The clutch factor was just about non-existent today for the Toronto Blue Jays as they left 10 runners on base, dropping their series in a 3-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Mother nature was not on the Blue Jays’ side either, as they couldn’t get much going after two rain delays that took place around the 2nd inning.
Chris Bassitt (9-11, 4.30) got the start for the Blue Jays, lasting 5 innings, allowing three runs over five hits, walking two and punching out five, taking his twelfth loss of the year. Justin Steele (3-5, 3.16) was on the bump for the opposing Cubs. Due to the rain delays, Cubs manager Craig Counsell pulled Steele after pitching just two innings, allowing no runs, no hits, walking one and striking out three, leaving with a no-decision.
The Cubs struck first with their bats, scoring in the bottom of the 1st. Ian Happ lead off the home half of the inning with a solo shot, his 22nd of the year and the fourth in his last seven games.
The Cubbies would extend their lead in the bottom of the 5th. Threatening with two on and two out, Michael Busch would drive in two runs with a triple to give Chicago a 3-0 lead.
The Blue Jays wouldn’t score until the top of the 7th, when Daulton Varsho’s infield RBI single cut the deficit to 3-1.
In the top half of the 9th, Addison Barger lead off the inning with a solo shot to cut the Chicago lead to 3-2. But Jorge Lopez (2-2, 2.30) would then strike out the next three hitters to give the Cubs a 3-2 win and the series.
Bowden Francis (5-3, 4.92) will look to continue his recent success as he will take the mound for the Blue Jays. Opposing Francis, Shota Imanaga (9-2, 3.16) will get for the start for the Cubs. The Blue Jays will look to end their road trip with a win before heading back to Toronto on Sunday night.
