Cease struggles at wrong time as Blue Jays drop crucial matchup vs. Rangers

ARLINGTON — The Blue Jays needed Dylan Cease at his best Friday night, but the dominant right-hander endured an uncharacteristic outing at a crucial point in Toronto’s postseason push. Cease lasted just 2 2/3 innings in the Blue Jays’ 7-1 loss against the Rangers at Globe Life Field, allowing four runs (one earned) on three hits while issuing a season-high six walks and striking out a season-low three batters. He needed 74 pitches to record eight outs, throwing only 36 for strikes as his command deserted him and another dip in his fastball velocity added to a concerning late-season trend.…