The Toronto Blue Jays played their rubber match against the Arizona Diamondbacks and took the game in a very close 8-7 victory.
The Blue Jays sent Yusei Kikuchi (4-8, 4.00) to face Zac Gallen (6-5, 3.33) for the Diamondbacks. Both starters were not their usual selves. Kikuchi let up seven runs over 4 2/3 innings, along with six hits, three walks and six strikeouts. Gallen was similar, throwing 3 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs (six earned) over nine hits, walking one and striking out one. Both pitchers were given no decisions.
The scoring started in the top of the 2nd, when an error by Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo allowed Daulton Varsho to cross home plate and give the Blue Jays an early 1-0 lead.
The Toronto offence then exploded in the top of the 4th. Varsho started the rally with an RBI single, extending the lead to 2-0. The Jays would get their third run from another RBI single, this time by Ernie Clement. Kevin Kiermaier would then unload on the Diamondbacks, hitting a grand slam to give the Blue Jays a 7-0 lead and seemingly push things out of reach.
But in all sports, especially baseball, you never say die because you just don’t know what can happen.
The Snakes certainly didn’t say die as their offence erupted to score seven runs in the bottom of the 5th inning. A grand slam from Ketel Marte would already make things close as that cut the Blue Jays’ lead to 7-4. Former Blue Jay Randal Grichuk would then single in Jake McCarthy to make it 7-5. Eugenio Suarez would then come up clutch with a two RBI single to tie the game at seven, effectively completing the Arizona comeback.
Things looked bad for the Blue Jays after letting up seven runs in a single inning, until the top of the 7th, when the best of their bats stepped up in the form of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Vladdy would lead off the inning with a solo blast to centre field, putting the Blue Jays back on top with an 8-7 lead.
The Blue Jays would not relinquish their lead a second time, as they were able to stop the Diamondbacks and hold onto a very much needed win.
Toronto will head into the All Star break with a 43-52 record. Currently standing last in the AL East Division, 14 games back of the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees, both tied for first. The Blue Jays also stand at 9th in the Wild Card standings, 9.5 games back from a playoff spot.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was selected to play in his fourth All Star game and will start at first base for the American League on Tuesday, July 16, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Guerrero Jr. is batting .288 with 14 homers and 55 RBI to go along with an .815 OPS (.359 OBP, .456 SLG).
