The Blue Jays lose 4-2 to the White Sox on June 22, 2025, after a bullpen collapse in the 8th inning erased Bo Bichette's go-ahead hit. Read how it fell apart.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For a fleeting moment, it felt like another classic Blue Jays victory was in the bag. Bo Bichette, clutch as ever, delivered a go-ahead RBI single in the bottom of the seventh, sending a jolt through the Rogers Centre. But baseball can be a cruel game, and Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox was a painful reminder, as a disastrous eighth inning saw the lead vanish and the series slip away.
1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
After a solid start from Chris Bassitt, the stage was set for a tense finish. Bo Bichette played his part, lacing a single to drive in a run and give Toronto a 2-1 lead in the seventh. The crowd was electric, but the energy dissipated in the top of the eighth. Reliever Jeff Hoffman, tasked with holding the lead, loaded the bases before mishandling a slow roller back to the mound, allowing the tying run to score on the error. Moments later, Miguel Vargas ripped a two-run double, a dagger that sealed the Jays' fate. Brendon Little was tagged with the loss in a game that felt like it was Toronto's for the taking.
The bullpen's collapse was the main story, but the offense shares some of the blame. The team managed eight hits, with Bichette and Myles Straw providing sparks, but they couldn't deliver the knockout blow. Leaving runners stranded was the theme of the afternoon, as the Jays went a dismal 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. In a tight game against a beatable opponent, those missed opportunities proved to be the difference between a series win and a frustrating defeat.
While the loss stings, the front office continues to fine-tune the roster for the stretch run. Before the series, the team called up outfielder Nathan Lukes (.267/.360/.392 in the minors) and righty Nick Sandlin (2.25 ERA) to provide fresh options, sending Will Robertson and Justin Bruihl to Triple-A. These moves, coupled with the team's overall performance, show a commitment to winning now. Despite the setback, Toronto has played at a 100-win pace over the last month and still holds a Wild Card spot, a remarkable feat given injuries to Max Scherzer, Anthony Santander, and Daulton Varsho.
The sting of this loss will linger, but there's no time to dwell on it. The Blue Jays remain firmly in the AL Wild Card hunt, a testament to their incredible play over the past month despite key injuries. Next up, a crucial series against the Cleveland Guardians kicks off on Tuesday. Lefty Eric Lauer (3-1, 2.29 ERA) gets the ball, looking to set a new tone against Logan Allen. It's a perfect opportunity to wash away the bitter taste of Sunday's defeat and get back to their winning ways.
