The Toronto Blue Jays came into Friday night’s game against the New York Mets (21-24) as one of the hottest teams in baseball.
Having won 10 of their last 15 games, the Blue Jays (24-20) were looking to prove to everyone they were ready to take on one of Major League Baseball’s hottest pitchers in Jacob DeGrom.
The spotlight appeared to be too bright as DeGrom and the Mets were too powerful on both sides of the ball. The Blue Jays fell 18-1 at Sahlen Field in a game that that many would like to forget.
With the New York Yankees (24-21) stealing two games from the Baltimore Orioles (20-24) earlier on Friday, the loss against the Mets leaves them just a half a game up on the Yankees for sole possession of second place in the American League East.
He said What? “Losing regardless, it’s not what you play the game for. They’re all hard to swallow. When they’re hard-fought, tooth and nail, extra-inning games where you lose by a run, that might be a little tougher to swallow. This one stings while it happens, but you’ve got to wash it and come back tomorrow.” Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chase Anderson
What went wrong?
The New York Mets exploded for 10 runs in the fourth inning, that included a grand slam by Mets first baseman Dominic Smith, to put the game out of reach early en route to a 18-1 win.
Blue Jays starting pitcher Chase Anderson and relief pitcher Anthony Kay had a combined for 10 runs (9 earned) on 10 hits as the game spiraled out of control early on.
Stars of the Game:
New York Mets Pitcher Jacob DeGrom:
There is a reason DeGrom is the back-to-back reigning National League Cy Young award winner and continues to be part of the conversation.
Tonight he wasted no time getting after a red-hot Blue Jays lineup. DeGrom went six frames, gave up one run on three hits and struck out nine.
New York Mets First Baseman Dominic Smith:
Smith put the game away for the Mets in the top of the fourth inning when he took a Chase Anderson fastball deep over the right center wall for a grand slam. He finished the game with two hits, a home run, four RBIs and a walk.
Magic Numbers: (14+): The Mets 14-plus runs yesterday was the second time the team has supported a pitcher with 14-plus runs in consecutive starts. Mets pitcher Sid Fernandez was the last pitcher on the receiving end of this occurrence back in 1992.
What’s Ahead?
The Blue Jays will look to rebound tomorrow in the second game of a three game series.
Robbie Ray will get the ball for the Blue Jays. In his last start, Ray went 3 1/3 innings with two runs (one earned) on four hits and struck out four. For the Mets, they will turn to Seth Lugo. The right hander is 2-2 on the season, with a 2.05 ERA, 31 SO and is coming off six days rest.
First pitch is set for 6:37PM.
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