On the cusp of the 2016 non-waiver trade deadline and just one and a half games out of first in the AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays kicked off the most important series of the season thus far against the division-leading Baltimore Orioles. The Jays started a well-rested Marco Estrada against Kevin Gausman. Estrada struggled through the first inning in which he faced six batters and surrendered two runs on two hits and a walk. More concerning that that, however, was that he struggled with his command and appeared to be moving a bit gingerly, suggesting that perhaps he’s still battling back issues. The Jays came roaring right back in the bottom of the inning, launching three solo shots of the bats of Jose Bautista (his first since returning from the DL), Edwin Encarnacion and Troy Tulowitzki to take a 3-2 lead. The Orioles tied the game in the top of the third on an incredibly bizarre play involving Manny Machado reading the shift to score from first on a groundout and an error to Russell Martin, who was backing up third base. The Jays took advantage of some poor defense in the bottom of the inning, putting up a three-spot to go up 6-3 and officially ending Gausman’s night. The O’s got one back in the top of the fourth before Marco would finally settle into the game, throwing the first three-up, three-down inning in the top of the fifth and retiring eight in a row through the end of the sixth. The score would remain unchanged until the top of the eighth, when Jays’ nemesis Manny Machado hit a solo shot off Jason Grilli, who bounced back to get the next three outs, celebrating his strike-out of Matt Wieters with his patented fist-pump. Jays’ fans held their collective breath when closer Roberto Osuna gave up a double with two out in the top of the ninth, but got Adam Jones to ground out to end the game and preserve the win.
Top Play of the Game by WPA
The Orioles got out to an early lead, when Hyun Soo Kim singled followed by a walk issued to Manny Machado. After Chris Davis grounded out to move up the runners, Mark Trumbo doubled to center to score both Kim and Machado, providing the game’s top play by WPA (.168).
Bottom Play of the Game by WPA
The Orioles attempted a rally in the seventh inning, when Pedro Alvarez led off the inning by reaching first on an error to Joaquin Benoit. J.J. Hardy subsequently grounded into a double play, changing the complexion of the entire inning and providing the bottom play of the game by WPA (-.116).
Edwin’s 300th Career Double
With two out in the bottom of the fourth, Edwin Encarnacion just missed his second home run of the game, instead settling for a double – the 300th of his career. Also of note: Marco Estrada’s six-inning, three-earned run performance was the Jays’ 65th quality start of the season, tying them for first in the majors.
Up Next
With tonight’s win, the Jays now sit just half a game out of first in the AL East. A win tomorrow would give them the division lead. The Jays will send J.A. Happ to the mound while the Jays’ offense will face off against Yovani Gallardo.
Lead Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA Today Sports