» LHP Easton Lucas gives up three homers and eight runs in rough outing

Article content

No one ever thought Easton Lucas would continue to post an unblemished earned run average.

Article content

Article content

Article content

At the same time, no one thought Lucas would earn two wins in his first two starts as he filled in for an injured Max Scherzer.

Lucas has been better than good, pitching a combined 10.1 innings in boasting a 0.00 ERA.

It would be harsh to say the closed roof at Rogers Centre caved in on Lucas, but he did give up a two-run blast in the top of the first to the visiting Atlanta Braves, a sign of things to come.

Then came a second two-run belt, this one in the third inning.

When he walked No. 9 hitter Eli White in the fifth, it was Lucas’ fourth free pass.

He entered the night by issuing a combined three walks.

The decisive blow was delivered by Austin Riley, his second long ball off Lucas, as Riley drove in five runs in an 8-4 Atlanta win.

The Braves led 8-0, while the Jays scored two of their runs in the eighth inning.

Article content

Article content

The following are three takeaways on a night that got away from the Blue Jays early, made worse by Toronto’s futility at the plate.

1. Vlad day at the ballpark

It began with an afternoon news conference to formally unveil Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s contract.

Then came the actual game, which would see Vlad Jr. accorded with a semi-standing ovation in his first at-bat.

He stepped out of the batter’s box, doffed his helmet, would wave to the crowd and then put his hand to his heart.

Vlad Jr. hit a couple of hard-hit balls for outs.

He went 0-for-4 as he continues to go homerless.

For such an eventful beginning to the day, Vlad Jr.’s night would end in disappointment.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Play Video

2. Country Myles

More than a few eyebrows were raised when the Jays left no stone unturned in trying to entice Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, a dalliance that involved Myles Straw as part of the trade with Cleveland that provided Toronto will additional international bonus pool money.

Article content

Once Sasaki signed with the L.A. Dodgers, the outcry over Myles’ acquisition grew more intense.

Turns out Myles is no slug.

In fact, he’s been good for the Jays.

Sunday, he had two hits and scored two runs.

Monday, he started in centre-field for the ninth time with the Blue Jays.

The starting outfield also featured Alan Roden in left and Nathan Lukes in right.

Straw broke up Grant Holmes’ no-hit bid with a leadoff blast in the sixth inning, Straw’s first home run of the season and only the ninth dinger by the Jays.

For Straw, it was his seventh-career homer and first since Aug. 11, 2023.

He has clearly earned a spot with the big-league club, a role no one thought possible in the off-season.

Article content

3. KISS principle

The keep it simple stupid acronym took on a new meaning when Jeff Hoffman blew a kiss at Baltimore’s dugout following the final out in Sunday’s stunning comeback win.

It was Baltimore that backed away from pursuing the closer over concerns to his throwing shoulder.

A second team to give Hoffman the cold shoulder was Atlanta.

Hoffman, no doubt, will be summoned from the bullpen if a save is required, either Tuesday or in Wednesday’s series finale.

Up next

Jays’ six-game homestand continues on Loonie Dogs Night, but the most noteworthy item involves Daulton Varsho, the injured outfielder who is scheduled to hit live BP Tuesday; he’ll then be with his wife, who is due to give birth Wednesday, before starting a rehab stint.

Article content