Tampa Bay dominates Toronto under the leadership of Chandler Simpson
Tampa Bay Rays Blank Toronto Blue Jays 4-0
The Tampa Bay Rays continued their impressive form with a 4-0 shutout victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday afternoon. This win marked the Rays' ninth shutout of the season, further solidifying their position in the American League.
The Blue Jays' magic number to clinch a playoff spot remains at three, but they suffered their second straight loss after a six-game winning streak. The four-game series between the two teams ended in a split.
Chris Bassitt, the Blue Jays' starting pitcher, had a tough outing, leaving the game in the fifth inning after giving up three runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings. He threw 89 pitches in his attempt to keep the Blue Jays in the game.
On the other side, Shane Baz, the Rays' starting pitcher, held the Blue Jays' hitters to two hits and struck out four over five innings. His strong performance set the tone for the Rays' victory.
The Rays' offensive efforts were led by Chandler Simpson, who had a second consecutive three-hit game. Simpson's two-run single in the second inning gave the Rays the lead, and he finished the game with a batting average of .301.
Brandon Lowe followed Simpson with an RBI single in the second inning, and Carson Williams increased the Rays' lead with a home run in the sixth inning, marking his fourth of the season.
Four relievers followed Baz and helped the Rays record their ninth shutout of the season. The Blue Jays will look to bounce back when they face the Kansas City Royals on Friday, with Trey Yesavage scheduled to start for the Blue Jays. Max Scherzer is expected to be the Blue Jays' starting pitcher on Friday, with a record of 5-3 and an ERA of 4.31.
