Toronto, we have a problem.
On Wednesday evening, the Blue Jays played the rubber match of the three game series against the Houston Astros, and it didn’t go great, as Toronto fell 8-0.
Yordan Álvarez kicked off the scoring in the bottom of the third, blasting a solo home run for his first home run of the season to give the Astros a 1-0 lead. It was all they would never, but you can bet they added some more. This included an Álvarez double to drive in two more runs, as well as two extra one-run singles in the bottom of the fifth.
Álvarez stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the sixth and blasted his second home run of the game to make him 4-4 at that point, with three RBI. Interestingly, it was off Tim Mayza who was an elite reliever last season, especially against left-handed pitching. For context, only two batters hit a home run against Mayza last season and the first one didn’t happen until July 25.
Next up was Carlos Peña, who hit a two run home run to give the Astros a 7-0 lead. This was his second home run of the series and it was given up by Wes Parsons who came in to eat some innings. He gave up an additional run to José Altuve, but yeah, just not a great game.
Things worth mentioning…
Between the three games the Blue Jays had nine hits in total, including being no-hit as well as a one hit shutout. Blue Jays pitchers gave up 10 home runs in total, which is absolutely unacceptable for a team hoping to contend for a playoff spot, let alone a World Series ring. Credit to @brantdubs on Twitter for that one, go give him a follow.
Chris Bassitt didn’t have a great game, finishing with a line of 4.1 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 3 K with a home run given up. His early season ERA now sits at 7.71, which is worrisome to say the least.
Daulton Varsho had the only Blue Jays hit of the game, a double that went down the line to the opposite field. Alejandro Kirk and Kevin Kiermaier both flew out in the next two plate appearances.
The Blue Jays had an opportunity to score and even take the lead in the top of the third inning, as they had runners on first and second with two outs. Bo Bichette popped out to end the inning. In the top of the fifth, Kiermaier walked, stole second, and Springer walked as well giving the Blue Jays the same scenario, but this time Vladimir Guerrero Jr. struck out.
Up next: Thankfully, the Blue Jays won’t return to Houston until next season, so they can put this terrible series behind them. Next up, they’ll have their first off-day of the season on Thursday, before heading to New York City to face the Yankees. Please try to hit the ball this time.
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