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Vancouver Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Blue Jays dominance could result in best regular season in team's history
After several years of witnessing MLB mediocrity, casual and diehard Toronto Blue Jays fans are being rewarded with a reason to watch and cheer for Canada's only baseball team. Depending on how this week's games play out — theirs and others — the Jays, already leading the American League East division with a 59-42 record, could find themselves in possession of the top record in baseball. And while a franchise-best 11-game home game winning streak ended with a 5-4 ninth-inning loss to the second-place New York Yankees Tuesday night, there's a lot of baseball left to play. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. But even if they don't finish as MLB's top overall team — a feat never accomplished by any Jays team — if they keep playing this brand of baseball, they could produce one of the best regular seasons in the organization's 49-year history and a possible rival to those that led to back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. Finishing as one of the top two teams in the American League (AL), meanwhile, would still be a major boon as it would grant the team a bye past the wildcard round that has vexed the organization. The team has gone winless in its last three straight best-of-three play-in series appearances (2020, 2022 and 2023). Statistically speaking, the Jays' best season ever came in 1985 when an all-star lineup featuring the likes of George Bell, Jesse Barfield and Dave Stieb finished atop the division with a 99-62 record, good for a .615 winning percentage. (Only the St. Louis Cardinals were better at 101-61, or .623) At the end of the 1985 season, a rained-out game wasn't made up because it would have no implications on the standings or playoff picture. That means if the 2025 squad can go 41-20 in their remaining 61, they'll finish 100-62 with a .617 winning percentage. Only the players, coaches and management can make it happen, but their body of work over the last two and a half months following a sluggish start to the season certainly makes it seem like it's possible. It's worth noting here that the Jays' 55 wins before the All-Star Game this year eclipsed the record set by the 1985 crew and matched that of the first World Series lineup. They also hit 50 wins in their 88th game, something else that hasn't happened since 1992. How they got here Heading into May, the team was playing sub .500 ball and languished in the standings, falling eight games behind the Yankees at one point. By month's end, however, the bats had come alive and the Jays climbed to just above .500. In June, they played just as well, if not better, and, as July approached, the Jays found themselves within striking distance of top spot in the AL East. They clinched it and haven't looked back since sweeping the Yankees in a four-game set at Rogers Centre to start the month. The team is 43-21 since May 8, and 29-14 since the start of June, a record second only to the Milwaukee Brewers, who are currently tied with the Chicago Cubs for first in the National League Central division and best record in baseball. Those Rogers Centre crowds... Different 💙🇨🇦 #lightsupletsgo It's certainly helped that the Yankees have struggled since June 1, posting a 21-23 record. Toronto, a dominant 13-4 thus far in July, has eight games remaining in the month after they wrap things up with New York on Wednesday night — a crucial four-game series against the central division-leading Detroit Tigers and a trip to Maryland for four with the AL East bottom-dwelling Baltimore Orioles. If the Jays can hang on to the AL East lead for the rest of the year, it'll be the first time they've won the division since 2015. Who got them here Outside of the obvious All-Star and veteran talent, on paper, this wasn't a lineup that was expected to be this good. But from one end of the clubhouse to another, pitching to batting, just about everyone has meaningfully contributed to the surprising success so far. Veteran George Springer, who despite being among the squad's elder statesmen at 35, has always had the enthusiastic zeal of a much younger player, is now putting up numbers to match. Undoubtedly the team's MVP so far, the rightfielder leads the team in home runs (17) and on-base plus slugging percentage (.874) and was the hottest hitter through June and July. After a couple of middling seasons, shortstop Bo Bichette and catcher Alejandro Kirk have found consistency at the plate. The former leads the AL in doubles while the Mexican-born backstop has a team-best .304 batting average and a paltry 33 strikeouts in 303 at-bats. Addison Barger, called up from Triple-A Buffalo in mid-April, has settled into the majors nicely and become the most serendipitous bright spot for the Jays. The 25-year-old utility player — who looks very comfortable on third base — is second in dingers (14) and leads the club in slugging (.517) among active players. As for the face of the franchise, Vladimir Guerrero, who inked a 14-year $500-million contract extension just as the season began, the All-Star first baseman is putting up solid numbers — he's second in hits (104) and leads the team in runs (62) — but his home run and RBI production is short of where it's been over his career. Should he find more consistency at the dish, there's no telling how it could impact the club's fortunes. Meantime, players like Ernie Clement, Nathan Lukes, Will Wagner, Myles Straw, Tyler Heineman and, at times, Davis Schneider, have provided timely hitting and defence in the absence of Gold Glove centrefielder Daulton Varsho and $92-million newcomer Antony Santander, both out with injuries. Collectively, the team leads the majors with a .260 team batting average and the fewest strikeouts (671). On the rubber, the team ERA (4.10) could use improvement, but the core trio of Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios and Chris Bassit have been consistently improving as the season goes on, aided by a bullpen that's seen a lot of action. Manager John Schneider doesn't tend to let his starters go deep into games. As for Max Scherzer, who signed a one-year deal for $15.5 million, the three-time Cy Young winner is just getting going, having returned from an injury suffered in his Blue Jays debut in March. The 41-year-old hurler was tough on himself after surrendering four runs to the Yankees on Monday. 'I put them in a tough spot by giving up four runs, but the rest of the team did their job,' said Scherzer, per the Associated Press. 'Guys are out there fighting. 'We're a great team. They're a great team. These are fun series to be in. You just want to be out there helping your team win more.' The series continues Wednesday night, 7:07, before what's expected to be another 40,000-plus fans in Toronto. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Edmonton Journal
