The Toronto Blue Jays extended their season-worst losing streak to six games on Sunday, falling 3-2 to the Texas Rangers in the final game of a four-game series at Rogers Centre. The loss marked a sweep by the Rangers, the first time Toronto has been swept by Texas since 2023.

The decisive moment came in the top of the ninth inning when Blue Jays reliever Louis Varland threw a wild pitch with two outs. The pitch took an unusual bounce, deflecting off home plate umpire Alan Porter and ricocheting into foul territory near the Rangers’ dugout. Pinch-runner Jarred Kelenic scored easily from second base to break the 2-2 tie. Toronto was unable to respond in the bottom of the inning, going down in order.

Varland, who entered the game with an 0.82 earned run average, took the loss and saw his ERA rise to 1.00. His record fell to 3-3. Blue Jays manager John Schneider expressed frustration over the unconventional wild pitch, noting it was unexpected given Varland’s solid performance throughout the season.

The Rangers had taken an early lead in the first inning on a 388-foot home run by Joc Pederson off Toronto starter Shane Bieber. Bieber, making only his second start of the year following an injury, settled down to pitch 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs, five hits, four walks, and recording four strikeouts.

Toronto tied the game in the bottom of the eighth thanks to a two-run homer by Nathan Lukes, who launched a 404-foot shot off Rangers reliever Cole Winn. However, the Blue Jays’ offensive efforts were otherwise stifled by Texas starter Kumar Rocker, who held Toronto scoreless over six innings while allowing four hits and one walk with five strikeouts. Rocker, a former Vanderbilt standout and first-round MLB draft pick, improved his record to 2-6 despite the strong outing.

The Blue Jays’ offense struggled to capitalize on early opportunities, including bases loaded situations in both the first and fifth innings. Key hitters Kazuma Okamoto and Nathan Lukes struck out at critical moments. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., batting .268, was held hitless in four at-bats and remains in a slump with just four home runs and 34 RBIs this season.

Schneider acknowledged the team’s ongoing difficulties generating early offense and expressed confidence that individual players were performing better than the results showed. Toronto’s losing streak has dropped them six games below .500.

Looking ahead, the Blue Jays are set to host the New York Mets on Monday, marking the return of Bo Bichette to Rogers Centre. Both teams are struggling this season, with the Mets recently firing their manager. Schneider indicated his focus remains on his team’s recovery rather than the personal dynamics surrounding Bichette’s visit.