2021 Blue Jays: Sweep the Braves, Headed to Oakland

2021 Blue Jays: Game One

The 2021 Blue Jays entered game one of three versus the Atlanta Braves looking to climb back to .500 for the 2021 season, Blue Jays hoped George Springer making his debut would add a spark to the lineup. The Blue Jays had right-handed pitcher Robbie Ray on the mound and he was untouchable against the Atlanta Braves. Robbie Ray pitched 6 scoreless innings in game one, he had five strikeouts, giving up five hits, two runs, and one home run which came in the seventh inning with the Blue Jays up 10-0 heading into the 7th inning.

The 2021 Blue Jays strategy this season, hit home runs, in-game one they did just that. The Toronto Blue Jays hit six home runs in the game, lead by catcher Alejandro Kirk who hit two home runs including his first one which came on a 3-0 count, Alejandro Kirk was given the green light to swing and he made no mistake.

Five Blue Jays hit home runs in this game, Bo Bichette, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. both hit one, and Teoscar Hernandez who made his return to the lineup after being on the Covid-19 List. Teoscar Hernandez didn"t miss a beat as the 2020 Silver Slugger picked up right where he left off. The major story before the home run derby was the evident debut of George Springer, he did record a hit in the game as he finished 1-for-3 with two strikeouts. The Blue Jays would cruise to a 13-5 win over the Atlanta Braves and climb back to .500 for the 2021 MLB season.

Game Two

The Toronto Blue Jays have been unable to string wins together this season but they sure showed why they will be a tough team to count out in any ball game. What seemed to be a game the Blue Jays had no shot at winning, they showed no quit and made it a ball game you didn"t want to miss. Falling behind 4-0 in the second inning to the Atlanta Braves set the stage for a moment Blue Jays fans have been waiting to see since the offseason, a George Springer home run. The Blue Jays outfielder hit two big home runs including his second of the game that went 470-feet as it left TD Bank Park in Dunedin, Florida.

The 2021 Blue Jays were trailing 5-2 heading into the 6th inning of game two against the Atlanta Braves, the Blue Jays would score two in the 6th inning, and added one more in the 7th inning to tie the game. It would remain 5-5 heading into extra innings and in the bottom of the 10th inning, Blue Jays outfielder Randal Grichuk would hit the walk-off single, earning Toronto an impressive 6-5 comeback victory.

Game Three

The Toronto Blue Jays had the opportunity to sweep the series versus the Atlanta Braves heading into game three. The Blue Jays trailed 1-0, briefly, the Blue Jays would trail for half an inning as they respond in the bottom of the 2nd inning. From the second inning on the Blue Jays bats took off, scoring four runs in the first four innings, and held a 4-2 lead until they tacked on some insurance thanks to Marcus Semien hitting a two-run homerun leading Toronto to a three-run inning extending the lead to 7-2 at the end of 8 innings.

The Bullpen took care of the defensive side of the ball for the most part. Ross Stripling got the start but Toronto used six different pitchers in this game. The Blue Jays would rack up 12 strikeouts with five different pitchers before Rafael Dolis would enter in the 9th inning with the bases loaded and two outs. The right-handed reliever gets them out of the jam earning his 3rd save of the season and helps earn the Blue Jays their first series sweep in 2021 while they also extend their winning streak to 3 games.

Heading to Oakland

The Toronto Blue Jays are heading to Oakland which also marks the first time Marcus Semien will face his former team. The Blue Jays will play four games in four days series against the Oakland Athletics, in Oakland California. The Blue Jays enter this series with a 14-12 record and suddenly become a hot team with a much healthier lineup.

Right-handed pitcher Steven Matz will get the start for the Toronto Blue Jays on the mound. Looking to bounce back from his first loss of the season, and his worst outing of the season as well. Toronto will need the bats and a strong outing from their pitching staff to continue their upward trend to start the month of May. There are no starters announced for games two, three, and four as the Blue Jays continue to await news on Hyun-Jin Ryu and others on the Injured-List.

Game one – Monday, May 3rd, 2021 – First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 PM Eastern Time.

Game two – Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 – First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 PM Eastern Time.

Game three – Wednesday, May 5th, 2021 – First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 PM Eastern Time.

Game Four – Thursday, May 6th, 2021 – First pitch is scheduled for 3:37 PM Eastern Time.

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