Jays blast Rangers in doubleheader
TORONTO TAKES TWO FROM TEXAS AS BATS, PITCHING IN SYNCH IN 5-0, 10-0 VICTORIES
The Toronto Blue Jays seem bent on leaving their mark on Buffalo before winging it back across the border.
Sahlen Field has been good to the Jays, but the team’s time at its triple A facility is winding down, with the end to arrive Wednesday.
Sunday’s seven-inning doubleheader was the beginning of the Jays’ final five games there.
The Blue Jays changed the paint scheme on the dugouts to read “Thank You Buffalo” and included the logo of the Bisons, the triple A affiliate they displaced this season.
The stretch drive in the Queen City began with a bang as the Jays swept the Rangers quite easily and rather convincingly, 5-0 in the first game behind Hyun Jin Ryu, and 10-0 in Game 2.
Ryu was never threatened, outside of the very first pitch he threw, to earn the win as he became Toronto’s first pitcher this season to notch his ninth victory.
Saturday’s scheduled game was rained out, allowing Ryu an extra day of rest. He responded by crafting a complete seven-inning three-hitter.
The shutout was Ryu’s first since May 7, 2019, when he pitched for the L.A. Dodgers.
“During the bullpen sessions I had before the all-star break, I talked with (pitching coach) Pete (Walker) and we discussed how my arm slot and release point had been dropping a bit,” said Ryu through a translator.
“(Sunday) I was able to get on top again and that resulted in the change-up and the rest of my pitches to be a little faster than normal.”
His afternoon began when leadoff hitter Isiah Kinerfalefa turned on Ryu’s first pitch and sent it deep to left field, where Lourdes Gurriel Jr. caught it at the wall.
Gurriel later misjudged a ball, yet again, while George Springer allowed a ball to go under his glove for a standup triple, the only extra-base hits Ryu surrendered.
In each case, no error was given.
Ryu needed four pitches to retire the Rangers in the first inning and 83 for the game, which took one hour and 48 minutes — the shortest in the major leagues this season.
The Rangers are short on talent, but credit the Jays for taking advantage of an inferior foe.
In Friday’s series opener, the Jays crushed the Rangers 10-2.
In Sunday’s second game, No. 8 hitter Gurriel launched a ball for a grand slam, while No. 9 hitter Danny Jansen went deep in the opener.
Toronto clubbed four homers in the second game to provide starter Steven Matz more than enough run support as the Jays led 10-0 after two innings.
Matz went five innings and did not issue a walk.
In the 14 innings played Sunday, Texas produced six hits.
SPRINGER HAS SPRUNG
Springer entered the day well below the dreaded Mendoza line as the Jays continue to use him at cleanup.
The growing hysteria surrounding Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the team’s long-awaited and much-anticipated return to Toronto on July 30 have taken all the attention away from Springer’s rather underwhelming performance.
He did show signs of life against the Rangers, getting on base twice in Game 1 in three at-bats and stealing his second base of the season, while hitting a home run, his sixth of the season, in Game 2.
Springer’s blast followed a bomb launched by Guerrero, who stroked his 31st of the season.
In the first game, Guerrero made two defensive gems at first base, the first on a pick, the second on a swipe tag.
JAYS ADD VALERA
Utility infielder and switch hitter Breyvic Valera is the latest edition to Toronto’s roster.
He was active for Sunday’s double dip.
Valera appeared in five games with the Blue Jays two years ago, recording four hits and three runs batted in with one homer.
He pinch hit in the sixth inning in Game 2 and struck out swinging.
Outfielder Jonathan Davis has been optioned to triple A, but the speedy Davis was also selected as the 27th player for the doubleheader.
Davis was in left field for Gurriel Jr. to end Game 1.
He then replaced Springer in centre in Game 2.
In another roster move, the team designated lefthander Nick Allgeyer for assignment.
BRING ON BOSTON
The Jays’ run in Buffalo will conclude with a threegame series against the Red Sox, a team they will see often before returning to Toronto.
The Jays rotation against the Sox will feature Ross
Stripling getting the start in Monday’s series opener, followed by Alek Manoah and Robbie Ray.
When the Jays get back to their familiar home at Rogers Centre, Boston will be in town for a three-game set beginning Aug. 6.
But before they make the move to Canada, the Jays will be at Fenway Park for a four-game series that kicks off July 26.
The final three games in Buffalo will provide a better measuring stick, given the Jays’ opposition will be the Red Sox and not the Rangers.
HEIM’S TIME
Buffalo native Jonah Heim received loud ovations at Sahlen Field, a venue Heim used to visit when attending youth camps and then watching from the stands with the Bisons in action.
He had never played in what is essentially his home ballpark in front of family and friends.
The Rangers catcher had a double in the series opener Friday, and stroked a single in Sunday’s Game 2, by far the best moments outside of any Blue Jays feat.
Heim even has a tattoo of the Buffalo skyline on his arm.