Josh Donaldson, Adrian Beltre Exit Game 1 Of Blue Jays-Rangers ALDS

There’s a ways to go in the best-of-five series, but Texas is smiling while Canada has its fingers crossed. It also scored Odor, who was hit by a pitch for the second time in the game.

“The fans were great”.

“He didn’t give up many hits”, said Gibbons.

If a deciding game is required, it will be played Wednesday at Rogers Centre.

Over and over the left-hander insisted the 11-day layoff between outings wouldn’t be a factor – he’s the first pitcher to sit 11 or more days before taking the ball in Game 1 of his team’s post-season opener since Red Ruffing in 1939 – but certainly that decision will be second-guessed now, whether it factored or not.

Yovani Gallardo (1-0) allowed two runs and four hits in five innings. “That’s something I always say”.

Mayor Jim Watson and City Councillor Jody Mitic raised a Toronto Blue Jays flag outside of City Hall Thursday morning to support the playoff run. Fielder grounded out, second baseman Goins to first baseman Smoak. Only Andruw Jones in the 1996 World Series was younger. Odor reached base three times, getting hit by two pitches during the game. Toronto, limited to single runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth, outhit Texas 6-5 but was only 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

“I think he got a little lightheaded, felt that something wasn’t right”, said Jays manager John Gibbons. Texas has won the past 10 games started by Hamels, dating to August 17.

Having Marcus Stroman ready to start Game 2 is a plus for the Blue Jays.

“We haven’t ruled him out of tomorrow’s game”, Daniels said. Donaldson reportedly passed concussion protocol, and should be back in the lineup for the next game. “The news would have to be worse than it is right now for us to consider that”, Daniels said. “So obviously you want that guy playing”. It’s a good team. Far more uncertain is the severity of the injury to Josh Donaldson, who took a knee to the head in a collision at second base in the fourth inning. “But he did pass the test so that’s a good sign”.

Blue Jays pinch-hit for Josh Donaldson in the 5th. He did it at a few personal cost, losing his batting helmet and grimacing as he got up.

Next up are the Blue Jays. An MRI confirmed Beltre had a strained back. Toronto sent out an update on Donaldson and Bautista after the Rangers’ 5-3 win.

One hitter later, Edwin Encarnacion nearly repeated the feat but his blast went just foul.

Odor restored the two-run lead when he lined a one-out homer to right in the seventh.

Hard-throwing Sam Dyson pitched the ninth for Texas, hitting 98 m.p.h. Encarnacion opened with a single but the Jays came up short. As exciting as the Rangers have been, I don’t know if they can get past that lineup.

“I still like our team”, said Martin. Beltre reportedly injured himself during a first inning slide, so it was wonderful he stayed in the game to hit, let alone deliver a huge hit.