Ninth-inning action propels Jays as Estrada’s troubles continue
Toronto Blue Jays’ manager John Gibbons keeps saying that right-handed starter Marco Estrada “is not going anywhere,” despite his recent struggles.
But Gibbons was wrong. Estrada is going somewhere. Unfortunately for the Jays, it’s to the showers all too early.
After lasting just 3.1 innings in his last start on June 13 against Tampa Bay where he gave up a career-high 12 hits, Estrada was pulled after 3.2 innings on Monday night against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park. He had been staked to a 5-1 lead going into the fourth but had to leave the game after giving up five runs in the inning.
In Monday’s start, Estrada gave up six runs on seven hits and walked four. But on this night, the Jays bullpen stepped up, not allowing a run or a hit after Estrada was pulled as Toronto came back to score two in their top of the ninth off reliever Matt Bush to beat the Rangers 7-6.
Earning the win was Beliveau, who pitched a scoreless eighth including two strikeouts while Osuna retired the Rangers onetwo-three in the ninth to pick up his 18th save of the season.
The Rangers got on the board first when left-fielder Nomar Mazara slammed an Estrada offering in the first inning.
In the second, Toronto’s home run king, Justin Smoak, cleared the fence in right-centre with a solo shot to tie the game 1-1. Steve Pearce broke the game open temporarily in the fourth when he smacked a double to left to score three runs. But Estrada couldn’t hold the lead.
Toronto tied it in the ninth when Ryan Goins led off with a double and came around to score on a Josh Donaldson hit. Donaldson then stole second and Kendrys Morales knocked him home with what proved to be the game-winning run.