Blue Jays Bring Streak to 10 with Win over Orioles

By JJ Keller | Jun 23, 2013

Jun 22, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) gestures to first baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) after hitting a two run homerun in the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at the Rogers Centre. Toronto defeated Baltimore 4-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Jun 12, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Jose Bautista (19) hits an rbi single during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

The Blue Jays made some of the biggest moves over the offseason, including signing Melky Cabrera, and completing a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins, that brought in the likes of Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson and Jose Reyes.

But for much of the season, those moves were for naught as the Jays were 13-24 at one point in the season. They have since turned that around though, particularly of late, as they just locked up their 10th win in a row last night over the Orioles. The win put them over the .500 mark for the first time since last July.

Jose Bautista came through big in the 8th, with a 2-run shot to give his team the lead. What is perhaps the most interesting part of this streak is that Bautista — often thought of as the team’s best hitter — has been struggling during most of the their recent surge. To this point in June, he has a .591 OPS, far below what you can normally expect from him.

On top of the 10 games, Toronto has gone 24-12 since May 11th, which further suggests this improvement may be real.

David Schoenfield of ESPN would agree with that notion, citing the improvement of Adam Lind, and Colby Rasmus, as well as their ability to deal with adversity using their depth, particularly in the rotation.

They have figured out a way to win even with injuries and struggling players. Imagine what they can do with a full strength roster.

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