Mike Trout hits Blue Jays hard in 6-3 loss

SCORE BOX:

J.A. Happ got the ball for the Blue Jays as Toronto was looking to take a series win to keep pace with the rest of the tight AL East.  In the bottom of the first inning the Jays threatened after a double by Edwin Encarnacion but Jared Weaver would bear down and retire Troy Tulowitzki with two runners on.  The Jays came right back in the 2nd and capitalized on a Melvin Upton Jr. double.  Ezequiel Carrera reached on an error to put runners on first and third where Jose Bautista was able to pop a ball to right field to score Upton.

Supporting another strong start by J.A. Happ was the excellent leather of Kevin Pillar in centre.  Pillar made a great diving catch to take a way an Albert Pujols.  Happ allowed a pair of singles in the first inning and then retired 13 batters in a row at the close of the 5th.  Josh Donaldson got to Jared Weaver and deposited a 1-1 pitch over the wall in centre for his 29th home run.  The homer brought plenty of rain as it went for an estimated 450+ feet.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Blue Jays: Snapping cold streaks at the right time
• Who Should the Blue Jays Extend First: Guerrero, Bichette or Manoah?
• Blue Jays now hold the top Wild Card spot, and yes that’s a good thing
• Blue Jays may have the tools to use a Bullpen Day
• Blue Jays win important first game after Bichette’s late inning heroics

Happ ran into his first real trouble in the top of the 6th when the Angels were able to load the bases on a double, a walk, and a hit that bounced off of Happ’s leg.  Mike Trout came to the plate with no outs and the bases loaded.  Trout promptly singled through the left side of the infield to pick up a pair of runs.  A passed ball and a Pujols single later the Jays would be trailing 3-2.  Happ exited in favour of Joe Biagini.  Biagini was able to get a double play but the Angels scored a run to make their lead 4-2.

With two outs in the bottom of the 6th the Jays had new life as Pillar and Upton Jr. singled.  Upton stole second base to put runners on second and third for Carrera.  Ten pitches later Weaver walked Carrera to load the bases.  Jose Valdez came in and retired Darwin Barney to escape the inning.

Biagini allowed a leadoff single to Nick Buss on a bunt.  Two outs later Brett Cecil came into the game to face lefty Kole Calhoun.  Cecil walked Calhoun on 5 pitches to load the bases for Trout. Mike Trout continued to mash the Blue Jays.   Trout singled on a 1-0 pitch off of Joaquin Benoit.  The single scored a pair to put the Angels up 6-2.

Jason Grilli struck out two and got a ground out in the top of the 9th in hopes of a Blue Jays rally.  Upton picked up his 3rd hit to lead off the 9th.  He dropped a double down the right field line to get things going.  Jose Bautista hit an RBI double with two outs to cut the lead to 6-3.  Donaldson followed with a fly out to right to end the game as the Jays come up short in this one

Missed opportunities were the major issue during this game as the Jays left seven runners in scoring position.  Mike Trout and Albert Pujols combined for a 5-for-8 night with five RBIs to sink the Jays.  Bautista was productive at the plate in his return as he drove in a pair of runs.

STARTING PITCHER

RELIEF PITCHERS

Next: Morning Brew - Atkins, Infield, and Votto?

OFFENCE