Back to reality for the Blue Jays following their surreal stay in Seattle
They revelled in an atmosphere that felt as if they were playing at home, rejoiced in a series win for the first time since mid-June and showed resiliency when many counted them out.
For one weekend, at least, all was right for the Blue Jays, who began their much-anticipated stay in Seattle by dropping a 2-1 decision to the host Mariners Friday night before winning two games in a row by identical 5-4 scores, including an epic 10-inning victory in Sunday’s rubber match.
In the five preceding series, the Jays lost three of four to Houston, split a four-game set to the New York Yankees, went 1-1 in Boston before the series finale was suspended because of rain, got swept in Cleveland and were swept by the Red Sox at Rogers Centre.
When the Guardians were in town for three games, the Jays took two of three, which included a 7-6 win on June 16 in the series finale.
With the Jays enjoying an off day Monday as they get set for a three-game series against the host San Francisco Giants, the echoes of the team’s visit to Seattle continue to resonate.
“This is not your average road trip,” manager John Schneider told reporters in Seattle following Sunday’s win.
“It’s so cool to see the fans, even before the game, and the fact they’re all shoved in behind our dugout is great.
“You kind of get to know them a little bit over the course of the weekend. The support has just been phenomenal every time we come here. It’s just a cool weekend of baseball.”
Turns out the weekend set was the closest the Blue Jays will come to experiencing the emotions of an actual playoff series.
Barring a complete and improbable change in fortunes, the Jays aren’t going to make the playoffs.
In fact, no one can predict what this roster will even look like as the July 30 trade deadline draws closer.
It’s why moments such as Sunday’s win must be embraced knowing reality will soon kick in.
On Saturday, Yariel Rodriguez earned his first big-league win, putting together two successive outings that inspired optimism as the righty from Cuba evolves.
It was George Springer’s turn to shine in the rubber match.
With the Jays trailing 4-1, Springer went deep for a three-run blast to tie the game.
“I kind of blacked out a little bit,” said Springer afterward.
“I know I was excited. It was a big moment for us as a team and I’m just happy to help.”
It was Springer’s 25th career-homer against the M’s and 15th at T-Mobile Park.
The only opposing park where he’s hit more homers is Angel Stadium (17).
Springer was written off by many, but the Jays kept insisting the veteran would rebound from an extended stretch of futility at the plate.
Even though his struggles were well documented and debated, Springer kept playing at a high level in right field and never quit.
He effectively hit rock bottom on June 24.
In the 12 intervening games, he’s played like an all-star, evoking memories of his days in Houston when he was named World Series MVP.
His belt on Sunday was Springer’s fifth since June 24, a span that has seen Springer drive in 16 runs.
The game’s winning run was driven in by Daulton Varsho in the 10th inning.
In each of the final three innings, the Mariners left the bases loaded.
In total, Seattle went 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position, while stranding 15 runners.
In the home half of the ninth inning against Chad Green, who earned a four-out save Saturday, Cal Raleigh singled with one out.
Luke Raley hit a line drive to left-center that bounced over the wall for a double.
Had it hit off the wall instead, there’s a pretty good chance Raleigh scores the winning run on the play.
The margins are rather small, razor thin, in fact, for a Blue Jays team that improved to 41-49 on the season following Sunday’s win.
Yimi Garcia is getting closer to returning, but the team’s bullpen remains depleted.
Monday’s off day came at an opportune time knowing five relievers were required in the series finale in Seattle.
The gravity of the Jays’ situation has not changed.
Entering play on Monday, Toronto is 8.5 games back of the third wild card spot in the AL.
Boston (49-40) holds the final slot, but there are many teams the Jays must overcome to even get a sniff of the playoffs.
The good vibes and good times in Seattle represented a welcome relief for the Jays and for their fans.
A weekend in Seattle isn’t about to wipe away all the lost games and moments of futility.
What it did underscore was the urgency to score runs.
When the Jays score five or more runs, they are virtually unbeatable.
The issue remains their inability to produce offensively.
No one can say how long Springer can sustain this level.
The same holds true for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who will be the team’s lone representative at the coming all-star game in Texas.
Spencer Horwitz has been a revelation.
At the same, Bo Bichette needs to re-emerge.
Unless the Jays can somehow string together a bunch of series wins, their weekend in Seattle will be remembered as a much-needed distraction.
Visitors to the Emerald City can catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier, assuming there are no low clouds.
The Jays had a better chance of climbing the mountain than they do of climbing up the ranks in the wild card pack.
That’s the reality of their lot in baseball, a position that can only be strengthened if more weekends in Seattle can be replicated.
Last time anyone bothered to check the schedule, the Jays visit Seattle only once a season.