Inability to tag Aybar at third costs Blue Jays

TORONTO -- What at first seemed like any other grounder ended up being a crucial play in the Blue Jays' 3-2 loss to the Angels on Tuesday.

With the score tied at 2, runners on first and second base and one out in the top of the eighth, Kole Calhoun got out in front of a changeup from Roberto Osuna and cued the offering off the end of the bat toward Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson.

As Erick Aybar broke for third, Donaldson fielded the grounder and attempted to tag the speedy baserunner instead of taking the out at first or second.

Aybar was able to slide around the sprawling Donaldson to avoid the tag, setting up what turned out to be a game-winning sac fly by David Freese.

Video: LAA@TOR: Freese breaks the tie with a sacrifice fly

It's hard to hang the loss entirely on Donaldson, who hit a solo homer and drove in both Blue Jays runs on the night in addition to playing a solid role at the hot corner. But he was quick to own the mishap.

"I knew it was going to be a tough play," Donaldson said. "Obviously I thought there was going to be a play at third with Aybar. I was wrong and it ended up costing us."

Aybar said he was surprised Donaldson went for a tag.

"I thought he was going to throw to first to get the out, because there was one out," he said.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said he thought his third baseman made the right play, it just didn't work out in Toronto's favor.

"It was just a perfectly placed ball, really," Gibbons said. "He had a hell of a game at third."