Blue Jays trade deadline acquisitions falter under pressure against Royals

After Chris Bassitt pitched a gem, only allowing one run through six innings the bullpen let the game get away from them.

Trade deadline acquisitions Louis Varland and Seranthony Dominguez struggled in relief as the Blue Jays fell to the Royals, 7-4, in 10 innings at Rogers Centre.

The Blue Jays were clinging to a 2-1 lead in the eighth inning when Varland entered the game.

It was the first leverage opportunity for the Blue Jays' right-hander since being acquired by the team on Thursday and pitching in Friday's blowout loss to Kansas City.

Varland earned two quick outs before Witt Jr. doubled and was driven in by a single from the next hitter, Vinnie Pasquantino, that knotted the score.

With the game tied 2-2 entering the 10th, Dominguez surrendered a double to Kyle Isbel that allowed ghost runner Randal Grichuk to score as the Royals took the lead.

Then, the wheels fell off for the right-hander, who joined the Blue Jays last week in a trade with Baltimore.

Dominguez hit Jonathan India and walked Bobby Witt Jr. to load the bases, and Tyler Tolbert followed with a single that scored two runs and effectively put the game out of reach.

Dominguez was replaced by Tommy Nance and the Royals scored two more runs as they captured a win and took two of three from the Blue Jays, who fell to 65-48.

That negated a strong outing from starter Chris Bassitt, who was in line for the win.

The right-hander allowed one run on one hit over six innings, walking three, hitting one batter and striking out five.