With an 8-1 lead at home heading into the top of the 6th inning, the Toronto Blue Jays seemed destined for game 3 of the American League Wild Card series. There was a buzz around the ballpark, as there always seems to be at the 96% capacity Rogers Centre in October.
Though there was considerable discussion of concern around the lack of arm depth in the Blue Jays bullpen compared to other post-season squads, fans couldn’t have made up how bluntly this reality would set in.
After 5 quality innings, Kevin Gausman returned to the rubber sporting an 8-1 advantage. The Mariners proceeded to score 4 runs and bounce Gausman in the 6th. Then, Seattle went on to tie the game in the 8th after a collision between Bo Bichette and George Springer allowed the bases to clear on a double.
In the 9th inning, Canadian all-star closer Jordan Romano let up a the deciding run as catcher Cal Raleigh crossed the plate after Adam Fraziers double to right.
Unfortunately this isn’t new to Jays fans as we haven’t won a post-season decision since Game 5 of the 2016 ALCS against Cleveland. The 7 run advantage is the largest ever blown by a home team in MLB post-season history.
(Photo: Dan Hamilton/USA TODAY Sports)