CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians had an opportunity Thursday afternoon to create some breathing room in the American League wild-card race. Instead, the Toronto Blue Jays left Progressive Field with the win, the series, and the momentum.
Nathan Lukes delivered the decisive blow with a two-run double during a four-run fifth inning, lifting the Blue Jays to a 6-3 victory over the Guardians and a series win in one of the season's most important matchups.
The loss dropped Cleveland to 70-70 and trimmed its lead over Toronto to just a half-game for the American League's third and final wild-card berth with three weeks remaining in the regular season.
The game was tightly contested through the opening four innings.
Toronto scratched across a run in the second inning before Cleveland answered to tie the game at 1-1. But everything changed in the fifth.
The Blue Jays loaded the bases after back-to-back walks and a bunt single. Lukes followed by lining a two-run double into the outfield to put Toronto back in front, and the visitors continued to capitalize on the inning's momentum to build a 5-1 advantage.
Guardians starter Tanner Bibee was charged with five runs on four hits over four-plus innings while matching a career high with five walks. Bibee fell to 5-15 on the season despite entering the day with a respectable 3.88 ERA, which is about as bizarre juxtaposition that any player could have in terms of numbers.
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth, Austin Hedges lined a two-run single to cut the deficit to 5-3 and briefly bring the Progressive Field crowd back to life. The Guardians threatened to do even more, but Toronto escaped the inning without allowing another run. And that would be as close as Cleveland would get.
The Blue Jays added an insurance run later in the game, while Toronto's bullpen combined to hold the Guardians scoreless over the final 4? innings. Cleveland put the potential tying run on base in the ninth, but closer Louis Varland struck out Angel Genao to end the game and secure the series victory for Toronto.
After opening the set with an impressive 6-1 victory behind Gavin Williams, the Guardians were outscored 17-3 over the final two games as Toronto moved within striking distance in the postseason race. With every game carrying added weight, Cleveland will have little time to dwell on the missed opportunity.
What's Next: The Guardians begin a four-game series against the Detroit Tigers on Friday with a split doubleheader at Progressive Field. Cleveland has not yet announced a starter for the opener, while left-hander Foster Griffin is expected to take the mound in the nightcap. The Blue Jays travel to Kansas City to open a weekend series against the Royals.