Blue Jays revert to offensively-challenged ways in dropping series opener to host Phillies

National Post

15 hours ago

The Blue Jays received no affection from the City of Brotherly Love.
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Instead, they got a look at the team they used to be when runs were scarce and extra-base hits even scarcer.
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They have been playing well and how they respond to Friday night's 8-0 loss to the host Philadelphia Phillies will provide a deeper glimpse into how this team has evolved.
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The Jays have not lost two games in a row since that embarrassing three-game sweep in Tampa last month when the visitors scored a combined two runs.
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The following are three takeaways on a night Kevin Gausman issued a free pass to lead off the third inning, his fourth walk of the game, as a few borderline calls went against him. Gausman's season-high for walks in a single game is five.
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1. High five
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Entering Friday night, the Jays had gone 5-1.
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While they have feasted on left-handers, Ranger Suarez had the Jays on their heels.
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Suarez was in control, yielding three hits through six innings, which included an infield hit.
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Two of those base knocks were to Alejandro Kirk, who is as hot as any hitter.
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Through six innings, Suarez struck out six.
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A big reason for Toronto's recent surge has been tied to its offence, helping the Jays improve their record to 38-30 entering Friday.
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Good pitching, it's been said, often beats good hitting.
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He gave up his fourth hit when Ernie Clement reached base on a one-out single in the seventh inning.
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He allowed the Jays to get their first runner in scoring position following a two-out walk to Davis Schneider, who reached base on a fifth-inning single.
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