Blue Jays can't take heat. But was it legit excuse for no show against Rays?
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The game, played at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa in temperatures that topped 32 degrees but would have been significantly higher at field level, was clearly uncomfortable for both teams.
Just as apparently, it affected the visitors more. Toronto starter Chris Bassitt appeared to struggle at times, lasting just four-plus innings, wilting through a 25 pitch second inning and never truly recovering in the scorching environment.
But was playing in the heat of the Rays temporary home after the roof was blown off Tropicana Field by Hurricane Milton in the winter an excuse? Certainly not a legit one for such a one-sided defeat in a stadium visiting teams have had some success in thus far.
'I think that today was the first time, half way through the game that the environment creeps into your head a little bit,' Schneider told reporters in Tampa following Sunday's non contest. 'It's tough. It's really hot. The environment is just different.
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