For the second time this season, the Toronto Blue Jays have lost a series.
On Sunday afternoon, the Jays played the rubber match game against the Seattle Mariners, falling 8-3 to move their season record. Let’s take a look at what happened in this game.
The game didn’t start well for the Jays, as lead-off hitter Dylan Moore hit his fifth home run of the season. Julio Rodríguez reached base, then Cal Raleigh hit his ninth home run of the season to make it a 3-0 game before the Jays even swung the bats.
CAL RALEIGH HITS DINGERS. pic.twitter.com/vN6vS4uNYn
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) April 20, 2025
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In the top of the second, Ben Williamson led off with a walk, Leo Rivas hit a single, and Rodríguez walked to load the bases. With two outs, Randy Arozarena hit a two-run single for the 5-0 lead. Mitch Garver hit a single immediately after, giving the Mariners a 6-0 lead.
The Blue Jays scored two runs in the bottom of the second, as Tyler Heineman and Bo Bichette each hit an RBI single. Nathan Lukes hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the third to cut the lead in half.
However, former Blue Jay Rowdy Tellez put the game away with one swing of the bat, hitting a two-run blast to make it 8-3. It was Tellez’s third home run in as many games against the Jays this series.
Oops, Rowdy did it again 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/ff2Nju54Ti
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) April 20, 2025
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Takeaways…
Easton Lucas had another tough start in this one, only pitching an inning and two-thirds, giving up two home runs, six earned runs, and striking out five to bring his season ERA to 7.41. This was his second consecutive poor start in a row after dominating in his first two starts.
Recently called-up Paxton Schultz saved the bullpen in his big league debut, striking out eight in four and one-third innings. He generated a game-high 17 swings and misses to give him a 45 whiff% in the game. Moreover, his fastball averaged 93.8 mph, touching 94.7 mph. You have to imagine he’ll get another look soon, maybe even as the starter. He also matched a record, with his eight strikeouts being the most for a reliever in their debut.
Paxton Schultz records his EIGHTH strikeout 😮
He ties the Major League record for most strikeouts by a reliever in their debut 👏 pic.twitter.com/qzaKmXw1az
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 20, 2025
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Dillon Tate was also recalled on Sunday, and he didn’t share the same success as Schultz. He pitched an inning and a third, giving up two earned runs and striking out three. Mason Fluharty also pitched in this game, going an inning and two-thirds with two strikeouts to give him a season ERA of 2.57.
The Jays were a little bit better with runners in scoring position today, going 5-21 and managing 11 hits. Still, they’ve been lacking the big extra-base hit all season long, and it cost them in Sunday’s game. For example, they had two on with no outs in the first inning and failed to cash either baserunner in as they struck out, grounded out, and struck out again.
Of the Jays’ 11 hits, four of them were doubles, as George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Tyler Heinema, and Addison Barger all had doubles. Barger’s double was his first base hit of the season. Heineman had a three-hit game as he’s now batting .500 for the season, while Bo Bichette and Guerrero Jr. had two-hit games.
The Jays hit the road once again starting Monday, as they’ll head to Houston to take on the Astros. Game one starts at 8:10 PM with Kevin Gausman on the mound.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. They can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.