(Toronto) The Toronto Blue Jays are plagued by injuries and needed some batting input late in the roster on Sunday. Santiago Espinal, Paul DeJong, Cavan Biggio and Daulton Varsho all responded.
Varsho hit a three-run long ball and a two-run single to help the Blue Jays beat the Chicago Cubs 11-4 to avoid a three-game sweep.
His five RBIs are a new career high for Varsho, who replaced Kevin Kiermaier in center field.
“I thought it was great,” Varsho said. I mean, [Espinal, Biggio], all the guys who have been on the bench this year, to be able to play and produce and do lots of very useful things. They bring energy. It’s always fun when everyone contributes for the team and helps us win. »
“A three-run homer is huge,” manager John Schneider said. We had a good approach, we were patient and we hit the big hits when we needed them. Today, we saw everything we’ve been talking about for a while. »
Whit Merrifield hit four in six at bats, with a double good for a run, two runs scored and a stolen base. The Blue Jays (66-54) snapped a three-game losing streak.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. generated runs with two singles, while George Springer, Santiago Espinal and Paul DeJong also drove in runs with hits. Cavam Biggio has meanwhile crossed home plate twice.
Hyun-Jin Ryu (1-1) gave up two unearned runs on two hits in five innings of work. He struck out three batters and walked two. It was the South Korean’s first victory in 444 days after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2022.
“I know the speed isn’t where he wants it to be yet, but he’s still able to throw,” Cubs manager David Ross said. Its shifting is quite devastating.
“When you give him a small lead, it’s hard to score big points against him. »
Genesis Cabrera, Jay Jackson, Erik Swanson and Nate Pearson shared the rest of the job for the Blue Jays.
Patrick Wisdom led the Cubs (61-57) with a two-run homer. Dansby Swanson hit a double good for two runs.
Jameson Taillon (7-7) allowed eight runs on eight hits, as well as two walks in three innings of work. He also struck out two opponents. Hayden Wesneski, Drew Smyly, Daniel Palencia and Caleb Kilian were the other pitchers during the game.
Swanson got the Cubs on the scoring in the first inning, with a double to left field to allow Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ to score.
The Blue Jays scored three runs to add to their lead in the eighth inning.
Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman was scratched less than 90 minutes before the start of the game with inflammation in the middle finger of his right hand. He was replaced by Espinal at third base, while DeJong was used at shortstop.
The Blue Jays will be off on Monday before hosting the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday for a short two-game series.