The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Texas Rangers by a score of 4-0 to avoid getting swept since they did against the Philadelphia Phillies (Sept 3-4). The Blue Jays threw out five arms, allowing just two hits in 9 scoreless innings against the Rangers.
Kevin Gausman (12-11, 4.02) got the ball for the Blue Jays while rookie Kumar Rocker (0-0, 2.25) did so for the Rangers. Gausman had a good outing, throwing 5 shutout innings, allowing no hits, walking one and punching out six to earn his 13th win of the year. Rocker tossed 3 innings, allowing two runs (one earned), walking four and striking out five, taking the first loss of his big league career.
Gausman exited the game after 5 no-hit innings due to lower back tightness. No updates have been provided on his status.
The Blue Jays struck first in the top of the 2nd inning, taking a 1-0 lead thanks to a sacrifice fly from Nathan Lukes.
The Jays got some help from the Rangers’ defence in the 3rd. A fielding error from Ezequiel Duran allowed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to score and double the Toronto lead to 2-0.
The score stayed the same until the top half of the 7th when Vladdy continued his monstrous second half with his 29th homer of the year to extend the Blue Jays’ lead to 3-0.
Vladdy hit his second long ball of the game and his 30th of the season, another solo shot, this time in the top of the 9th to give the Blue Jays a 4-0 lead.
The Blue Jays held on to avoid the sweep and win the final game 4-0. The Jays will head to Tropicana Field as they will take on the Tampa Bay Rays for a three-game series starting Friday afternoon.
Jose Berrios (16-9, 3.44) will get the start for the Blue Jays while Tyler Alexander (6-5, 5.58) has been listed as the Rays’ starter for Friday’s opener.
