Blue Jays drop rubber match to Dodgers as Storen struggles

Drew Storen and the Toronto Blue Jays surrendered a late lead to drop the rubber match 4-2 against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday afternoon.

Blue Hays starter Marco Estrada took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before a Trayce Thompson double fell in. Joc Pederson hit his second home run in as many nights, a solo shot in the seventh, for the only run charged against Estrada. The right-hander allowed just three hits, striking out eight batters.

Kevin Pillar and Justin Smoak each recorded multiple hits including a double in the loss, both continuing their recent surges at the dish.

Storen took over for the eighth inning, but a walk and ground-rule double to the first two batters he faced forced manager John Gibbons to call on closer Roberto Osuna with runners on second and third with none out. A sac fly and a single put the Dodgers out in front 3-2 with both runs being charged to Storen.

Jesse Chavez allowed two singles while recording just one out to open the ninth inning. Chad Girodo entered with the left-handed hitting Corey Seager at the plate and allowed a soft RBI single into left field.

Gavin Floyd finished out the inning, looking very strong with two strikeouts to negate his hit batter.

Pillar broke the Blue Jays through in the third inning as the first base runner of th game. After doubling to left-centre field and advancing on a Russell Martin ground ball, Pillar slid  home when Ryan Goins chopped a ball to first base.

Prior to the game, Sportsnet’s Jamie Campbell reported that reliever Brett Cecil would be leaving the team tonight for the birth of his child and will be unavailable theoughout the series in San Francisco.

To open the Mothers Day game, J.A. Happ caught the first pitch from his mother, Susan.