(Toronto) George Springer hit a leadoff homer, and Bo Bichette five hits in the Toronto Blue Jays’ 6-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night, ending the Toronto Blue Jays’ 13-game winning streak. Rays early in the season.
Jose Berrios pitched five innings in his best start of the year and the Blue Jays (9-5) won for the eighth time in 10 games.
The Blue Jays took advantage of two walks and a two-run error in the fifth inning. Josh Lowe and Christian Bethancourt closed the gap with two consecutive long balls against Yimi Garcia in the seventh inning.
“I thought our approach was great and the defense was on point,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. These are things we talk about. When you play against good teams like this, outs have to be outs.
“Between that and the way we pitched, it’s a very satisfying win. »
Erik Swanson pitched a run-free eighth inning for the Blue Jays and Jordan Romano shut up shop in the ninth inning for his fifth save.
The Rays were looking to set the modern major league record for most consecutive wins at the start of the season.
“Obviously you pay attention to what they did in the first 13 games,” admitted Schneider. We appreciate that as a baseball fan. It’s a good team. But I think we are just focused on winning the series. »
The 1982 Atlanta Braves and 1987 Milwaukee Brewers share the record with the Rays. However, the 1884 St. Louis Maroons team have the Union Association record.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen for two weeks,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. When it comes to talking about a team from 1884, you’re doing something pretty cool. »
Rays starter Drew Rasmussen (2-1) entered the game with an immaculate ERA this season. Springer quickly turned things around by hitting his second pitch of the game over the wall for his third home run of the year.
Berrios (1-2) retired the first eight Rays, but had to step down after the fifth inning with a bruised left knee after being hit in the back of his leg. He managed to make the play and strike out Diaz for the third out of the inning.
The Blue Jays loaded in the last half of the inning after Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled and Daulton Varsho walked. Rasmussen left the game after removing Matt Chapman.
Left-handed reliever Colin Poche came on and walked Alejandro Kirk, then Santiago Espinal, to make it 4-1.
Bichette had two doubles and three singles in the victory.