The race for top spot in Major League Baseball’s American League East intensified on Friday night at Rogers Centre.
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Devon Travis hit a solo homer and Russell Martin and Pillar each hit two-run doubles in the seven-run fifth as the Blue Jays moved a half-game ahead of the Orioles, who have lost five in a row.
Kevin Pillar doubled in the inning and scored two of the runs and had a big day overall at the plate with two doubles and four RBI.
Pedro Alvarez hit a solo homer for the Orioles.
“It means we are playing good baseball”, catcher Russell Martin said.
“Obviously, we’re not playing the way we’re capable of right now”, Gallardo said. While Gibbons will never get exhausted of the explosive ways of the Jays lineup, for example, the three homers in the first inning, he was just as happy with the work of the bullpen as he was with Encarnacion, Bautista and Troy Tulowitzki, who all went deep.
The Orioles (58-45) have lost five straight, tying their season high, and are 11-14 since June 29. But I think we’re starting to play good ball. “With these two offenses you never know”. “It’s getting there. Hopefully soon I’ll be back to normal”.
“I felt good early on”, Happ said.
“He was on today”, Martin said. Hunter Cervenka issued four walks, Ryan Weber hit a batter and two infielders committed an error.
Gallardo entered Saturday’s game with a 4-0 mark and 1.78 ERA in four career starts against the Blue Jays.
Jesse Chavez mopped up in the ninth as the Blue Jays moved into sole possession of first place for the first time since they started the season 2-0.
It was really typical of the Baltimore-Toronto type game over the last couple of years, Gibbons said.
RAYS 5, YANKEES 1 Jake Odorizzi pitched into the seventh inning, Logan Forsythe (Arkansas Razorbacks) and Corey Dickerson hit home runs in the first, and Tampa Bay beat visiting NY.
Travis tied the game with one out when he hit a 3-2 fastball to left for his seventh homer of the season. Edwin Encarnacion has hit 100 times with 63 runs, 27 homers and 88 RBI. “I made a made a pitch whenever I had to, unfortunately, it didn’t go my way”. I threw a 3-1 changeup to Encarnacion. “It was location more than anything”. Mychal Givens replaced Gallardo and walked Troy Tulowitzki to force in a run.
Martin and Pillar each hit two-run doubles to give Toronto a 7-1 lead.
“They’re a good offensive team, they make you pay for mistakes”, Showalter said.
Baltimore signed former Reds RHP Logan Ondrusek and designated RHP Chaz Roe for assignment.
Happ remained strong in the seventh, striking out the side.
Orioles starter Yovani Gallardo was effective early but unraveled quickly in a seven-run fifth inning. Happ allowed three hits and walked three.
Happ agreed that there was a playoff atmosphere.
Jason Heyward and David Ross homered for the NL Central leaders.
Happ gave way to reliever Joe Biagini after J.J. Hardy led off with a single in the eighth inning.
Jesse Chavez pitched a flawless ninth for Toronto.
Alvarez gets rare opportunity against lefty: Alvarez received his first start against a left-handed pitcher on Saturday – all 59 of his previous starts came against right-handers – but continued to have success against Happ.
After throwing seven shutout innings to beat Cleveland in his previous outing, Gausman (2-8) allowed six hits and matched a season-worst by giving up six runs. Puig hasn’t started since July 20 due to tightness in his right hamstring, although he has pinch hit a few times. They have hit 82 home runs at home this season to lead the majors.
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Their 9-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays was unsettling in many ways, above all because the Orioles can’t seem to find any way to win on the road against a team they’re going to have to jockey with for the division title.
