The Blue Jays and Rays faced off today in their fourth straight game at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay.
In the first two games of the series, the Rays had crushed the Jays to melt the Jays’ lead in the standings. Thursday morning the gap was two games and Saturday morning everyone was tied in wins and losses.
The Rays, who have the tiebreaker advantage in the standings, were even ahead of the Jays in the overall league standings.
But since yesterday, the Blue Jays have risen. Alek Manoah and Whit Merrifield did the job yesterday and today it was especially George Springer who stepped up to ensure the club’s magic number was five.
No question of missing the playoffs again in Toronto.
Alejandro Kirk, Teoscar Hernandez and George Springer (twice) hit the long ball. Springer was notably very good with three hits and three RBIs.
Ross Stripling did what he had to do with his five innings pitched. He only gave up one point and the relief, which was called upon in the last few days, responded well by giving nothing in four innings of work.
Shane McClanahan, who (really) doesn’t look 100%, has looked less well at the locals.
The race for the playoffs, which also includes the Mariners, is quite useful to know who will play in Cleveland in the playoffs and who will host the other series. The Rays will face the Guardians, Astros and Red Sox on the road to end the year.
The Jays will host the Yankees and Red Sox before heading to Baltimore to end the season.
The Mariners (still in action) definitely have the most advantageous schedule of the lot. There are no away games left for the club, which will face Rangers, A’s and Tigers at home. The only difficulty? A double program on the penultimate day of the calendar.
The series are approaching, guys. Are you ready?
- Dustin May in the playoff bullpen?
- Derek Jeter’s last hit in New York is memorable.
- 125 RBIs for Pete Alonso.
- What an extraordinary feat.
