Jays’ pen blows it as O’s snap ugly 20-game road losing streak
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Author of the article:
Frank Zicarelli
Publishing date:
Jun 25, 2021 • 13 minutes ago • 3 minute read • Join the conversation 
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah throws a pitch during the first inning against Baltimore Orioles at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, June 25, 2021. Photo by Timothy T. Ludwig /USA TODAY Sports Article content
Alek Manoah was a hit on Friday night. Only this time, he didn’t hit anyone.
The big personality that is Manoah made his first start since last Saturday’s brouhaha that he ignited when he plunked Baltimore’s Maikel Franco.
He was suspended, but Manoah was able to pitch Friday night in Buffalo pending an appeal process.
The big fella was quite good, overcoming a protracted first inning to produce a solid outing, arguably his best in six starts.
What wasn’t good was Toronto’s pen, namely Tyler Chatwood and Tayler Saucedo, who gave up four runs as Baltimore tied the game in the eighth inning.
The Orioles completed their unlikely comeback by snapping an ugly 20-game road losing streak with a 6-5 win in 10 innings. It was yet another nasty loss because their brutal bullpen blew it as Toronto’s five-game win streak came to an abrupt end.
Trent Thornton was on the mound to begin the 10th inning. Two walks would load the bases with two outs. Pat Valaika hit a pop-up down the foul line in right, but Randal Grichuk couldn’t secure the ball. On the next pitch, Thornton walked Valaika as the O’s scored the go-ahead run without a hit.
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The lone run the O’s would score off Manoah was unearned following a Bo Bichette throwing error.
With two outs in the sixth, Manoah gave up two hits to put runners at the corner. But Austin Hays, who doubled home the tying runs in the eighth, struck out as Manoah completed a nifty six innings of work by fanning six and surrendering four hits, while walking two.
Franco, meanwhile, faced Manoah for the first time since he was hit. Manoah induced a groundout on a slider that Franco pulled to third base on his first at-bat of the night in the second.
George Springer took his first swings at Sahlen Field by leading off Toronto’s bottom half of the second. He worked the count full off Orioles starter Matt Harvey, then on the next pitch, went deep to straight-away centre for his third long ball of the season. It travelled 417 feet to end an 0-for-7 hitless stretch.
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The Jays had Springer in the No. 5 hole, while taking his customary position in centre as the Jays used Teoscar Hernandez at DH.
The Jays regained the lead in the third inning when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went deep to dead centre for his 25th home run of the season.
Tim Mayza began the seventh inning and retired the O’s in order before the Jays added two runs in the bottom half on a double by Marcus Semien.
Chatwood pitched the eighth and immediately walked the first two batters he faced. Saucedo came on and gave up a single and double.
APPEAL FACTOR
Manoah was able to make his scheduled start Friday night, but his immediate future is very much uncertain.After being tossed last weekend in Baltimore, MLB senior vice-president Michael Hill concluded that Manoah intentionally threw at Franco and was fined and slapped with a five-game suspension.
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Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo was also suspended one game for Manaoh’s actions and served it by missing Tuesday night’s win in Miami against the host Marlins.
During Friday night’s pre-game Zoom call, Montoyo said the club is awaiting MLB’s decision on Manoah, which could have a bearing on how he sets up his rotation next week when Seattle visits Buffalo for three games.
“We don’t know for sure what’s going to happen,’’ said the skipper.
LHP Steven Matz, back with the team following his stint on the COVID injured list, looms as the obvious option to pick up where he left off.
The way Anthony Kay pitched Thursday night — he punched out eight in his five innings — the bespectacled lefty can easily fill in as a starter.
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