The Toronto Blue Jays’ bullpen woes continued on Wednesday night, as they suffered a heartbreaking 5-4 walk-off loss to the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim. Leading 4-2 entering the bottom of the ninth, the Blue Jays were poised to snap their three-game losing streak. However, closer Jeff Hoffman struggled, allowing the Angels to load the bases with no outs. After a strikeout, Jorge Soler delivered a three-run double, sealing the comeback victory for Los Angeles .
This defeat marked the Blue Jays’ fourth consecutive loss, dropping their season record to 16-20, although they remain third in the American League East.
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (11).Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Despite a strong performance from starter José Berríos, who pitched six-plus innings with nine strikeouts, the bullpen’s inability to close out games has become a recurring issue. The offense showed signs of life, with Bo Bichette’s two-run single contributing to a three-run seventh inning. Yet, the team’s struggles with runners in scoring position and late-inning execution remain concerning.
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Manager John Schneider addressed the team’s recent struggles after the game.
“This is a crappy stretch… Guys are feeling it, but we’re in a position to win every game,” Schneider said. “Hoff is such a big part of what we’re doing this year… It happens to closers. It sucks when it happens back to back. Tough couple outings, but he’s been lights out for us.”
Toronto has now lost two games to the Angels, who had won just two of their last ten games prior to Wednesday’s matchup. The Blue Jays will now look to bounce back to winning ways when the two teams return to action for the series finale on Thursday.
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The Blue Jays will turn to starter Chris Bassitt to stop the skid.
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