Jays jump out to 4-0 lead over Rays, who stormed back in posting win

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In his first game as leadoff hitter with George Springer also in the lineup, Davis Schneider took Tampa starter Zach Eflin’s second pitch of the game and recorded a double into the right-centre gap.

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It seemed to indicate the Jays would be off and running.

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Then came more hits that would lead to actual to runs as Toronto forged a 4-0 lead.

It all seemed too good to be true.

Reality then struck and it hit hard, exposing the Jays’ lack of power and a bullpen that is only good when it is fully healthy.

This loss wasn’t as tough as the walk-off in Baltimore, but Saturday’s date against the Rays did end nonetheless in a 5-4 loss as Tampa officially takes the three-game series with the finale set for Sunday afternoon.

The key blow Saturday was a game-deciding two-run homer hit by Jonny DeLuca off Jays reliever Nate Pearson in the eighth inning.

Jays starter Kevin Gausman wasn’t that bad, but at the same he wasn’t at his best, giving up more hits (8) than recording strikeouts (6) during his 102-pitch outing.

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Yandy Diaz led off the game with a single, the first of three hits he would record off Gausman.

In fact, it was Diaz who led off the sixth inning on a hit into right field that helped pave the way for the Rays to push across three innings as a 4-0 Toronto lead would dwindle.

Once the Rays were retired, Gausman’s day had also ended following six complete innings.

Outside of a baserunning mistake by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who tried to stretch a single, the Jays were much sharper than they’ve been this season.

One inning in particular, the top of the fifth, showed the team’s flair for making defensive plays, including a pick-off at second when Gausman threw to the bag before Schneider applied the tag.

The game ended when Schneider struck out looking with Garrett Cleavinger on the mound.

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TIMELY HIT

Springer hadn’t driven in a run since May 3 when the Jays were in Washington.

Against the Nationals, a sac fly would score a runner as Springer recorded his sixth RBI of the season.

The Jays would lose 9-3 to the Nationals, who would take the series.

In the second game of a three-game set against the Rays, Springer stepped up to the plate in the fourth inning after grounding out in his first at-bat.

With Vlad Jr. in scoring position, Springer turned on the first pitch and sent it into the outfield for a two-out RBI single as the game’s first run would cross home plate.

JANSEN ROLLS

Speaking of hits, Danny Jansen once again showed why he’s among the best hitters on a team not known for its hitting.

When he’s able to turn on a pitch, Jansen also provides a much-needed power presence on a team woefully short on power bats.

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A single in Jansen’s first at-bat would be followed by a double in his second, raising the question as to why Jansen isn’t batting at the top of the order.

Saturday, he was in the No. 7 hole behind Justin Turner, who continues to scuffle, and Springer.

While Jansen has batted cleanup for the Jays, a more permanent role in the middle or perhaps even at the top of the order must be made.

The down side to Jansen is that he will swing through pitches, which doesn’t make him unique.

In his third at-bat, Jansen struck out swinging.

Jansen stepped up in the eighth with two outs and runners at second and third after a Springer groundout advanced the runners, a prime opportunity for Jansen to step up and deliver.

He grounded out to short.

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GM MUSINGS

Some items of interest from Ross Atkins’ morning availability focused on the team’s triple-A affiliate in Buffalo.

When it comes to Spencer Horwitz, who has shown a knack for hitting, the Jays GM expressed some reservation knowing the team must balance playing time in the minors to embracing a bench role at the big-league level.

“It comes down to his impact, playing once a week on our team versus his growth and development.” said Atkins of Horwitz.

The possibility of a trade is always on the table, but at this time of the year the price is high.

“If we were to acquire a player at this point, you obviously are paying a premium. We can do that,” added Atkins.

YIMI ROCKS

Yimi Garcia, who would likely fetch quite the haul if Atkins decides to part ways with the reliever, was at it again in relief of Gausman.

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The righty started the seventh inning for the Jays.

After getting the first hitter to ground out, Garcia issued a walk, his sixth of the season.

He promptly retired the next two hitters.

Garcia has given up one earned run this season, which came on a home run he surrendered when Seattle was in town early last month.

Garcia pitched one inning against Tampa before Pearson, who ended being charged with the loss, was asked to start the eighth inning.

Turns out, it wasn’t such a good move.

When Pearson gave up the two-run bomb, it reinforced the lack of depth in Toronto’s pen.

Erik Swanson has not been reliable, while Chad Green isn’t ready to return from his minor-league rehab stint.

The Jays find themselves in this position where they can’t risk stretching Garcia, but it is equally clear they are rolling the dice when Pearson is on the mound.

Pearson wasn’t even able to record a single out before Trevor Richards needed to be summoned from the bullpen, inheriting runners at first and second.

He got the first two outs before falling behind 3-0 in the count.

A four-pitch walk would be issued as Tampa loaded the bases.

Richards threw two strikes when facing Randy Arozarena, who struck out swinging to end the inning.

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