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Recap: Indians 3, Blue Jays 2; Jays Lose Heartbreaker In Ninth

The Toronto Blue Jays rolled into Cleveland for a three-game weekend set against the Indians in what would be a preview of the Jays’ ALDS matchup if the season were to end today. Francisco Liriano took the mound against Trevor Bauer who, if you recall, was the winning pitcher during that marathon game on Canada Day – the same guy who saw fit to tweet a much of American flags after that win. Isn’t it fitting, then, that Russell Martin took him deep in the first inning with Michael Saunders on base to give the Jays an early 2-0 lead.

The Jays threatened in the fourth when two reached with two outs, but, like clockwork, Justin Smoak struck out for the second time on a low curve. Liriano, meanwhile, did work tonight, keeping opposing batters off balance with a diet of fourseam fastballs on the inside of the plate and changeups, while throwing his hard slider for strike outs. He got into a bit of trouble the third time through the order, when a passed ball to Russell Martin and an error on Devon Travis (his second of the game) along with a couple of hits led to the Indians scoring an unearned run. Liriano managed to limit the damage, however, striking out Jose Ramirez to end the inning.

In what was his best outing as a Blue Jay thus far, Liriano went six strong innings, giving up just an unearned run on four hits and two walks while striking out seven. Joaquin Benoit took over in the seventh, striking out two in a three up, three down inning. Jason Grilli entered the game in the eighth, pitching around a one-out walk to get out of the inning unscathed. But, the bottom of the ninth proved to be a heartbreaker. Jose Ramierez hit a 0-2 solo home run off closer Roberto Osuna to tie the game. And then, things got ugly. Tyler Naquin drilled a pitch to right field that hit off the top of the wall, ritcocheing away from Michael Saunders into centre field. Melvin Upton Jr., who did not appear to be anywhere near the play, grabbed the ball and slipped, resulting in an inside-the-park walk-off home run and one of the Jays’ most frustrating losses of the season.

Top Play of the Game by WPA

The Jays were just two outs away from a win despite fielding a sub-optimal lineup when Jose Ramierez hit a game-tying home run off of Roberto Osuna to provide the top play of the game by WPA (.470).

Bottom Play of the Game by WPA

Though it mattered not with regards to the outcome of this game, the bottom of the ninth began with Carlos Santana popping out to Russell Martin in foul territory, which was the bottom play of the game by WPA (-.085).

Donaldson, Tulowitzki Out of the Lineup

In case you missed it, neither Josh Donaldson (jammed thumb) nor Troy Tulowitzki (sore calf) were in the lineup Friday night and are listed as day-to-day. Ryan Goins was recalled from Buffalo ahead of the game to shore up the infield.

Once Again: So Many Strikeouts

The Jays’ offense was once again plagued by strikeouts tonight, whiffing a total of 15 times, including three by Justin Smoak. Though strike outs are to be expected from an offense that relies on the home run, it is a trend that is particularly frustrating when the Jays aren’t fielding their best lineup.

Up Next

The Jays will try to shake this one off as they go at it again tomorrow. Two very different pitchers will take the mound for their respective teams tomorrow, with the hard-throwing Aaron Sanchez (12-2, 2.84) up against Josh Tomlin’s (11-6, 4.14) 86 mph cutter. Game gets underway at 7:10 PM ET.

Lead Photo: Ken Blaze – USA Today Sports

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