6 days ago
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Blue Jays dominance could result in best regular season in team's history
After several years of witnessing MLB mediocrity, casual and diehard Toronto Blue Jays fans are being rewarded with a reason to watch and cheer for Canada's only baseball team. Article content Depending on how this week's games play out — theirs and others — the Jays, already leading the American League East division with a 59-42 record, could find themselves in possession of the top record in baseball. Article content Article content Article content And while a franchise-best 11-game home game winning streak ended with a 5-4 ninth-inning loss to the second-place New York Yankees Tuesday night, there's a lot of baseball left to play. Article content But even if they don't finish as MLB's top overall team — a feat never accomplished by any Jays team — if they keep playing this brand of baseball, they could produce one of the best regular seasons in the organization's 49-year history and a possible rival to those that led to back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. Article content Finishing as one of the top two teams in the American League (AL), meanwhile, would still be a major boon as it would grant the team a bye past the wildcard round that has vexed the organization. The team has gone winless in its last three straight best-of-three play-in series appearances (2020, 2022 and 2023). Article content Article content Statistically speaking, the Jays' best season ever came in 1985 when an all-star lineup featuring the likes of George Bell, Jesse Barfield and Dave Stieb finished atop the division with a 99-62 record, good for a .615 winning percentage. (Only the St. Louis Cardinals were better at 101-61, or .623) Article content Article content At the end of the 1985 season, a rained-out game wasn't made up because it would have no implications on the standings or playoff picture. That means if the 2025 squad can go 41-20 in their remaining 61, they'll finish 100-62 with a .617 winning percentage. Article content Article content Only the players, coaches and management can make it happen, but their body of work over the last two and a half months following a sluggish start to the season certainly makes it seem like it's possible. Article content It's worth noting here that the Jays' 55 wins before the All-Star Game this year eclipsed the record set by the 1985 crew and matched that of the first World Series lineup. They also hit 50 wins in their 88th game, something else that hasn't happened since 1992. Article content Heading into May, the team was playing sub .500 ball and languished in the standings, falling eight games behind the Yankees at one point. By month's end, however, the bats had come alive and the Jays climbed to just above .500. Article content In June, they played just as well, if not better, and, as July approached, the Jays found themselves within striking distance of top spot in the AL East. Article content They clinched it and haven't looked back since sweeping the Yankees in a four-game set at Rogers Centre to start the month. Article content The team is 43-21 since May 8, and 29-14 since the start of June, a record second only to the Milwaukee Brewers, who are currently tied with the Chicago Cubs for first in the National League Central division and best record in baseball.
1News
31-05-2025
- Sport
- 1News
Brumbies denied by Crusaders in Canberra battle
The ACT Brumbies have seen their Canberra fortress raided by the Crusaders, who snatched a top-two spot on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder in a thrilling final-round clash. While the Chiefs locked down the No. 1 ranking with a win over the Highlanders earlier on Friday night, the Brumbies and Crusaders met in a battle for second position, with the Kiwi outfit victorious, 33-31. The Crusaders hit the front in the 76th minute with reserve hooker George Bell peeling off a maul to dive over. His try came after referee James Doleman missed a clear knock-on by Sevu Reece in the previous play, much to the disgust of a vocal Canberra crowd. With little more than a minute to play it looked like Brumbies winger Corey Toole would put his side back in the lead as he pin-balled through the defence, but Scott Barrett dislodged the ball from his arms three metres from the tryline. ADVERTISEMENT The third-placed Brumbies, the top-ranked Australian side, will now host the team that finishes fourth — the Hurricanes or Queensland — in the qualifying finals next weekend. By finishing in the top two the Crusaders are now guaranteed to host a home semi-final provided they win their week one final. Wallabies playmaker Noah Lolesio was gutted his team wasn't able to win after clawing their way back into the match. "It's pretty disappointing. We were really in that game. We did really well to get back the lead. I'm lost for words at the moment," said Lolesio, who made a successful return from a serious back injury earlier this month. "It's a tough pill to swallow as we really wanted to win this game. "We're going to have to get over and work into whoever we've got next Saturday." The Brumbies trailed 25-14 at halftime with the Crusaders dominant in every aspect, with their line speed in defence and physicality at the breakdown causing the home side headaches. ADVERTISEMENT But Canberra started the second half with intent, with prop Rhys Van Nek burrowing across. The Brumbies then set up a heart-stopping finish when they drew level at 28-28 after Lolesio converted a try by Andy Muirhead in the 56th minute. After some quick hands, Muirhead still had plenty of work to do but the winger showed his will to drag three defenders across the line. A penalty strike by Lolesio then put his team ahead with eight minutes to play but the Crusaders — the most successful team in the competition's history with 14 titles — wouldn't be denied. Crusaders skipper Codie Taylor lauded his team's defensive effort and calmness. "Good to show a bit of composure there at the back end of that game as it seems to be a common trend for us, leaking points in that second half," the hooker said. "It's always hard fought over here and, last year it was the same, and we were on the short straw of that and managed to sneak a W (win) tonight, so proud of the lads." In another blow for the Brumbies, they could lose centre Len Ikitau, who showed his pace to score in the 16th minute but also limped off with 10 minutes to play.
