In a thrilling matchup, the Toronto Blue Jays edged out the Oakland Athletics with a final score of 7-6 at the Sacramento minor league park. This game marked a significant moment for the A’s as they temporarily play in Sacramento while awaiting future developments regarding their stadium situation.
Max Scherzer took the mound for the Jays and demonstrated his pitching prowess, delivering an impressive five-inning performance with only two hits, one walk, and an impressive eight strikeouts. However, the sixth inning was challenging, as he allowed three runs on a single and two home runs. Despite this hiccup, Scherzer achieved a season-high of 90 pitches, showcasing his competitive edge even as he voiced frustration over the new pitch clock rules during the game.
The Blue Jays started strong, scoring a run in the fourth inning, driven by Bo Bichette’s lead-off double and subsequent contributions from Alejandro Kirk and Ernie Clement. The fifth inning proved to be a turning point as the Jays exploded for six runs, ignited by a throwing error from A’s second baseman Zack Gelof. Notably, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. celebrated his milestone 1,000th major league hit during this offensive surge.
Kirk’s excellent batting performance added to the lead, finishing the game with two RBI. Will Wagner stood out with a tough day at the plate, being hit twice by pitches while also reaching base multiple times. The Jays ended the game with a total of 12 hits and 4 walks, demonstrating their offensive strength.
Although the A’s mounted a comeback in the ninth, scoring two runs before the Jays closed out the game with a strikeout from Jeff Hoffman, who faced a bit of trouble after allowing a home run earlier in the inning. Still, he secured the final out and preserved the win for the Jays.
As both teams prepare for their next game, it’s encouraging to see the Jays’ offensive capabilities on display. Tomorrow, they will face off again, with Kevin Gausman scheduled to take the mound against Jacob Lopez in another late-night matchup. This performance leaves a sense of optimism for the Jays as they continue to maneuver through the season, hoping to build momentum moving forward.