The Toronto Blue Jays took on the Tampa Bay Rays and fell in a pitchers’ duel as both sides combined to only score a single run.
Jose Berrios (16-9, 3.44) took the ball for the Blue Jays, with Tyler Alexander (6-5, 5.58) doing so for the Rays.
Berrios turned in a solid performance, tossing 6 innings, allowing just one run across six hits, walking one and punching out six as he took his 10th loss of the year. Alexander threw 4 1/3 innings, giving up no runs on just two hits, also walking one and striking out six as he left with a no decision.
There was only one scoring play in this game, ultimately proving to be the winner.
In the bottom half of the 6th inning, Jonathan Aranda hit a solo shot to give the Rays a 1-0 lead that they would not relinquish for the rest of the game.
Both sides struggled offensively, combining to score just one run over 11 hits. The Blue Jays left eight runners on base, while the Rays left five. Hitters from both teams combined to go 0 for 14 with runners in scoring position and also struck out 20 times (11 for the Blue Jays, nine for the Rays) on Friday evening.
The Jays’ offence will look to bounce back with a win on Saturday afternoon. The Blue Jays will send Yariel Rodriguez (1-6, 4.29) to the bump as the Rays will counter with Taj Bradley (6-11, 4.39)
