(Toronto) On the eve of a crucial four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles this week, the Toronto Blue Jays failed to complete a three-game series sweep against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. .
A two-run homer by Hunter Renfroe in the 10th inning allowed the Angels to defeat the Blue Jays 3-2 at Rogers Centre.
Renfroe completed his homer, his 17th this season, at the expense of Yimi Garcia (3-4) after a withdrawal.
For the Blue Jays (59-47), it was only the second loss in their last seven outings.
Since the All-Star break, the Blue Jays have posted a record of nine wins and six losses. The Angels (10-5) are the only ones to have done better.
“I think we’re in a great position, not only with our pitchers, but also with our hitters,” manager John Schneider said ahead of Game 1 of the series against the Orioles, which is Monday in Toronto.
Garcia started the 10th inning on the mound as Mike Moustakas acted as an auto-runner at second base. Eduardo Escobar got it ahead 90 feet on a bunt before Renfroe’s homer, which produced all three runs for his team.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a run single for Toronto in the bottom of the 10th inning. Matt Chapman walked, but reliever Carlos Estevez (5-1) recovered by striking out George Springer and Cavan Biggio before forcing Danny Jansen to kick a fly ball down the left.
Although Jose Berrios hasn’t won since June 24, he overcame a rocky start against the Angels (55-51) to retire the last seven opponents he’s faced.
Berrios allowed one run, six hits and one walk in his 98-pitch performance. He struck out six batters.
Blue Jays player Santiago Espinal left the bases all busy in the eighth inning when he hit an optional on third base.
The Angels started the game without a hit in 17 appearances with players in scoring position this series.
The dearth grew to 0-for-21 when they left a player at second and third bases in the first two innings. The Angels left 35 runners on the trail during the series, including 27 in scoring position.
Renfroe’s sacrifice at center pushed Shohei Ohtani home plate in the third inning.
The Blue Jays tied the game in the fifth inning when Daulton Varsho slammed a double to right field to send Whit Merrifield to the plate.
Angels starter Tyler Anderson was on duty for six and a third innings. He allowed one run, seven hits and one walk.
