Blue Jays' Schneider: 'Tough to battle 9 hitters and an umpire'

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider wasn't happy with home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez's strike zone following a 4-3 loss in 10 innings to the Boston Red Sox on Thursday.

"It's tough to battle nine hitters and an umpire," Schneider said postgame, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. "I got all the respect in the world for him. But it wasn't a great day for him behind the plate."

(Source: Umpire Scorecards)

The Blue Jays had a chance to complete their first four-game sweep of the Red Sox at Fenway Park since 1988. They had to settle for three wins, thanks to a starting rotation that allowed just two earned runs with 25 strikeouts over 26 innings.

"They played their asses off," Schneider added. "We pitched so well. It's tough to hit in these conditions. (Walker) Buehler was really good today (for Boston). And guys were expecting to win ... just didn't go our way.

"I love the way we're playing, and we're still not even clicking yet offensively. But the pitching staff as a whole, this series, really stepped up. And they were outstanding."

Toronto's starters now own a 2.48 ERA, which is the lowest mark in team history through 14 games, according to Sportsnet Stats.