Instant Reaction: Blue Jays bats go quiet once again in loss to Royals

It’s all the Royals would need, but the Jays would make it interesting in the bottom of the sixth, as Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s singles put runners on the corners with two outs. Bo Bichette singled them in, cutting the lead in half.

It was all for naught though, as a single and two doubles in the top of the eighth gave the Royals a 4-1 lead, with Erik Swanson being tagged for both runs, even though Génesis Cabrera gave up the final run.

Things worth mentioning…

José Berríos had another good start, finishing with a line of 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K with both runs coming on the home run in the top of the second. Despite the quality start, he was tagged with his second loss in as many starts, both coming against the Royals.

Erik Swanson’s rough start to the season has continued, as he gave up two earned runs in two thirds of an inning pitched. The only good news is that he pitched in back-to-back games for the first time this season.

Zach Pop pitched for the first time in a Blue Jays uniform in nearly a full calendar year. The last time he pitched with Toronto was back on May 4, 2023, the game he was injured in. He had a good outing on Tuesday, striking out a batter in his inning of work.

Hits were few and far to come for Toronto as the Blue Jays’ batters had just three hits all game. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Davis Schneider, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Bo Bichette had the four hits, all of which were singles. George Springer had a rough game, striking out three times while also playing centre field.

Up next: The rubber match will be played on Wednesday at 3:07 PM ET, with Chris Bassitt toeing the rubber for the Blue Jays. Kansas’ starter will be Seth Lugo, who has a 1.66 ERA this season. Win the game, win the series.

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