Blue Jays can't hold on, drop it in extras in scorcher against White Sox

CHICAGO–What should have been a good pick-me-up victory for the Blue Jays Tuesday night with a great return to form for Kevin Gausman after some struggles lately, was overshadowed by a clear display of the bullpen help this Toronto team truly needs. The 7-6 extra inning loss to the Chicago White Sox sees the Jays continue a slumpy run with five losses in their last six contests.

Down early, the Blue Jays stormed back to hold a lead late in the game with Jordan Romano one out away from a victory when he subsequently gave up two hits to score the tying runs and send the game to extra innings. 

But an offence that was slow to awake in this one, did what they needed to do in the extra frames. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. punched a double to the gap in center field to bring around Bo Bichette for the lead. Unfortunately for them, Tim Mayza then gave up a single to Danny Mendick in the bottom half to knot things up all over again. 

But the Blue Jays were a persistent bunch in the scorching Chicago weather as Raimel Tapia then brought around Matt Chapman for the go ahead run in the top of the 11th, which would again be a lead dwindled as Luke Gage surrendered a high fly ball to Luis Robert which would bring around the equalizer in Tim Anderson. 

Unable to get anything going in the top of the frame, Chicago was left with a golden opportunity in the bottom of the 12th, one in which they would take full advantage of.Josh Harrison would single to center field bringing around the winnings run in Jose Abreu as the White Sox would walk it off and with it, secure the series victory against Toronto. 

After a brilliant start to the season, his last three starts have been a bit of a struggle for him giving up 11 runs on 20 hits. He looked solid Tuesday though going six full innings allowing  just two runs on seven hits with a favourable seven punch outs. 

The offence seems to have taken a bit of a step back though, as the Blue Jays failed to register a hit early in the contest as Dylan Cease dominated with a career-high 11 Ks.

INJURY REPORT

George Springer has been dealing with some minor issues of late according to skipper Charlie Montoyo, and was forced to leave the game with some right elbow discomfort that flared up. He is expected to have some tests done and not take part in Wednesday’s finale in Chitown. 

LOOK AHEAD

Ross Stripling (3-2, 3.28 ERA) will get the ball Wednesday in order to help the Jays avoid the sweep as Chicago will counter with Lucas Giloto (4-3, 4.78 ERA) as the White Sox hope to jump back above that .500 mark.