After defeating the Houston Astros 7-2 on Saturday, the Toronto Blue Jays received a taste of their own medicine in the ugliest way possible. On Sunday afternoon, The AL West division leaders returned to form and crushed Toronto 19-1.
The margin of victory marks the Jays’ worst of the season, so here are 7 facts to take away from the ugly defeat.
1) Happ struggles at the mound... badly
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The loss was especially forgettable for pitcher J.A. Happ, who gave up six runs for the first time since June 6, 2016 in an 11-0 loss to the Tigers. The three home runs were also the most he has surrendered since August 17, 2016 in a 7-4 win against the New Yankees. It took the Astros just four innings to drive him out of the game.
2) Seven different Blue Jays pitchers were used
By the end of the game, Happ, Lucas Harrell, Aaron Loup, Ryan Tepera, Jeff Beliveau, Joe Biagini, and Danny Barnes each pitched and surrendered a combined 17 hits.
3) Only one Astro went hitless
The unflattering stat belonged to 40-year-old Carlos Beltran.
4) Another 10+ run loss for the Jays
Since July 2nd, the Jays have lost three games by 10 or more runs. They had just one (12-2 loss on June 1st to the Yankees) from April until July.
5) Not Toronto’s worst loss
Though it was close, the Jays’ worst margin of defeat came against Baltimore on September 28, 2000. The Orioles walked away with a 23-1, with left fielder DeLino Deshields leading the team with five RBI.
6) Correa leads the way
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Shortstop Carlos Correa was on fire today, going 4/5 with two home runs and a team-leading five RBI. His RBI total is his highest of the 2017 season.
7) Astros keep the ball rolling
With the win, Houston reached the 60-win club. They are just the second team to hit that number in the league so far behind the Dodgers.
It’s not too late for the Jays to turn things around, but they’d be wise to do it sooner than later. The upcoming all-Star break might be exactly what they need in order to recoup.
