Blue Jays Soar: Aim for Record-Tying Win Streak
Team chemistry and strategic play fuel Toronto’s impressive run.
The Toronto Blue Jays are on the verge of matching a franchise record, aiming for their sixth overall and fourth under associate manager DeMarlo Hale, after defeating the Chicago White Sox 6-1 in a rain-shortened game Tuesday. Their success hinges on strong situational awareness and adaptability.
Remembering Past Streaks
DeMarlo Hale vividly recalls Toronto’s 11-game winning streak from August 2-13, 2015, boosted by trade deadline acquisitions. However, other streaks are less clear. “We had two in ’15?”
he asked, surprised by a reminder of their June 2-14 run, highlighted by Kevin Pillar‘s two home runs against Max Scherzer.
Another 11-game streak in 2013 provided a brief respite during a tough season, fueled by victories from pitchers like Esmil Rogers and Chien-Ming Wang.
Current Success Factors
The Blue Jays’ current 10-game winning streak reflects their overall surge, achieving a new team record with 54 wins before the All-Star break. Solid starting pitching, exemplified by Chris Bassitt‘s six innings, complements contributions from the entire lineup.
Eric Lauer will start the finale against Adrian Houser, seeking a third straight series sweep. With Bassitt‘s efficient outing, “every single person available”
will be ready in a bullpen that was recently heavily taxed, according to manager John Schneider.
Situational Awareness
“The first thing that comes to my mind”
about the current run “is our situational play,”
said Hale. “We have been pretty good in situational moments, when the game is in that balance… We’ve responded pretty well.”
An example of this occurred when Davis Schneider opened the scoring with a solo home run, followed by strategic plays from George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to extend their lead.
Teamwork and Communication
According to a Gallup poll, companies with engaged employees see 23% greater profitability, illustrating the importance of team cohesion, which the Blue Jays are currently utilizing to their benefit. (Gallup 2023)
John Schneider “has also done a good job of managing his personnel and utilizing skill-sets,”
said Hale. “And if you talk to the players, I think they’ve become… they understand how they’re going to be used… John is playing everybody. Mixing and matching. And we’re executing at a high level.”
Guerrero noted improved communication this year, “Now, by the time we get to the hotel, we already know if we’re playing, if we’re not, the positions that we’re playing, so we know the way the next day is going to be. In that aspect, the communication is a little bit better.”
Roster Flexibility and Mindset
The Blue Jays’ roster management requires adaptability, with players like Lauer and others stepping into various roles. “The messaging is ‘do something to help the team win.’ This is what you’re asked to do,”
Hale explained. “It’s about this game. And that’s the message… But this is what we’re asking you to do now. I know it sounds simple, but if you’re constant with it, they start to get it.”
Currently, the Blue Jays are thriving, having won 10 consecutive games and with a chance to extend it to 11. This is a streak Hale will surely remember.
