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Rays Look to Pick Up Steam Against Struggling Blue Jays
Preface
The Tampa Bay Rays got more than they bargained for from starter Tyler Alexander on Friday in the series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays. Now, on Saturday afternoon, Tampa Bay will be looking to decide the series in Toronto.
Friday’s Game Recap
Alexander’s Near- Perfect Game
The Rays were hoping for a solid five innings from Alexander in the first game of the three- game series. Instead, the left- hander exceeded expectations by retiring the first 22 batters, helping the Rays hold on for a 4- 3 victory. This astral performance gave the Rays bullpen a important- demanded break for the rest of the series.
” I was very aware of what I was doing,” said Alexander, who allowed three runs and three hits over his71/3 innings.” I was just trying not to overdo it. Just trying to stay within myself.”
Blue Jays’ Recent Performance
Offensive Struggles
The Blue Jays have struggled with consistency on offense all season. They did not get a runner on base until Danny Jansen singled with one out in the eighth inning. Davis Schneider hit a two- run homer, and pinch hitter Cavan Biggio added an RBI single for Toronto.
Upcoming Pitching Matchup
Gausman vs. Eflin
The Blue Jays will turn to right- hander Kevin Gausman( 2- 3,4.95 ERA) on Saturday. Gausman has a career record of 8- 8 with a3.72 ERA in 22 games( 20 starts) against Tampa Bay. He allowed one run and two hits over41/3 innings in a no- decision in Toronto’s 9- 2 win over Tampa Bay back in the season- opening series.
The Rays are set to start right- hander Zach Eflin( 3- 4,3.91 ERA). In six career games( five starts) against Toronto, he’s 2- 3 with a6.43 period. Eflin gave up six runs and six hits over52/3 innings and took the loss in Toronto’s 8- 2 Opening Day victory.
Team Performance Trends
Rays’ and Blue Jays’ Recent Form
The Rays have won five of their last seven games and 10 of their last 14. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays have lost nine of their once 13. Chris Bassitt, who allowed three runs over52/3 innings and took the loss on Friday, thinks it’s too early to worry.
” It’s a long season,” he said.” There’s always a point where you might need to make changes, but I do n’t suppose that time is now. We just need to play better.”
Crucial Player Updates
Bichette and Guerrero’s Hitting Streaks End
Two of the Blue Jays’ star hitters, Bo Bichette and Vladimir GuerreroJr., each went 0- for- 4 on Friday, ending their six- game hitting streaks. Guerrero also made two critical errors at first base.
Tampa Bay’s Isaac Paredes walked three times and has reached base in 16 straight games. Richie Palacios hit a two- run homer for the Rays.
Injury and Roster Updates
Brandon Lowe and Ryan Pepiot
The Rays are awaiting second baseman Brandon Lowe( right oblique strain) back soon. He has been out since early April and is listed to play in a recovery assignment with Triple- A Durham this weekend.
However, I suppose there’s a chance we ’re looking to spark him when we get home on Monday,” Rays director Kevin Cash said,” If all goes well. Right- hander Ryan Pepiot, who has been sidelined since being hit by a line drive on May 5, threw 46 pitches over three simulated innings on Friday and is anticipated to return to the rotation next week.
Conclusion
As the Tampa Bay Rays aim to decide the series against the struggling Toronto Blue Jays, crucial player performances and strategic adaptations will be critical. With Tyler Alexander’s impressive launch giving the Rays a bullpen boost, and Kevin Gausman and Zach Eflin set to face off, Saturday’s game promises to be a competitive and engaging hassle. Fans can look forward to an intense tourney as both teams strive to improve their standings.
