former Blue Jay Danny Jansen hit a single to cash in a run, giving the Rays a 3-0 lead.
Addison Barger got the Blue Jays on the board thanks to a solo home run in the bottom of the second, making it a 3-1 game for the Rays.
The Jays got to within one in the bottom of the second, as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his fifth home run of the season, but that’s the closest they’d get. Kameron Misner restored the Rays’ two-run lead with his fourth home run of the season.
In the top of the fifth, Josh Lowe hit his first home run of the season, giving the Rays a 5-2 lead. The next inning saw Chandler Simpson hit an RBI single, making it 6-2. Nathan Lukes hit his third home run of the season in the bottom of the eighth, cutting the Rangers’ lead in half.
The Jays’ best chance to even the game came after Lukes’ home run. Bo Bichette hit a double, and Guerrero Jr. drew a walk, bringing the tying run to the plate. Anthony Santander was just ahead of a pitch that had the distance, but ended up going foul. 
Santander grounded out to move the runners up 90 feet, and George Springer flew out to end the threat. Thanks to Brandon Lowe’s second home run of the game in the top of the ninth, the Rays took an 8-3 lead, the final score of this game.

Takeaways…

The Blue Jays’ offence remained hot, hitting three home runs, albeit none with runners on. It continues an encouraging trend since Apr. 29, where the Jays have had a top 10 offence. Addison Barger continues to look good this season, raising his wRC+ to 98 after a tough start. Nathan Lukes is a perfect bench bat, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting a home run is always a good sign.
Although the offence had a good game, their starting pitcher did not. Kevin Gausman made the start, giving up six earned runs in five and two-thirds innings to bring his season ERA to 4.59. There have only been two games this season where Guasman hasn’t given up an earned run.
Mason Fluharty was the first out of the pen, allowing two hits and getting one out, but not allowing a run. Braydon Fisher continues to pitch well, striking out four of the six batters he faced in this game. 
The Jays narrowly missed trying the game in the bottom of the eighth, but all hopes were dashed when Jose Urena gave up a two-run blast in his inning of work. It also means that Eric Lauer will likely start on Saturday.
This was the Blue Jays’ sixth series loss in their last eight, giving them a record of 21-22 with an 8-13 record. They just can’t seem to get above .500, with the last time they were coming on Apr. 21. The Jays need to get hot.
That’s easier said than done, as the Jays start a three-game series on Friday against the Detroit Tigers. After their Cinderella Run to make the postseason in 2024, the Tigers have a Major League Baseball-leading 29-15 record. Bowden Francis is expected to start when the game gets rolling at 7:07 PM ET.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. They can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.

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