The Toronto Blue Jays continued to struggle Thursday with their seventh loss in eight games against the Tampa Bay Rays. In front of a very small crowd at Tropicana Field, the Florida team won 6-3.
Tuesday’s game was an anomaly for the Jays, who defeated the Rays 20-1. In the remainder of their four-game streak, the Queen City representatives were outscored 19-10.
“We have to get better,” coach John Schneider told ESPN after the game. (…) Even if we forget our recent record, the last 10 days haven’t gone well. I believe we need to regain the sense of urgency to meet expectations.”
Alek Manoah (1-5) again struggled on the mound. Last year’s Cy-Young Trophy finalist increased his ERA to 5.53 by letting Tampa score four points against him. After three sets in which he eliminated six opponents, the American was sent to the shower.
It took the Rays just five hits to add six runs. Among others, Randy Arozarena hit two paying singles.
Just 10,736 fans gathered to watch the local favorite, who leads the Major League by a record 37-15, claim another win. That is well below the team’s average this year, which is around 17,000 spectators and is already one of the worst spectators in the league.
The Jays (26-25), who are dangerously close to a .500 record, will look to revive themselves with a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins beginning Friday.
“We know we’re better than what we’ve shown,” Manoah said. We just have to stay as a group and keep fighting.”
The Jays players also met after the day’s game to take stock, without the coaching staff.
Yankees with muzzles
In New York, Kyle Gibson gave the New York Yankees nothing and the Baltimore Orioles won 3-1.
The Orioles won the three-game series despite a narrow 6-5 loss on Tuesday.
Gibson (6-3) had no mercy for the Bronx Bombers batsmen. In seven innings on the mound, he only allowed two hits and four free passes. His departure didn’t take the pressure off the hosts, however, as they ended the game with just three sure hits.
Anthony Santander and Austin Hays scored productive goals and led the Maryland team to victory.
At the very end of the game, Aaron Judge used a walk to get the ways and Willie Calhoun pushed him home with a double. It was too little and too late for the Yankees, as a ball from Anthony Volpe ended hostilities.