Blue Jays drop two of three to Twins, their fourth consecutive series loss

Series Recap: Blue Jays drop two of three to Twins, their fourth consecutive series loss

You know the story by now: Looking to return to the World Series after the heartbreaking Game 7, the Jays began the season 3-0 and things were looking on the up and up. Then Cody Ponce got injured in the series opener against the Colorado Rockies. Since then, the season has begun to spiral as the injuries continue to mount, while the Blue Jays continue to lose.

The loss in the series against the Rockies, a 14-5 defeat, began a stretch where the Blue Jays went 1-7, with a six-game losing streak in the mix and injuries to key players like Addison Barger and Alejandro Kirk. They finally got back in the win column with a late rally in the final game of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

For this past weekend’s series, the Blue Jays hosted the Minnesota Twins for three games. Things got off to a rough start in Friday’s game, as Patrick Corbin gave up a three run home run in the top of the first, and departed the game with the Jays down 4-0 in the fourth. The Blue Jays responded with a five-run fourth inning, adding five more runs in the following four innings for a 10-4 win. It was the closest they’ve looked to what made the 2025 Blue Jays so successful.

After a scoreless top of the first in Saturday’s game, George Springer drew a walk, then Daulton Varsho hit his second home run in as many days, giving the Blue Jays an early 2-0. It went downhill from there, as Eric Lauer gave up a seven spot in the top of the third, eventually going five and one-third innings. Jesús Sánchez’s two run homer in the bottom of the ninth gave the Blue Jays some hope, but they ultimately lost 7-4.

What’s worse is that Springer fouled a ball off his big left toe, eventually being pulled and placed on the 10-day injured list with a fractured toe. For Sunday’s game, the Blue Jays called up Eloy Jiménez. He had a solid game, going 2-4, as the Blue Jays finished that game with 12 hits and nine walks. But in the end, the Jays fell 8-2 after taking an early lead in the bottom of the first.

Like Lauer the day before, Max Scherzer struggled, giving up eight earned runs in two and one-third innings pitched. At least the bullpen had a good game. Joe Mantiply got Scherzer out of the inning (but not before giving up a bases loaded double). After that, Tommy Nance, Mason Fluharty, Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers, and Jeff Hoffman combined for five scoreless innings with eight strikeouts and just one hit allowed.

Varland, pitching against his former team, struck out the side to maintain his flawless ERA. Rogers followed him, giving up the lone hit of the five relievers, but getting a double play and throwing just seven pitches, maintaining his spotless ERA. This season, Hoffman has struck out 17 batters, which is half the batters he’s faced. So that’s good.

Monday is a much-needed off day for the Blue Jays, who return to action on Tuesday. They’ll kick off a three-city road trip, with Tuesday’s game being against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply