(Cincinnati) The Toronto Blue Jays game looked like it was heading to a goalless 10th inning on Friday, but Christian Encarnacion-Strand made sure that didn’t happen. He hit a solo homer in the bottom of the ninth and the Cincinnati Reds won 1-0.
With a two-ball count and two strikes, Encarnacion-Strand stretched his arms when Jordan Hicks (2-8) offered him a slippery ball. It was his fourth long pitch of the season.
“He’s a mature hitter,” Reds manager David Bell said. A slippery one with two grips. Probably a very good throw. Christian was in a good position to hit hard, and he has a lot of power. »
“I always try to do damage,” Encarnacion-Strand said. Maybe that’s why I have so many strikeouts. But when you try to do damage, it sometimes happens. »
Prior to that strike, both teams struggled to put the ball in play with seven hits total.
Blue Jays starter Jose Berrios notably shone with a one-hit-to-the-safety performance and four walks in five and two-thirds innings. He also struck out eight batters.
He only gave in to Matt McLain, who singled against him in the sixth.
“He was very good tonight,” Bell conceded. He seemed to get even better as the game progressed. »
Brett Kennedy was getting just his second start this season and his eighth career, but he didn’t seem to be intimidated. He gave up three strikes from the safe and one free pass in five innings at the mound.
“He did everything you could ask for against a good batting team,” Bell said. He used his fastball, he placed it well. He was able to fool hitters with his fastball and he really used it to attack. He used his slippery a bit. The succession has been remarkable. »
Alexis Diaz, who gave nothing in ninth, saw the victory be brought to his record.
Outfielder Kevin Kiermaier and reliever Trevor Richards were back in action for the Blue Jays. Kiermaier was shut out in three at bats, being struck out once.
Kiermaier had been sidelined since Aug. 6 with a right elbow laceration. Richards’ name had been placed on the injured list on August 3 due to neck inflammation.
To make room in their lineup for Kiermaier and Richards, the Blue Jays demoted outfielder Nathan Lukes and reliever Jay Jackson.
Both teams are vying for a spot in the playoff portrait in their respective leagues. The Blue Jays (67-56) are in contention among the teams drafted in the American League, as are the Reds (64-59) in the National.
For the second game of this series of three, Chris Bassitt (11-6) should be the man of confidence of the Jays on the mound, and Brandon Williamson (4-2) that of the Reds. Bo Bichette is expected to return to play for Toronto.