(Toronto) The Toronto Blue Jays failed to make the playoffs, at least on Saturday afternoon, after losing 7-5 to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Taylor Walls hit a two-run single against Jordan Hicks in 10e inning to give the Rays the victory, in front of a crowd of 42,097 people at the Rogers Center in Toronto. The Rays added another run on Junior Caminero’s single.
Bo Bichette drove in a run with a double against Chris Devenski (6-4) in the bottom of the inning, but the pitcher then retired Devenski to end the game.
Despite the defeat, the Blue Jays (89-72) can still qualify for the playoffs. The team could qualify if the Texas Rangers beat the Seattle Mariners later this evening.
Even if the Mariners win against the Rangers, the Blue Jays can also secure their place in the post-season ball with a victory and will have another chance on Sunday against the Rays (98-63), in their last game of the season.
“It’s stressful and everything, but that’s what we play for,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. That’s why we play 162 games, there’s a reason. That’s exciting. There are ups and downs and all that kind of stuff. »
This would be the third time in four years that the Blue Jays have made the playoffs through drafted teams.
Harold Ramirez hit a long ball for the Rays, who were outscored 14-7 in the game.
“We’re trying to cause some chaos right now,” Rays right fielder Josh Lowe said. It’s quite funny. »
Daulton Varsho produced three points, including his 20e home run for the Blue Jays. Starting pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu only pitched for three innings.
The Jays scored three runs in the fourth inning, but gave up two runs to the Rays the next inning to tie the game at 4-4.
With two outs in the ninth, George Springer hit a double, but the Blue Jays couldn’t take advantage afterward.
If the Blue Jays make the playoffs, they would begin the best-of-three series on Tuesday, at Minnesota against the Twins, or at Tampa Bay.
Kevin Gausman is expected to be the Blue Jays’ starting pitcher on Sunday.