Francisco Mejia had a two-run homer in the second inning and a solo shot in the fifth to lead Tampa Bay to an 11-5 lead over the Blue Jays, hours after Isaac Paredes and Wander Franco each had solo home runs as the Rays. the first game 6-2. Toronto first base coach Mark Budzinski left early in the second game, with manager Charlie Montoyo repeatedly leaving the boat for the club during the game. Bench coach John Snyder stepped in as coach during Montoyo’s brief absences. The Blue Jays closed their clubhouse after the game and canceled their postgame media availability. “As many of you know, Mark Budzinski left early in tonight’s game,” the team’s statement said. “He is dealing with a personal matter and Charlie and our coaches are with him. “Out of respect for Bud, we ask that you respect his privacy at this time. Thank you.” The Blue Jays also had a scary moment in the second inning of Game 1 when starting pitcher Kevin Gausman took a fastball off his right ankle. He lay prone on the turf in front of the mound as catcher Gabriel Moreno ended the game. After coaches came to examine Gausman on the field before helping him to the clubhouse. His X-rays came back negative, and Montoyo said between games that the pitcher had a concussion. “Like everybody else, I was hoping it wasn’t anything worse than a concussion and that’s what happened and that’s good news,” said Montoyo, who said Gausman will be considered day-to-day. Paredes added a three-run homer and an RBI double in the final game as Tampa (42-36) snapped back-to-back wins. Starter Drew Rasmussen allowed two runs — one earned — on five hits and two walks in 4 2/3 innings. Reliever Dusten Knight allowed three runs in 2 1/3 innings and Ralph Garza Jr. earned the win, throwing scoreless ball the rest of the way. Bradley Zimmer had a double for Toronto (44-35) and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added a solo bomb. Thomas Hatch (0-1) coughed up 10 runs on 12 hits and two walks in 4 2/3 innings. Matt Gage, Sergio Romo, Tim Mayza and Adam Cimber came in in relief, with Gage allowing a run. Tampa had lost four straight going into Saturday’s doubleheader, including losses to Toronto on Thursday and Friday. “It was an exciting day. We had to find a way to bounce back, and we did,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “It all came with us during a busy day. “It’s tough to win both games of a doubleheader, so very proud and impressed with the guys.” ADDITIONAL RELIEF — Casey Lawrence was recalled from triple-A as the 27th player in both games of the doubleheader. He pitched 5 2/3 innings of relief in Saturday’s opener, allowing six runs to take the loss. Max Castillo was dropped to triple-A between games to make room for Hatch on Toronto’s roster. PIRATES TRADE — The Blue Jays announced a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates for left-handed pitcher Anthony Banda during the first game of a doubleheader. Toronto sent cash contributions to Pittsburgh in return. Righty Julian Merryweather was placed on the 60-day injured list. ABOVE — Ross Stripling (4-2) will start for Toronto in the rare five-game series finale against Tampa Bay. Shane Baz (0-1) will take the mound for the Rays. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 2, 2022.
