Taj Bradley dominates again as Rays blast Blue Jays

TORONTO — What Taj Bradley is doing for the Rays is impressive, remarkable and historic, plus a bunch of other things.

And somewhat routine.

Bradley was dominant again Thursday, throwing six two-hit, no-run innings in a 13-0 blasting of the Blue Jays.

Over his last nine starts, the 23-year-old right-hander has a 5-1 record and 0.82 ERA that is best in the majors in that span as well as team history for any nine-start stretch (excluding openers).

Bradley’s expected performance, and a somewhat unexpected outburst from the offense, sent the Rays home in a good mood as they wrapped a 4-3 road trip against the Yankees and Jays.

They improved their record to 52-51 and moved to within four games of the third American League wild-card spot, currently held by the Royals, who were idle Thursday. The Rays also improved to 8-1-1 in their last 10 series.

How they do through the weekend series against the Reds is expected to shape the direction baseball operations president Erik Neander takes leading up to Tuesday’s 6 p.m. trade deadline.

Catcher Alex Jackson, whom Bradley has credited heavily for his success on the mound, also was a key part of Thursday’s offense, which set a season high for runs.

Jackson, who came into the game hitting .088, reached base three times (hit by pitch, double, single), drove in three runs and boosted his average to .105, his first time in triple digits since early May.

Isaac Paredes led the way with four RBIs, while Brandon Lowe was 4-for-4 with three RBIs, including a homer in the first.

Bradley was the spotlight attraction, allowing hits to two of the first three Jays and no others, retiring 11 straight. Then, after a leadoff walk to Danny Jansen in the fifth, Bradley set down the next six Jays as well. He struck out seven.

He extended his scoreless streak to 23 innings, having allowed one earned run over his last 33 innings and five in 55.

The Rays led 3-0 going to the sixth, then broke the game open with four runs in the sixth and five in the seventh.

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