(Toronto) Vladimir Guerrero broke a tie with a two-run double in the seventh and the Toronto Blue Jays got their 10-game homestand off to a flying start on Friday, winning 5-4 over the Kansas Royals City.
Bo Bichette excelled in his return to the game with two hits, including a run-scoring single that tied the score at 2-2 in the seventh.
An inning earlier, he made it 1-1 with a double.
The shortstop had not played since Aug. 27, the result of quadriceps trouble in his right leg.
Ernie Clement had a run-scoring single as the relief batter.
Yusei Kikuchi gave up one run and three hits in five innings, striking out eight batters.
Jordan Hicks, Trevor Richards, Chad Green (2-0), Tim Mayza and Jordan Romano also pitched in.
Romano allowed two walks then a one-run single to Salvador Perez. He recovered and earned a 33rd save.
Dairon Blanco hit the long ball in a losing cause.
Carlos Hernandez (1-10) allowed safe hits from Bichette and Guerrero in the seventh.
Bichette’s single was slammed after a controversial call from first base umpire Jeff Nelson, on a pitch that seemed to get the Royals out of trouble. Nelson said George Springer held his momentum, much to the dismay of the visitors.
Springer therefore drew a walk and shortly after, Bichette produced a 64th point this season. Guerrero and Clement subsequently tipped the scales.
The Jays occupy the third and last place giving access to the playoffs in the American, a game and a half ahead of Texas.
The Rangers will be in Toronto from Monday to Thursday.
They lost their fourth straight game on Friday, falling 6-3 to the Oakland A’s.
