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How the Blue Jays got to the top of the AL East
- Updated: July 31, 2016
1:19 AM ET
With a 9-1 win over the Orioles on Saturday night, the Toronto Blue Jays moved into sole possession of first place in the AL East for the first time since April 4.
Since a 19-inning loss on July 1, the Blue Jays are 16-6, the best record in the MLB.
Toronto is averaging 6.0 runs per game in that span (tied for most in the majors), up from 4.7 runs per game prior to July 2. Josh Donaldson, Edwin Encarnacion and Troy Tulowitzki have combined for 18 home runs and 60 RBI, with Donaldson hitting .353.
The 2-3-4 hitters, which are normally Encarnacion, Saunders, and Tulowitzki, have been taking care of business all season long. They lead the MLB with a .924 OPS and pace the league with 75 HR. Missing José Bautista from the leadoff spot hardly seemed to phase them. While he was on the DL (June 17-July 24), they hit 1.005 OPS (led MLB) and 25 HR, second-most in the AL.
But it’s not just their offense that has ignited. Aaron Sanchez, J.A. Happ and Marcus Stroman are a combined 9-0 during this run, with Sanchez and Happ owning the two lowest ERA’s in the American League.
Happ, in his second stint with the Blue Jays, is tied for the MLB lead with 14 wins. Against the Orioles on Saturday night, he finished with 11 strikeouts, tying for a season high (July 3 against …
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