Blue Jays eliminated from playoffs

The Toronto Blue Jays won't return to the postseason after falling just short of winning the World Series last year.

Toronto was officially eliminated from playoff contention Wednesday with a 4-2 loss in the first game of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles.

Starter Max Scherzer allowed four earned runs and struck out seven over five innings. Pete Alonso hit a two-run home run off Scherzer in the fifth for the slugger's third round-tripper of the series.

Former Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt shut down his old team, allowing two earned runs over five frames. Bassitt also earned a win against Toronto on Sept. 11.

The Blue Jays outhit the Orioles 10-5 in Wednesday's opener but were 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position.