Minnesota scored twice in the ninth off closer Jeff Hoffman as the Blue Jays fell 7-5 at Rogers Centre, tightening the AL East playoff race.
Ninth-Inning Collapse Stuns Toronto
The Toronto Blue Jays suffered a crushing 7-5 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Rogers Centre, after closer Jeff Hoffman gave up back-to-back home runs in the ninth inning. The defeat trimmed Toronto’s American League East lead to four games, heightening pressure during the playoff push.
How Minnesota Turned the Game Around
With Toronto leading 5-4 in the ninth, Mickey Gasper tied the game with his first career homer. Moments later, Matt Wallner crushed a three-run blast — his 20th of the season — to seal Minnesota’s comeback victory. Twins reliever Michael Tonkin (2-0) earned the win, while Justin Topa closed the game for his fourth save.
Hoffman’s Struggles in the Spotlight
Hoffman (8-5) recorded his seventh blown save of the season and has struggled in recent weeks, converting just two of his last five opportunities. His 4.77 ERA and 6.75 ERA over his last seven outings have raised concerns about Toronto’s bullpen stability. Despite the setback, manager John Schneider said he will continue to use Hoffman in save situations.
Springer’s Standout Night Overshadowed
The loss overshadowed a brilliant performance from George Springer, who hit two home runs, collected four hits, and scored four times. Springer now leads the team with 24 homers this season. Nathan Lukes added three hits, while Bo Bichette extended his league-leading totals to 167 hits and 48 multi-hit games.
Bassitt Provides Solid Start
Starter Chris Bassitt kept Toronto in control early, holding Minnesota scoreless until Luke Keaschall’s two-run homer in the sixth. Bassitt finished with six strikeouts, allowing just two earned runs over 5 2/3 innings. The Jays carried a 4-0 lead through five before the bullpen faltered late.
Why the Stakes Are Rising
Toronto (77-56) remains in strong playoff position but faces mounting pressure as the postseason approaches. With Hoffman’s struggles in high-leverage moments, calls for bullpen adjustments are growing louder. Schneider, however, expressed confidence in his closer’s ability to rebound down the stretch.
What’s Next for the Series
The Blue Jays and Twins will play the rubber match of their three-game set on Wednesday night at Rogers Centre. Toronto will look to tighten its bullpen and regain momentum as the AL playoff race intensifies.
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