USATSI_9260510_168381442_lowres

Recap: Orioles 4, Blue Jays 3; 10 Innings Ends With A Thole Miss

The Blue Jays came up short in their first extra inning contest this year, despite ample opportunities to score. R.A Dickey took the hill tonight looking to extend the four game win streak against the Orioles’ Ubaldo Jimenez. The Blue Jays threatened early when Michael Saunders singled to center, and then went first to third on Jose Bautista’s single into left field. The Jays came up empty after Encarnacion lined into a double play to end the inning. Dickey’s April struggles continued to plague him tonight, as the O’s put 3 runs on the board in the first. Dickey managed to keep the O’s at bay, and in the 7th he handed the ball over to Gavin Floyd. Finally after loading the bases in the 10th inning against Joe Biagini, the Orioles won on a bases loaded passed ball charged to Josh Thole.

Top Play of the Game by WPA

In the bottom of the 10th, Joe Biagini came into the ballgame to replace Drew Storen, and got the first two outs on a ground ball and a strike out. He then gave up a single to Caleb Joseph, an infield single to Joey Rickards, and walked Manny Machado. Pitching to Adam Jones, a low fastball got away from Josh Thole and Josephs scored (.341 WPA) on the passed ball to end the game.

Bottom Play of the Game by WPA

In the top of the 10th inning, the Blue Jays got a rally going when Troy Tulowitzki walked. Justin Smoak came in to pinch hit for Chris Colabello, and singled to right field, putting runners on first and second with one out. Ryan Goins then grounded into a 4-6-3 double play (-.219 WPA) to end the inning.

Leaving Ducks on the Pond

The Blue Jays’ prolific offense continued to struggle against the O’s, striking out 9 times. The Jays were a concerning 2 for 12 with runners in scoring position, with Encarnacion tallying the only RBI with 2 outs. In the ballgame tonight the Blue Jays left 10 runners on base, while the Orioles only left 3. It’s hard to win when the hits aren’t coming at the right time.

Up Next

The Jays and Orioles will finish up the series tomorrow night at 7:05, before they head back to Rogers Center for a weekend series against Oakland. The Blue Jays will send Marco Estrada to the mound to face Chris Tillman in the series deciding game.

Featured Image: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Related Articles

Leave a comment

Use your Baseball Prospectus username