TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays wrapped up their eventful 10-game homestand in remarkable fashion on Sunday, thanks to Matt Chapman’s walk-off double. Chapman’s hit sealed a 3-2 victory and completed a three-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox (74-76). These victories followed a four-game sweep by the Texas Rangers and a three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals by the Blue Jays (83-67).
Chapman commented on the team’s roller-coaster season, saying, “It’s been a year of ups and downs for us. To get swept and then turn around and sweep someone – it’s the story of our season.” He emphasized the importance of every win and expressed relief that they were able to bounce back from the losses against the Rangers.
With only twelve games remaining in the regular season, the Blue Jays currently hold an American League wild-card spot. This was made possible after the Cleveland Indians swept the Rangers and the Seattle Mariners were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Blue Jays currently hold the second wild-card berth, with the Rangers close behind in third place, and the Mariners in fourth, trailing by just one game.
Chapman, known for his level-headedness, experienced his fair share of setbacks as well. After spending time on the injured list due to a troublesome left middle finger, he was replaced by Cavan Biggio in the ninth inning on Saturday. However, Biggio delivered with a crucial single that led to the tying run, proving Chapman’s team-first mentality as he humbly accepted the decision.
Chapman’s game-winning hit, off reliever Garret Whitlock (5-5), secured the Blue Jays’ sixth consecutive win over the Red Sox after initially losing the first seven games against their AL East rivals earlier in the season.
Manager John Schneider expressed his satisfaction with Chapman’s performance, stating, “We have the guys, and he’s one of them. So hopefully, today is a good little stepping stone for him.” Schneider highlighted Chapman’s importance for the team’s success.
The Blue Jays took an early lead of 1-0 in the second inning and extended it to 2-0 in the fifth inning when Daulton Varsho hit a solo home run to right field. Despite the Red Sox’s efforts to close the gap, Toronto’s pitching and strategic play enabled them to hold on to their slim lead.
Starting pitcher Nick Pivetta struggled for the Red Sox, allowing both runs in his 6 1/3 innings on the mound. However, Pivetta showed resilience and performed admirably by only giving up four hits, striking out six, and walking only one.
The Blue Jays’ lefty pitcher, Hyun Jin Ryu, also had an impressive outing, throwing 4 2/3 innings of shutout ball. Despite facing several difficult situations, Ryu managed to escape jams and left the Red Sox stranded on multiple occasions. Boston left 12 runners on base and had a dismal 1-for-14 record with runners in scoring position.
The Blue Jays now enjoy a well-deserved day off before embarking on a six-game road trip. They will face the New York Yankees in a three-game series followed by a series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The series opener against the Yankees will feature a matchup between lefty Yusei Kikuchi (9-6) and righty Clarke Schmidt (9-8) of the Yankees.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Sept 17, 2023.
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