Kevin Gausman struggled once again on the mound, surrendering four earned runs in five innings as the Toronto Blue Jays dropped a 6-5 decision to the Texas Rangers on Thursday night at Rogers Centre.
Gausman's rough outing continues
The veteran right-hander gave up five hits and two walks while striking out four, but a solo home run to Joc Pederson in the third inning proved costly. Gausman's ERA rose to 5.12 on the season, continuing a pattern of inconsistency that has plagued the Blue Jays' rotation.
Toronto's offence managed to rally late, scoring three runs in the seventh inning to cut the deficit to one, but the bullpen could not hold the line. Reliever Tim Mayza allowed a run in the eighth that extended the Rangers' lead to 6-4.
Blue Jays' comeback falls short
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led the Blue Jays with two hits and two RBIs, including a solo home run in the fourth inning. George Springer added a double and scored a run, but the team left seven runners on base and went 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi earned the win, allowing four runs on seven hits over six innings. He struck out six and walked two. Kirby Yates recorded his 15th save of the season with a perfect ninth inning.
Impact on the standings
The loss dropped the Blue Jays to 38-37 on the season, third place in the American League East behind the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays. The Rangers improved to 39-36, keeping pace in the competitive AL West.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said after the game, 'We need to get more consistent pitching. Kevin is working through some things, but we believe he'll turn it around.'
The two teams continue their four-game series on Friday, with Toronto sending right-hander José Berríos to the mound against Texas lefty Andrew Heaney.
