The Blue Jays had lost five of its last six and were looking for something to turn around their losing streak.
Friday seemed like just the chance, as Toronto was hosting Minnesota to kick off MLB's Players Weekend.
Yet it just wasn't in the cards. The Twins had no problem hitting on Toronto pitcher Justin Happ and blew past the Blue Jays Friday night, 5-1, winning the opening bout in the three-game series.
The beginning of the game was quick, with very little action taking place through two innigns. In the third, though, Minnesota's Byron Buxton bunted in Brian Dozier, and then Jorge Polanco hit a two-RBI double to give it a three-run lead.
#MNTwins get on the board in the 3rd!
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) August 25, 2017
It's a 1-0 lead as Doz scores with a bunt-single from Buck. #letsgo #PlayersWeekend pic.twitter.com/xh2P7Zd30G
There he is again!
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) August 25, 2017
Chulo drives in a pair with a double. #MNTwins lead 3-0. #PlayersWeekend pic.twitter.com/SirmzUV9fE
Almost immediately, Toronto responded in the bottom of the inning. Justin Smoak hit a long ball over the centerfield wall, finally getting the Blue Jays on board. The homer was Smoak's 35th of the season.
Moakey keeps on mashing! 💣
— Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 26, 2017
Home run No. 35 is way out of here, and we are on the board. pic.twitter.com/dZF2okX76P
Yet that was the only offense the Blue Jays could muster. Minnesota added a run in the fourth and fifth innings, and then another in the ninth for good measure to seal the deal, all while holding Toronto scoreless.
The Blue Jays have now lost 11 games so far in the month of August, and are sitting in last place in the AL East standings.
They'll get a chance at redemption on Saturday and Sunday, though, when the Minnesota series wraps up with a pair of afternoon games.