Blue Jays‘ Dramatic Season Continues, Despite Loss to Astros

TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays consistently demonstrate a knack for drama. They’re tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the most comeback wins in major League Baseball,with 43. They win nearly half their games even when the opposing team scores first, boasting a .463 winning percentage when giving up the initial run. This team doesn’t quit – they’ve won 13 games when trailing after six innings, 10 more after seven, and even four when down thru eight. In extra innings,they’re 9-4.

“What gets lost,I think,is yes,we’ve had 43 comeback wins,but the way we play allows us to do that,” manager John Schneider said. “If a game doesn’t start well, we make plays – like the ones Daulton varsho made Tuesday night – get key double plays, and keep the game within reach. Than,our hitters respond with good contact or a home run to generate runs. The key is keeping the game close and giving ourselves a chance.”

They showcased this resilience in the opener of a three-game series against the Houston Astros. They nearly repeated the feat Wednesday night, erasing a two-run deficit in the eighth inning to tie the game. Though, Jeff Hoffman surrendered a go-ahead solo home run to Yainer Diaz in the ninth, and the Blue Jays couldn’t mount another comeback, losing 3-2.

Despite the disappointing finish, the loss didn’t impact their standing in the AL East. At 83-62, they still lead the New York Yankees (80-65) and the Boston Red Sox (81-66) by three games, as the Yankees were defeated 11-1 by the Detroit Tigers and the Red Sox walked off 5-4 against the Athletics.

The loss came after Hoffman left a 1-1 fastball over the inner edge…