Toronto lost another close one in game 2 of the 3 game set against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday 2-1. The lack of timely hits has been the Blue Jays Achilles heel this season and it was no different in this game. The loss is their 6th in a row dropping Toronto’s record to 10-15. The loss also leaves them in last place of the AL East keeping them 4.5 games back from the 1st place Baltimore Orioles.
The offense actually collected more hits then the Royals but only produced 1 run. They also only recorded 2 extra base hits getting a double from Rolen and another from Zaun. Rolen went 1-for-4 getting walked once, struck out once, and he stole his 1st base of the season. Catcher Greg Zaun went 1-for-3 and scored the only run of the game for the Jays. Alex Rios was the guy who brought Zaun in going 1-for-4 and recording his 13th RBI of the season and also stole his 6th base of the year. David Eckstein also stole a base giving him 2 steals for the season. Matt Stairs has done a solid job filling the DH role going 2-for-4 in this game and now has his batting average up to .328.
Shawn Marcum got the start for Toronto and pitched a solid game. He only allowed 4 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, and 4 Ks but gave up just 1 too many runs. He also gave up a homer to Jose Guillen in the 6th inning giving KC the lead at 2-1 which would end up being the final. Marcum’s record is now 2-2 and his ERA stands at 3.24. Luke Hochevar took the mound for the Royals and had a very good game. He pitched 6 innings giving up 6 hits and only 1 run while striking out 3. He was given the win for KC bringing his record to 1-1 this year and his ERA is at 5.91. Joakin Soria came in to close the game for the Royals and did just that getting his 6th save of the season.
Another close game that the Jays just couldn’t get because of how the offense struggled. We would be talking about a few more wins if the bats could give the same amount of effort that the pitchers are giving. Toronto will try to end the streak on Sunday as they play the final game against the Royals already down 2 games in the series.
