Blue Jays lose 2nd straight to Twins, 6-5

Sunday afternoon the Blue Jays and Twins played the final game of the series. They each picked up a win and were both looking to grab another in the best of three. The Blue Jays sent out Drew Hutchison while the Twins sent out Ricky Nolasco.

Jose Bautista picked up the first hit of the game with a two out double down left field. Edwin Encarnacion popped up to leave the runner stranded on 2nd base.

The Twins answered in the bottom of the 1st inning with a double of their own. Brian Dozier led off the game for the Twins with double to left center field. Joe Mauer hit a line drive directly to Chris Colabello who dropped the ball. Trevor Plouffe hit a single to put two runners on base. Kurt Suzuki hit a line drive straight at Josh Donaldson who was able to turn and double up the runner on 2nd base to get an inning ending double play. The Twins once again open up the game with a run in the 1st inning.

Russell Martin smashed a single to left field to lead off the 2nd inning. Chris Colabello hit another single and Russell was able to advance to 3rd on the play. After feeling some discomfort in his throwing arm Ricky Nolasco was taken out of the game and replaced by J.R. Graham. Ryan Goins hit a two out single to load up the bases. Jose Reyes hit a bloop double to shallow left field and picked up a couple RBIs. Josh Donaldson drew a walk to load up the bases once again. Jose Bautista took a ball for a ride but it didn`t quite have the legs to get over the wall, Torii Hunter made the catch to end the inning.

Eddie Rosario lead off the 2nd inning with a single. Eduardo Nunez ground into a double play. Aaron Hicks hit a single to right center that could have been a double but Kevin Pillar showed some hustle to keep it to only a single. Aaron Hicks stole 2nd base but it didn`t matter as Danny Santana popped up to end the inning.

Ezequiel Carrera led off the 4th inning with a long single off the wall in right field. He was able to advance to 2nd on a fielder error by Torii Hunter. Kevin Pillar put down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runner to 3rd base. Ryan Goins hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score the runner on 3rd base to give the Blue Jays a 3-1 lead.

Jose Bautista drew a one out walk in the 5th inning. He advanced to 2nd base on a ground ball out by Edwin Encarnacion. Russell Martin hit a two out single to cash in Bautista from 2nd base.

Brian Dozier led off the 6th with his 2nd double of the game. The hit snapped the streak of 10 straight batters retired by Drew Hutchison. Joe Mauer picked up another RBI with a single. Trevor Plouffe hit a no doubt 2 run home run to the 2nd deck to tie up the game. Roberto Osuna came into the game and walked Kurt Suzuki but retired the next two batters.

Josh Donaldson hit a one out solo home run in the 7th to give the Blue Jays the lead once again. Jose Bautista hit his 2nd double of the game. Edwin Encarnacion drove a ball to the warning track but it was caught for the 2nd out. Russell Martin walked to put two runners on base. Chris Colabello grounded out to end the inning.

With one out in the 7th Aaron Hicks reached base due to a throwing error by Jose Reyes. Brian Dozier hit a single to left center field. Torii Hunter hit a double that may have been catchable but instead two more runs came in to score.

In the 9th inning Jose Reyes led it off with a single but couldn`t come around to score are Glen Perkins closed out the game.

Game Notes:

• The first few runs were all manufactured runs. It was nice to see the Blue Jays playing some small ball, advancing runners, and making sure to convert runs when the runners are in scoring position.
• Drew Hutchison was steam rolling until the 6th inning. It was looking like it was going to be another great start for Hutch but he can chased out of the game in the 6th. He had retired 10 straight but ran into trouble and gave up 3 runs. He left with the game tied up and did not factor into the decision.
• Chris Colabello has looked real shaky the field. The Blue Jays need to get him shifted into the DH slot more often. Hopefully Jose Bautista can get back to right field so Chris can still hit but not field.
• For the 2nd game in a row the bullpen gives up runs and losses the game. Roberto Osuna was tagged for the loss after giving up 2 runs in the 7th inning.

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