The Toronto Blue Jays ended a lackluster August with a dominant shutout victory over the Washington Nationals. The 7-0 win has given the team a boost as they head into a six-game road trip starting in Colorado. September baseball has arrived, and the Blue Jays are eager to see if they have what it takes to reach the post-season. Pitcher Chris Bassitt is confident in the team’s abilities, stating, “If we put it all together, I don’t think there’s a team that’s better in the big leagues.”
The Blue Jays had a mediocre record of 14-13 in August, bringing their overall season record to 73-61 with only 28 games left to play. However, there is good news for the team as they face a relatively easier part of their schedule. They will be playing against teams in the basement of their respective divisions, such as the Rockies, Athletics, and Royals, before facing the Rangers, who are one of the teams the Blue Jays are chasing in the American League wild-card race.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider believes that the team’s best baseball is yet to come. Despite their current standing, he praises the team for their competitiveness and states that they are fully committed to giving their all going forward. The shutout victory against the Nationals showcased the team’s strengths, with Bassitt pitching an outstanding game and the offense performing well.
The game marked Toronto’s 13th shutout win of the season, and they now boast an impressive interleague record of 28-15, the best in MLB. Against the Nationals, the Blue Jays took an early lead thanks to a double-steal and a double by Alejandro Kirk. They added on to their lead with runs in the fourth, sixth, and seventh innings.
Pitcher Patrick Corbin struggled for the Nationals, allowing six earned runs and 10 hits over five innings. The Blue Jays’ dominance on the mound was evident with Bassitt’s excellent performance. He limited the Nationals to just two singles and picked off a baserunner to erase a threat. Jay Jackson closed out the game for Toronto.
Despite a minor back issue, Brandon Belt was unavailable for the Blue Jays in this game. However, recent call-up Mason McCoy made his MLB debut as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning.
Next, the Nationals will return home to face the Miami Marlins in a four-game series, while the Blue Jays gear up for their road trip. The Blue Jays’ victory has given them momentum as they continue their push for a playoff spot.
This report was first published on August 30, 2023, and was written by Gregory Strong for The Canadian Press.
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