The Toronto Blue Jays endured one of their toughest losses of the season Friday afternoon, falling 16-2 to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
The game was effectively decided in the opening inning as the Cubs exploded for seven runs against Toronto starter Kevin Gausman. Chicago sent 11 batters to the plate in the frame, highlighted by Carson Kelly’s grand slam that electrified the home crowd and put the Blue Jays in an immediate hole.
Gausman, who entered the game coming off several strong outings, struggled with his command from the outset. The veteran right-hander lasted just two innings, allowing seven earned runs before turning the game over to Toronto’s bullpen.
Chicago never let up. The Cubs added four more runs in the sixth inning and five in the seventh, finishing with 18 hits and taking advantage of several Toronto defensive miscues. Pete Crow-Armstrong reached base five times and extended his hitting streak, while Kelly finished with six RBIs in a dominant offensive performance.
The Blue Jays managed little against Cubs starter Ben Brown, who worked six solid innings and limited Toronto to two runs. George Springer provided the lone offensive highlights for the visitors, driving in a run with a single and later belting a solo home run. The Blue Jays finished with just five hits and were unable to generate sustained pressure throughout the afternoon.
Adding to Toronto’s concerns, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited the game after experiencing back discomfort. His status will be monitored heading into the remainder of the series.
The loss snapped Toronto’s three-game winning streak and dropped the club back below .500 as it opened a three-game interleague set in Chicago. Despite the lopsided result, the Blue Jays will look to regroup quickly and even the series in Saturday’s matchup at Wrigley Field.
