Mercy. Blue Jays drop an ugly one to Tigers

The Toronto Blue Jays showed little sign of life on Monday, dropping the first game of their three-game series 11-0 against the Detroit Tigers.

Starter J.A. Happ ran into trouble early and often, allowing six earned runs over five innings pitched, walking two and striking out three. The rough start raises Happ’s ERA to 3.56 on the season.

Gavin Floyd was first out of the bullpen, but couldn’t offer much relief as he allowed three runs on five hits, recording just two outs. By that point, the game was out of reach. Joe Biagini and Jason Grilli followed Floyd out of the ‘pen before Drew Storen allowed two earned runs in the eighth inning.

Toronto’s offence was dead silent, with Michael Saunders‘ ninth-inning triple representing the only extra-base hit. Darwin Barney singled twice to raise his average to .337, but otherwise, all members of the Blue Jays lineup were held hitless.

A handful of games like tonight’s appear each season, and when even Kevin Pillar is struggling defensively in centre field, it’s not Toronto’s night.

Tigers starter Michael Fulmer continued his excellent rookie campaign with six shutout innings, striking out five and allowing just the two hits to Barney.

James McCann and Justin Upton powered the offence with home runs, both enjoying two-hit days and three RBIs. The Tigers produced 15 hits in total, with Ian Kinsler, Cameron Maybin, Nick Castellanos, and J.D. Martinez all chipping in with a pair.

The Blue Jays will look to push the refresh button tomorrow afternoon at 7:10 ET, where Aaron Sanchez (5-1, 2.99) takes on former Toronto pitcher Matt Boyd (0-1, 3.94).