TORONTO — The bouncing ball to Jackson Holliday at second base, and his subsequent flip to Gunnar Henderson at shortstop, was noticeable despite its regularity in the game. It was a 4-6 forceout, and yet in the context of a never-ending seventh inning, it was a small relief.
Before that play, seven Blue Jays hitters reached base safely against the Orioles and right-hander Carson Ragsdale, who made his major league debut in forgettable fashion in Sunday’s 11-2 loss.
Ragsdale wasn’t helped by his defense. Dylan Beavers dove and came up short on a ball in shallow right field, and Henderson missed a bare-handed opportunity at shortstop. By the time Ragsdale walked off the mound following his third inning of work, Toronto had plated six runs in that frame alone.
The Orioles claimed Ragsdale off waivers in early August, and on Sunday they recalled the righty so he could provide length during a bullpen game that began with right-hander Albert Suárez. Baltimore got the length. It came with nine hits and eight runs against the 27-year-old.
George Springer welcomed Ragsdale to the major leagues in a way that won’t go down as storybook. The Blue Jays batter belted Ragsdale’s fastball deep to left field for a solo homer. From there, Toronto turned a close game into a laugher that closed out its series sweep against Baltimore.
It began with three solid innings from Suárez, who allowed one run in his spot start — required because right-hander Dean Kremer’s forearm discomfort prompted the Orioles to skip his turn in the rotation.
Although the Orioles scored first, the Blue Jays made up the difference — and then some. Left-hander Grant Wolfram conceded two runs before handing the ball to Ragsdale. Ironically, the only pitcher who did not allow a run was no pitcher at all. Infielder Luis Vázquez threw a 1-2-3 eighth inning.
That marked Vázquez’s fourth scoreless pitching outing of the season. He’s become something of a specialist in these situations, lobbing the ball in slowly to batters, although it’s not a title Vázquez or the Orioles will want.
One of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal afternoon was the solo homer from outfielder Colton Cowser, whose average had dipped below .200 earlier in the game. Coby Mayo also homered for the second straight day.
But those were minor notes in a blowout that leaves the Orioles counting down the days in a season that is all but over.
This article will be updated.