Well, it’s not going to be back to back sweeps. Today was a step back from Kevin Gausman’s recent level of excellence. He lasted just 6.0 innings, his shortest start since mid-August. In that span he allowed one run on six hits, including three doubles, and walked two while striking out half a dozen. That’s more than fine, but when you’re coming off a three start run of averaging 8.0 with a 0.75 ERA then ‘more than fine’ still represents a step back. It’s a good sign for the team’s postseason hopes that their long time ace is on his strongest run in years, even if it wasn’t enough for the W tonight.
The bullpen wasn’t bad either. Yariel Rodriguez gave up one run on two hits in his inning of work, saddling himself with the loss, while Tommy Nance pitched a clean eighth.
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Unfortunately, Ian Seymour matched Gausman pitch for pitch. The Jays couldn’t get a man in scoring position through three innings. They got a great opportunity in the fourth, with Davis Schneider walking and advancing to third on a throwing error by Rays shortstop Carson Williams that also allowed Vladimir Guerrero jr. to reach first safely. That set up Alejandro Kirk, who hit a fly ball deep to centre. Unfortunately, centre fielder Chandler Simpson was just able to reel it in with a leaping grab at the wall, robbing what would likely have been a game winning three run homer. Instead, the Jays scored what would be their lone run of the night on the deepest sac fly you’re likely to see. They had another chance to take the lead later in the inning when Ernie Clement lofted a soft fly ball down the right field line, but it hopped into the stands for a ground rule double, which prevented Vlad from having a chance to score.
That would be their only real offensive push of the ninth. Seymour allowed just one more hit over the next three innings, ultimately going seven without allowing an earned run. Edwin Uceta and Pete Fairbanks each sat the Jays down in order in the eighth and ninth.
The Yankees won, which moves them up to four games back with ten to play. The Tigers lost, though, which also keeps the Jays up four games for the first seed in the American League. Still more work to do to lock it down, but their strong run to start this final road trip put them in a great position.
Jay of the day: Gausman (0.234)
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Less so: Rodriguez (-0.160), France (-0.131), Barger (-0.155), Kirk has the number but I’m giving him a pass for getting robbed
One more game tomorrow before they head to Kansas City and close out their final road trip of the season. Chris Bassitt (11-8, 3.90) will toe the rubber for the Blue Jays, while Shane Baz (9-12, 5.15) represents the Rays. First pitch is slated for 1:10pm ET.