Blue Jays surge into first place thanks to unstoppable July run
Welcome to The Walk Off, the nightly MLB recap from Big League Stew. Here we’ll look at the top performers of the night, show you a must-see highlight and rundown the scoreboard. First, we start with a game you need to know about.
For the first time since April 4, the Toronto Blue Jays are in first place in the AL East. This time though, they own it alone after leapfrogging the Baltimore Orioles by defeating them 9-1 at Rogers Centre on Saturday afternoon.
The win was the Blue Jays 16th in 22 games since July 1, when they were 5 1/2 games out of first place. In other words, they’ve gained a lot of ground in a short amount time, and it’s not entirely because Baltimore has been bad. Granted, the Orioles are currently on a five-game losing streak, but we’ll give Toronto its due for taking it right too them on Friday and Saturday.
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The Blue Jays are a scary team right now because they’re confident and even more importantly because they’re healthy. Jose Bautista and Troy Tulowitzki both homered in Friday’s win and look to be on track. Devon Travis is back in the groove too, connecting for a homer on Saturday. All parts of their dangerous offense are clicking right now, and they’re getting the pitching to match.
On Saturday, for example, starter JA Happ allowed just one run over seven strong innings.
It’s also clear that Blue Jays players are feeding off their frenzied fans at Rogers Centre. Several players noted that following Saturday’s win, including outfielder Kevin Pillar.
“This late in the season, when you’re playing for something such as first place, against a team that we consider a bit of a rivalry, it has been unbelievable,” Pillar told MLB.com. “The atmosphere definitely feels like postseason. We’re approaching these games like postseason games, and we’ve been playing pretty good.”
Once again, it’s a fun time to be a Jays fan as the AL East appears to be theirs for the taking.
TOP PERFORMERS
Rockies: The Blue Jays probably owe the Rockies a thank you. Colorado started Baltimore’s losing streak by winning two straight at Camden Yards. Now the Rockies own a five-game winning streak, which has elevated to 52-52 and put them only four back in the NL wild-card race. Who say that coming? The Rockies have now won the first of a series at Citi Field after beating the Mets 7-2 on Saturday. The Rockies were led by impressive rookie David Dahl, whose two-run homer gave them the lead for good.
Justin Verlander: Detroit’s right-hander was throwing some old-school fire in their 3-2 come-from-behind win against Houston on Saturday. Verlander nearly completed a shutout, but faltered in the ninth allowing two runs. He finished what he started though, and Detroit’s offense got him in the win column by scoring two or their own in the bottom half. Verlander allowed five hits and struck out 11.
Mitch Moreland and Adam Rosales: Detroit wasn’t the only team to walkoff on Saturday. Moreland connected for on a solo home to give his Rangers a 2-1 walk-off win in Texas. Minutes later, Adam Rosales did the same for San Diego, smashing a walk-off blast to give the Padres 2-1 win against the Reds. Unfortunately, San Diego didn’t homer on Friday. Otherwise, Rosales’ would have marked 27 straight games for the Padres, which would have tied the MLB record.
Eduardo Nunez: Welcome to San Francisco, Eduardo Nunez. In his first Giants start, the veteran infielder was a big contributor in their 5-3 win against Washington. Nunez collected two hits, including a two-run double that got the Giants on the board in the fourth inning. He also stole a base and provided versatility manning both shortstop and third baseman. Seems he’s going to fit in quite well.
MUST-SEE HIGHLIGHT
Reminder: Kevin Kiermaier of the Tampa Bay Rays is among the best defensive outfielders in baseball. He showed us why again in Saturday’s 6-3 win against the Yankees, leaping high at the wall to take away extras base Austin Romine. That great grab came in support of Drew Smyly, who may have been making his final start for the Rays. Smyly was also supported by home runs from Brad Miller, Curt Casali and Tim Beckham.
REST OF SCOREBOARD
Mariners 4, Cubs 1: After blowing one save in 21 chances with the Yankees, Aroldis blew his first with the Cubs in his second chance. Chapman allowed two inherited runs to score in the inning before allowing one of his own. Also worth noting, the Cubs have now lost Jake Arrieta’s last five starts.
Indians 6, A’s 3: On the night Jim Thome was inducted into the Indians Hall of Fame, it’s only fitting they used four home runs to knock off the A’s.
Marlins 11, Cardinals 0: Good news for Miami: They won in a laugher. Bad news: They already lost new acquired pitcher Colin Rea to an elbow injury.
White Sox 6, Twins 5 (10): Former Twin Justin Morneau homered for the first time against Minnesota. He’s now homered against all 30 teams in MLB.
Phillies 9, Braves 5: In his final trade deadline audition, Jeremy Hellickson allowed three runs on nine hits but still earned his eighth win. He should be in new uniform come Monday.
Brewers 5, Pirates 3: No Ryan Braun (hurt). No Jonathan Lucroy (likely trade). No problem for the Brewers. They’re now 63-17 against Pittsburgh at Miller Park since 2007.
Angels 5, Red Sox 2: Angels starter Hector Santiago worked hard for his win, throwing 119 pitches over five innings. He allowed two runs on four hits while walking six and striking out six.
Diamondbacks 4, Dodgers 2: Top prospect Braden Shipley earned his first career win by tossing six scoreless innings.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
