That’s not what you like to see.
On Tuesday evening, the Blue Jays were hosted by the Kansas City Royals for the second game of a four-game series. The American League Central team defeated the Jays 3-2, bringing their season record to 13-11, good enough for fourth in the AL East.
The low-scoring affair started when Justin Turner, hit a single which allowed George Springer to score, giving the Jays a 1-0 lead in the top of the third. The designated hitter is now batting .310 for the season, what a great signing.
Justin Turner picks up the RBI, and the Blue Jays are on the board. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UK8TBG6cRc
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 24, 2024
Toronto picked up a 2-0 lead in the top of the fifth, with an Alejandro Kirk sac fly. While it’s nice to get a run, it doesn’t quite tell the whole story as the bases were loaded with one out, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa flying out to end the inning.
The Blue Jays would rue the missed opportunity, as an error by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with two outs would set off a disastrous inning, with the Royals scoring three times. This is a simple play that needs to be made.
Kevin Gausman got the ground ball he needed and IKF made a fine play here, but Vladimir Guerrero Jr. didn’t catch it.
I thought it might have gone through the webbing again, but nope… Just plain missed it. #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/MBfFhRlQqK
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) April 24, 2024
Things worth mentioning…
Kevin Gausman had a terrific start, finishing with a line of 6.2 IP, 7 H, 0 ER (3 R), 1 BB, 2 K. The great stuff isn’t quite there yet, generating just four whiffs in the evening, but this was easily his best start.
Daulton Varsho has been nothing short of terrific this season, as he hit a double, walked, and struck out once in this game. This is the Daulton Varsho they traded for, and he’s a big reason why they’re above .500 at the moment.
George Springer had a good game, hitting three singles and striking out once. It’s been a tough season for Springer so far, but the Jays really need his bat to get going.
Justin Turner hit two doubles, reaching base twice in four plate appearances. This season, he’s slashing .310/.407/.493 with two homers. The off-season moves aren’t the problem.
Tim Mayza finished the outing for the Jays, striking out one batter in what was a clean inning of work. The Jays need more of this from their best left-handed pitcher in the pen.
Up next: The Blue Jays will have a chance to at least return home with a tied series if they win Wednesday. Yariel Rodríguez is the starter on the mound for the Jays, and he’ll be opposed by Alec Marsh. It will start at the usual time, 7:40 PM ET.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.
