James McCann is a legend for this.
Instant Reaction: Blue Jays fell 11-5 in game one of the doubleheader against the Orioles
Photo credit: © Reggie Hildred - USA Today
Jul 29, 2024, 18:15 EDTUpdated: Jul 29, 2024, 18:36 EDT
Game one of the doubleheader didn’t go well.
On Monday, the Blue Jays dropped the first game of their doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles, falling 11-5 to move their record to 49-57.
The scoring started early and often for the Orioles, as they scored four runs in the bottom of the first, capped off by catcher James McCann getting hit in the face by a 95 mph fastball with the bases loaded. He would stay in the game.
Another run was scored in the bottom of third, as Ramón Urías hit a ground out to make it 5-0. Two more runs were scored in the following half-inning for the Orioles, as Ryan O’Hearn hit a sacrifice fly, followed by Jordan Westburg’s 24th double of the season.
The Blue Jays got on the board in the top of the fifth, as Addison Barger hit his first career home run in the big leagues, a three-run shot to make it a 7-3 game. However, the comeback attempt was short lived, as Colton Cowser hit a sacrifice fly, followed by a two-run Anthony Santander home run, his 30th of the season.
Addison Barger's first Major League homer!
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh, his 20th of the season, but once again, the Orioles followed that with a run of their own. Blue Jay killer Ryan Mountcastle hit his 13th home run of the season, his third against the Jays. Guerrero Jr. singled in another run in the top of the ninth, but it was too little too late for the Jays.
Career #PLAKATA 💥 Number 150 Many more to come!
Things worth mentioning…
Yariel Rodríguez start didn’t go well, as he gave up three earned runs (four total), as well as four walks in two thirds of an inning pitched to give him a 4.31 ERA for the season. Still, he had been great coming into this game and the Jays are lucky to have him on such a good contract for four additional seasons.
Relief pitchers didn’t have a great game either, as Brandon Eisert gave up three earned runs in two innings and two thirds, while Yerry Rodríguez gave up three earned runs in an inning and two thirds.
Trevor Richards pitched in Monday’s game, quite possibly the last time he’ll pitch for the Blue Jays given that he’s a free agent at the end of the season and will surely be traded. He got back on track, pitching two innings with two walks and a strikeout.
Erik Swanson gave up his first earned run since returning to the Blue Jays, as he allowed a home run to Ryan Mountcastle. Although he allowed three hits and a walk, he was able to get out of the inning and gave up just one earned run.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s home run was the 20th of the season, and his 150th of his young career. He is the youngest player to hit 150 home runs in Blue Jays franchise history and is slashing .305/.376/.506 in 458 plate appearances for a 149 wRC+. Re-sign him.
Justin Turner started Monday’s game and hit a single, but was pulled during the game as he was traded to the Seattle Mariners. In return, the Blue Jays received prospect RJ Schreck.
Addison Barger replaced Turner, and hit his first career home run in the big leagues. It’s been a tough season for Barger in the big leagues, but this is a good sign for the sixth-ranked Blue Jays prospect.
Despite the loss, the Blue Jays had 13 hits. Spencer Horwitz had two, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alejandro Kirk each had three, while George Springer, Justin Turner, Addison Barger, Davis Schneider, and Ernie Clement each had one hit.
Up next: The second game of the doubleheader is to be determined due to weather. If the game is played, Bowden Francis has the start for Toronto, opposed by Cade Povich.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.