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GAME 12, APRIL 10: JAYS AT ORIOLES

RESULT: 2-1 win

RECORD: 8-4

STREAK: W3

1—The continued development of Aaron Sanchez’s changeup was on full display Tuesday night, as the 25-year-old twirled a no-hitter into the eighth inning largely on the strength of the 42 changeups he tossed. Sanchez threw 98 pitches over eight innings and the changeup was by far his best offering, getting eight swings and misses and nine called strikes. Sanchez’s no-hit bid came to an end when Tim Beckham hammered one through Josh Donaldson’s legs and down the line to start the eighth, with the official scorer ruling it a double. Any potential scoring controversy came to an end one batter later when Anthony Santander sent a rocket through the right side of the infield, before Chance Sisco doubled to tie the game 1-1.

2—While likely disappointed with losing the no-no, Sanchez was allowed to regroup and eventually got out of the eighth inning with a double play ball. Manager John Gibbons’ faith in his starter — or maybe he just really wanted to rest his overworked setup guys — paid off when Curtis Granderson picked an ideal time for his first home run in a Blue Jays uniform, taking O’s reliever Darren O’Day deep in the top of the ninth. Granderson also added a single out of the leadoff spot.

3—Granderson’s home run also allowed closer Roberto Osuna to collect his 100th career save, the youngest pitcher in history to reach the century mark. The 23-year-old is now a perfect 5-for-5 in save opportunities and hasn’t allowed a run in six appearances to start the season.

4—The defence kept Sanchez’s no-hit dream alive with terrific glovework at least three times. It shocked no one to see Kevin Pillar do his thing on a couple of occasions, but second baseman Devon Travis also showed no fear going back on a ball with right fielder Steve Pearce charging in to keep one off the grass in the fifth inning.

5—Prior to the game, DH Kendrys Morales was placed on the 10-day DL with a right hamstring strain, but it wasn’t another bat being recalled to replace him. Instead, left-hander Tim Mayza was added to the roster, giving Gibbons an eighth arm — and a second lefty — to use out of the bullpen for now. The current plan is to rotate players through the DH spot as they go with a short bench.