Well, that was terrible.
On Friday, the Blue Jays started a two-series home stand, losing 12-2 to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first game of the series. Yikes. This brings their record to 13-14, which is a somewhat concerning development.
Almost-Blue Jay Shohei Ohtani was booed in his first plate appearance, but it clearly didn’t affect him as he hit his seventh home run of the season. What could’ve been?
The top of the third was all the scoring that the Dodgers would need, as they put up a six spot, which included a Max Muncy home run. Fun fact, both Max Muncy’s share a birthday with me.
Will Smith (not the rapper/actor or reliever) hit his second home run of the season and went 4-5 with a sac fly and two RBI. His home run in the top of the fourth made it an 8-0 game. It was basically all but over at this point.
Danny Jansen hit a solo home run in the fourth inning, his first of the season, to make it an 8-1 game. While this game was a disaster, this was probably the only positive.
The Jays would add another run in the bottom of the eighth, but two runs in a game is what they’ve been doing all week, so that’s where they stayed. Meanwhile, the Dodgers went on to score four more runs in the latter part of the game, giving us the final score of 12-2.
Things worth mentioning…
Chris Bassitt didn’t have a good game, finishing with a line of 2.2 IP, 9 H, 7 ER, 3 BB, 4 K with two home runs given up. With no long-man in the bullpen, the Jays had to use quite a few relievers in this game, including: Trevor Richards, Brendon Little, Nate Pearson, Tim Mayza, and Erik Swanson. Not great.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa gave up his first run of the season, coming in when the game was out of hand and giving up a walk, a hit, and a sacrifice fly. It’s always a treat watching him pitch with his 60 mph heater.
Danny Jansen had two of Toronto’s five hits, including the solo home run. Other players with a hit were George Springer, Justin Turner, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. The latter gets my MVP of the game.
Addison Barger made his second-ever start in left field on Friday, but was eventually moved to third base. There, he made a terrific catch, showcasing why the Jays should actually play him at a position he actually plays.
Brendon Little gave up three earned runs in his inning and a third of work. He now owns an ERA of 20.25.
Up next: The Jays return to action on Saturday when the two teams play the second game of three. The game will start at 3:07 PM ET, with Yusei Kikuchi starting the game against Tyler Glasnow.
me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.
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