Hernandez powers Blue Jays back, overcome late deficit to take game three against Detroit

TORONTO–Teoscar Hernandez continues to win battles at the plate as the right fielder crushed himself the go-ahead three-run shot to overcome a once two run deficit to beat the Tigers 5-3 Saturday afternoon at the Rogers Centre. 

The long ball was Hernandez’s 16th RBI in his last 15 games but was just one of four hits on the afternoon for the Blue Jays. 

Ross Stripling took the mound for this one and delivered a solid 4 1/3 innings of work surrendering two runs on five hits while sitting down five. Unfortunately for him the run support wasn’t there as the Blue Jays yet again were forced to tax through their bullpen more than they surely would have liked to. 

The remaining innings saw the likes of Adam Cimber, Yimi Garcia and Trevor Richards - who picked up the win - all make appearances. Following the late Blue Jays lead, Jordan Romano would enter the game to grab his 23rd save of the season. 

But the conversation heading into this one was on how the Blue Jays would bounce back following their Friday night loss to Detroit. Following a run of 1-9 headed into the All-Star break, the vibes were not described as being the most pleasant in the clubhouse. But following a loss to St. Louis and Friday night’s loss to the Tigers, thighs were still looking up. 

“The loss to St. Louis after the run we were on feels different. Guys are still loose. We're not beating ourselves up after,” said David Phelps. “That just speaks to knowing this season is a grind. We know that we're going to go through some really bad stretches when you're in the middle of playing good baseball. You don't want to overstate a loss. We're going to lose games. At the same time, if we can just keep our mindset on ``let's win the series, let's keep the vibe that we have going right now, that's the biggest thing, not letting one loss carry over into more.”

With the trade deadline looming just around the corner on Tuesday August 2nd, much of the conversation has turned to potential transactions the Blue Jays will be involved in. The Juan Soto sweepstakes, although unpredictable and not making much noise of recent, are still believed to be a touch out of reach for Toronto. Rumours have begun to swirl linking the birds to Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ as a potential candidate amid the injury potential for George Springer who continues to battle elbow discomfort.

The Blue Jays are also in the mix for some arms that are currently sat across the diamond in the visitors dugout as Detroit has been labelled as sellers for this year’s deadline. Joe Jimenez, Gregory Soto and Michael Fulmer offer up the exact swing and miss stuff the Blue Jays have so desperately desired this season.

The Blue Jays and Tigers will go again for their fourth and final game of the series as the Blue Jays look to grab their second series win in three series. Jose Berrios will head to the bump for Toronto against Garrett Hill for the Tigers. First pitch will go early on this Sunday as things will get going at just after 12 noon EST