Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez had not allowed a hit against the Baltimore Orioles through seven innings Tuesday night. Then everything went wrong.
(Video courtesy: MLB.com)
Sanchez allowed hits to each of the first three batters he faced in the eighth inning, relinquishing a game-tying run in the process. He escaped further damage when Jonathan Schoop hit into an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded.
The Blue Jays had struggled to break through against Orioles starter Andrew Cashner and didn't tally a run of their own until the top half of the eighth when Justin Smoak scored after an errant throw from the outfield.
Fortunately for Sanchez and Blue Jays faithful, Curtis Granderson smoked a go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth and closer Roberto Osuna preserved the 2-1 lead with the 100th save of his young career.
Sanchez looked like he might have been on his way to joining Dave Stieb as the only pitchers in franchise history to throw a no-hitter. Stieb, who lost no-hit bids with only one out remaining on three occasions, finally accomplished the feat Sept. 2, 1990.
