Most observers agreed that the series between the Blue Jays and the Orioles was significant for Torontonians. However, they went home with a 3-5 defeat on Thursday evening in Baltimore.
The meeting, which started more than an hour late due to rain, was presented on TVA Sports. Check out the highlights in the video above.
That result, combined with the previous day’s bitter 7-0 loss, represents another losing streak against the Orioles (79-48), leaders of the American League’s Eastern Division. So the Jays (70-58) see a big one Chance to get closer to the top by slipping away from them.
The visitors only had a short lead in this encounter. Early in the fourth inning, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer each had a run, but the “O’s” quickly leveled the game when it was their turn to bat. Anthony Santander and Cedric Mullins each hit two home runs.
Without being brilliant, Kyle Gibson (13-7) was able to close the door on the Jays for eight innings by allowing just six hits. Félix Bautista ended every late comeback attempt with his 33rd save, the second-highest total in the majors.
It’s far from over for the Queen City team as they will no doubt have to look at the teams selected for a playoff ticket. The next three games will be played at Rogers Center between Friday and Sunday against the Cleveland Guardians.
offensive fest
However, the Jays have to be very careful because the Boston Red Sox are beaming behind them. In Houston, they put on a show with a 17-1 win over the Astros.
The Sox scored no fewer than 24 goals in this game. It is the third-highest total in 2023, behind the Los Angeles Angels (28 on June 24) and the Jays (27 on May 23).
JP France (9-5) had a disastrous start on the mound with 11 safe shots allowed and 10 runs allowed in just two and a third innings. The score was 7-0 when he ceded to Brandon Bielak, who inherited Bases Loaded.
Wilby Abreu had by far his best game of his career when he hit his first long pitch and posted four RBIs. The 24-year-old Venezuelan only made his Major League debut on Tuesday.
The Red Sox (68-60) are tied for the series against the Astros (72-57), the last American League playoff-seeded team. These two teams are currently separated by Toronto.