The Toronto Blue Jays' misery continued Sunday as they dropped their sixth straight game, falling 3-2 to the Texas Rangers on a wild pitch in the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. The loss completed a four-game sweep for Texas and dropped the Blue Jays to 39-45, six games below .500.
The decisive run scored when Louis Varland, who had just entered the game, yielded a two-out double and then threw a wild pitch that allowed the runner to score from second base. The sequence epitomized a homestand where Toronto has lost by every conceivable method.
Offensive struggles persist
In all four games against Texas, the Blue Jays' offense was largely anemic, though they did manage to tie the game in the eighth inning on a two-run homer by Nathan Lukes. Despite the late surge, the result was the same, tying a season high for consecutive losses.
The Blue Jays now turn their attention to a three-game series against the New York Mets, who are also struggling. The series will be notable for the return of Bo Bichette, who last played for Toronto in Game 7 of last fall's World Series, where he hit a three-run homer off Shohei Ohtani.
Shane Bieber shows signs of improvement
Shane Bieber, making his second start of the season after a rough debut against the Houston Astros, allowed a leadoff home run on the first pitch of the game. However, he settled down and pitched into the sixth inning, striking out the side in the fifth and recording his 1,000th career strikeout when he retired Josh Jung.
Bieber's performance was a positive step forward compared to recent struggles by Toronto's starters. He tipped his cap to the crowd after the milestone, which was acknowledged by fans.
Kumar Rocker impresses for Rangers
Rangers right-hander Kumar Rocker, a relative unknown in MLB circles, matched Bieber pitch for pitch. After allowing back-to-back hits to open the game, Rocker did not surrender another hit until the fourth inning.
One key at-bat came against Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who chased a pitch well down and outside for a swinging third strike. Guerrero had earlier made solid contact on a pitch that carried to the warning track in right field.
Early deficits continue to plague Toronto
The Blue Jays have now allowed a run in the top of the first inning in seven consecutive games, with Joc Pederson homering on the first pitch of Sunday's game. The Rangers consistently jumped on Toronto pitching early, though Bieber escaped a bases-loaded jam in the first inning by allowing only one run.
The Blue Jays' 10-game homestand concludes with a three-game set against the New York Mets. Monday's scheduled starter for Toronto is right-hander Trey Yesavage, who has yet to regain his form from last season. The Mets will counter with left-hander Sean Manaea, followed by right-handers Nolan McLean and Freddy Peralta.
