In a thrilling game at Rogers Centre, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. showcased his long-awaited home-run swing, giving the Toronto Blue Jays a temporary lead. However, it was Shea Langeliers of the Oakland Athletics who ultimately stole the show with a go-ahead homer in the ninth inning, leading to a 5-4 victory for the Athletics.
Guerrero’s third-inning homer, accompanied by an RBI double from Kevin Kiermaier, briefly gave Toronto the upper hand. Unfortunately, starting pitcher Chris Bassitt continued to struggle on the mound, surrendering four runs over five innings. This marked the third consecutive loss for the Blue Jays with Bassitt as the starting pitcher.
Despite strong performances from relievers Trevor Richards, Tim Mayza, and Erik Swanson, closer Jordan Romano of Markham, Ont. faltered in the ninth inning, allowing Langeliers to hit the decisive solo shot. JJ Bleday also contributed significantly to the Athletics’ victory with a two-run homer and a sacrifice fly.
With a .256 winning percentage, the Oakland Athletics continue to have the worst record in baseball. In addition to their on-field challenges, the team faces protest from fans regarding a potential move to Las Vegas. On the other hand, the Blue Jays struggled offensively, with several players having batting averages below .200. Manager Mark Kotsay strategically loaded the batting order with lefties to counter Bassitt’s right-handed pitching.
Bassitt acknowledged that overthinking on the mound hindered his performance and emphasized the need to focus on competition. He also acknowledged that he would rely more on catcher Danny Jansen’s pitch-calling moving forward. Kiermaier, on the other hand, expressed his satisfaction with his contribution to the game, driving in a run for Toronto.
Guerrero’s much-anticipated home run ended his 16-game drought without a homer in Toronto this season. Although Guerrero appreciated the significance of the moment, he maintained a humble perspective and credited God’s timing for the achievement. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays’ Alek Manoah’s return to the starting rotation remains uncertain, as the team continues to work on his delivery in the minor-league system.
Looking ahead, José Berríos will take the mound for the Blue Jays in the next game against the Athletics, while Hogan Harris is scheduled to pitch for Oakland.
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