The Toronto Blue Jays swept the Texas Rangers; that thought still resonates in peoples minds after the Jays won in dramatic fashion last night in Texas. After pure dominance of the Rangers in Texas, the Blue Jays came home with a 2-0 lead in the series. The last game of the sweep wasn’t an easy one. It took a little luck and extra innings to put the final nail in the Rangers coffin.
Thrilling Game 3 Caps Blue Jays Sweep of Rangers
The game started with a run scored by Carlos Gomez, the first time in the series the Rangers scored before the Jays. However, the lead wouldn’t last long, as Edwin Encarnacion launched a two-run home run in his first at-bat, followed by Russell Martin‘s first home run and hit of the series. The third inning saw Elvis Andrus hit a solo shot, but the Jays then scored two more runs to extend the lead. In the top of the fifth, public enemy number one, Rougned Odor, hit two-run home run himself. Texas found themselves only one run away from tying the game.
In the top of the sixth, the Rangers finally got their first lead in the series. Mitch Moreland hit a double that just missed Kevin Pillar‘s glove, cashing in two runs. In the bottom of the sixth, with the score 6-5 in favor of the Rangers, the Jays found themselves with the bases loaded, and tied the game on a wild pitch.
Aaron Sanchez did not have his best stuff in that game and was tagged for all six runs. The bullpen, however, was amazing. For 4.1 innings, the bullpen only allowed one hit and Roberto Osuna dominated the last two innings. This put the Blue Jays in a perfect spot to win the game.
In the bottom of the tenth, there were two on, Josh Donaldson and Encarcnacion, with only one out. Martin grounded into a force out, which almost lead to a double play. However, a bad throw by Odor put him safely on first. Donaldson came around to score and the throw home wasn’t in time, and the Jays won. The Rangers tried to challenge the play, but the call was upheld. Texas found themselves eliminated for the second year in a row.
This was the first series sweep for the Toronto Blue Jays in their history. The Jays are the second team ever to win two playoff rounds on walk-off plays. The 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks are the other team to do so. It is the first time a playoff series has been won on a walk off error.
The Blue Jays now wait to see if they will play the Boston Red Sox or the Cleveland Indians. Everyone knows Mark Shapiro would like to see the Indians, and Jose Bautista wants the Indians to win so they have a break like the Jays and don’t stay warm. For now, Toronto can rest. They have a few banged up players and time off will definitely help them. Whether it’s against the Indians or the Red Sox, both potential series already have great story lines.
Jays fans can relish on the fact that Odor was the one who threw the error that lead to the Blue Jays beating the Rangers. Isn’t karma sweet? Now it’s time to relax and enjoy a few stress-free days until the start of the ALCS.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in Canada!
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