France 24
31-05-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Brumbies lament costly loss in pursuit of first Super Rugby title since 2004
Crusaders reserve hooker George Bell crashed over late on for a decisive try in a 33-31 win in Canberra on Friday, keeping the decorated New Zealand side second in the final standings, with Australia's Brumbies third. The Waikato Chiefs sealed top spot with a 41-24 win over the Otago Highlanders in Dunedin, aided by a hat-trick of tries to lock Tupou Vaa'i. The top three finishers are finalised and all will stage home games in next week's first round of play-off fixtures under a new top-six format. Home advantage has proved an important factor throughout the history of Super Rugby knockout matches. If results go to seedings, the Brumbies will have to travel to New Zealand for their semi-final the following week. It is a familiar scenario for a team who have qualified for the play-offs in eight of the last nine full editions of the championship, but never in the top two. They haven't reached the grand final in that time. Larkham noted their most recent top-two qualification was 2004, when they last won the title. "It's been 21 years and every year we start the season and talk about top two as a goal," Larkham told journalists on Friday. "So yeah, we've missed an opportunity there again. It makes it a little bit harder for us. We're going to need a little bit of luck to get a home semi-final but that's out of our control now." Larkham said regular captain Allan Alaalatoa should return from injury at prop for the Brumbies next week, when they host the fourth-placed finishers. That will be either the Wellington Hurricanes or Queensland Reds. He was unsure about the fitness of fellow Wallaby Len Ikitau after the key midfielder limped out of the Crusaders match with a leg problem.
Otago Daily Times
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Late try seals win for Crusaders
A late try to Crusaders replacement hooker George Bell secured them a 33-31 win over the Brumbies in Canberra. The result means the Crusaders finish second in the overall Super Rugby Pacific standings going into next weekend's play-offs, while the Brumbies finish third. The home side struck almost straight away, with Feao Fotuaika rumbling over after the Brumbies had pinched the opening kick-off. The lead didn't last long though - only five minutes later Christian Lio-Willie hit back with a barge-over of his own. A Rivez Reihana penalty and an Ethan Blackadder try pushed the lead out, but the Brumbies stayed in touch with a lovely try to Len Ikitau. Reihana then hit back for the Crusaders, before Sevu Reece knocked over a rare drop goal before the break. In hindsight, while Reece's decision to take three points was the ultimate difference at the end, it was a bit rash as the Crusaders were 30 metres out and the chances of winning a penalty and subsequent attacking lineout were high. Reihana added another penalty after the break, before Rhys van Nek and Andy Muirhead scored tries for the Brumbies within six minutes of each other, to make the score 28-28. It set up a pulsating last quarter, with the Brumbies dominating possession only to be denied time and again by some staunch Crusaders defence. After successfully defending an attacking lineout, the visitors found themselves offside and Noah Lolesio sent the penalty goal over to give the Brumbies the lead for the first time in the game. It didn't last long. The Brumbies were penalised a few minutes after the restart and the Crusaders opted to go for the win with a lineout only five metres out. When the drive stalled, Bell peeled off the back to a defenceless blindside, crashing over for the winning try. Reihana's kick drifted wide, which meant that the Crusaders had to withstand a furious late charge by the Brumbies. Wing Corey Toole almost slipped through the defence to score the winner, but was hauled down short of the line and lost the ball forward. Both sides will now keep an eye on Saturday's games as all three have permutations for next week. They will play either the Hurricanes or Reds; however, just who faces who won't be known until Saturday night. If the Hurricanes can beat Moana Pasifika, they will head to Canberra. If the Hurricanes lose and the Reds can beat the Drua, the Reds will face the Brumbies and the Hurricanes will head to Christchurch to play the Crusaders.
