Blue Jays’ late rally too little, too late in loss to Orioles

Brett Bateman launched his first career home run in the ninth, but it wasn't enough

Published Sep 11, 2026  •  Last updated 16 minutes ago  •  4 minute read

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays looks up at the umpire after being tagged out at first base by Pete Alonso of the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning during the game at Rogers Centre on Sept. 11, 2026. Photo by Vaughn Ridley /Getty Images

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Two pitches into his outing, and veteran Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer already had given up the game’s first run on a home run.

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It would set the stage for what would ensue one inning later when Scherzer gave up six successive hits as the visiting Baltimore Orioles pushed across five runs to take a 6-0 lead.

His early struggles, while it could be argued were predictable given his season-long inability to string together quality starts, would underscore the delicate state of the Blue Jays’ starting rotation and its fragility, knowing the current makeup consists of two legitimate arms capable of pitching deep into games.

Scherzer is a wild card as the Jays attempt to manage a thin rotation the next few weeks knowing a playoff wild card is well within reach.

Equally thin is the Jays’ margin for error.

Starts such as the one Friday don’t inspire much confidence, following a lost series in West Sacramento where the Athletics shut out the visitors in Wednesday’s rubber match.

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At least the Jays were not on the receiving end of back-to-back shutouts, which is of little consolation on a night they provided so very little resistance until a ninth-inning rally fizzled.

This was supposed to be a night the Jays were supposed to flex their muscles, knowing they would be home for six games.

Instead, they allowed the Orioles to remain in contention for a wild card as Baltimore hammered the Jays 7-4.

One can make the case that the result was never in doubt after the evening’s second pitch was tossed.

Disconcerting and disappointing are words to neatly sum up the events of Friday.

The meeting was the first of six in September between the Orioles and Jays, who will be in Baltimore Sept. 21-23 for a three-game set as Toronto wraps up a six-game road trip that begins in Texas on Sept. 18 against the Rangers, one of four teams competing for one wild card up for grabs.

The way the Jays played Friday, alarm bells are sure to be sounded.

Scoring two runs with two outs in the ninth inning, and getting the tying run to the plate, might sound good, but the runs were recorded far too late.

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The following are three takeaways on a night rookie Brett Bateman recorded three hits, including launching his first career homer.

1. Justifiable boos turn into inexplicable cheers

It is hard to rationally and logically describe how fans truly feel about the club’s franchise face, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

He reaches base on a walk in the first inning only to get picked off, an awkward and totally unnecessary sequence that elicited no response.

In the third inning with runners on base, Vlad Jr. chased a pitch that was low and outside for the third strike as boos began to rain down.

In his next at-bat, cheers of “Vladdy! Vladdy!’’ began to resonate for no apparent reason.

He grounded out, though he did hustle down the line and at least made it close.

He hasn’t hit a home run at home this season as the Jays played their 73rd home game.

Following his groundout, Vlad Jr.’s average dipped to .259.

Guerrero’s ninth-inning infield hit on a full count brought Alejandro Kirk to the plate as the tying run, but Kirk hit into a game-ending fielder’s choice.

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2. Clement in the throes of a rut

Popularity isn’t an issue, but production is all that matters knowing a productive player often leads to winning.

Ernie Clement’s record hitting barrage during last year’s playoff run lifted his profile to a level that would spur fans to make Clement the highest vote-getter for the AL all-star team, which comes with an automatic spot in the starting lineup.

It’s starting to look and feel that Clement has hit a wall, if he hadn’t already.

Friday, as an example, the Jays had Clement hit in the ninth hole.

His at-bats, once threatening, have become feeble.

He flew out to centre on a routine ball and popped out to first base.

In the sixth inning with the Jays mounting a bit of a rally, Clement lined out to centre for the third out.

Clement did record a double with two outs in the ninth inning on a ball into right field that, if played properly, would have resulted in a single.

3. Can’t stop Kaz

It is laughable to say Kazuma Okamoto is a rookie based on his distinguished time in Japan.

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He is in his first MLB season, which, by the books, makes Okamoto a rookie.

Regardless of the dubious designation, he has been a revelation for the Jays.

In the fourth inning, he took Orioles pitcher Chris Bassitt deep as Okamoto launched his club-leading 31st belt of the season as he added to his club-high RBI total.

His 84th RBI tied Okamoto with Eric Hinske for the most runs batted in by a Jays rookie in a single season.

Hinske’s rookie homer record was broken by Okamoto.

Hinske was 25 when he broke into the majors.

Okamoto is 30 years old and played professionally in his native Japan for 10 seasons for the Yomiuri Giants.

Up Next

Another day when Spencer Arrighetti figures to play a prominent role, which isn’t necessarily a good thing for the Jays in the wake of the right-hander’s struggles; to be blunt, he hasn’t been good, but the club’s pitching options are limited, meaning Arrighetti will serve as the bulk guy Saturday (3:07 p.m. first pitch) or start; either way, Saturday is shaping up as a bullpen day for the Jays, who at least will have staff ace Dylan Cease on the mound Sunday in the series finale; as for Saturday, the Orioles are scheduled to start RHP Kyle Bradish, who took the loss against the Jays when Baltimore made its first appearance in Toronto in early June.

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