The Toronto Blue Jays signed Justin Turner this offseason to add dependability at the plate and experience in the dugout. He’s delivered the goods so far, but he believes the best is yet to come.
Turner had three hits and drove in three runs to help the Blue Jays shut out the Colorado Rockies 5-0 on Sunday. The Toronto team scored 14 points in this three-game series, and Turner believes that is very promising.
“The offense is still trying to find its feet,” Turner said. I think there’s a lot more in the tank, and when we get all cylinders firing, it’ll be fun to be a part of. »
Turner agreed to a one-year, US$13 million contract on January 30, replacing Brandon Belt as the club’s designated hitter. The investment is paying off so far as Turner has a batting average of .386. He has produced eight runs.
Turner was twice invited to the All-Star Game while playing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He won the World Series with the California club in 2020.
After the victory, Blue Jays manager John Schneider said the 39-year-old slugger was like an extra batting instructor for some of the younger players on the roster.
“I’m just speaking from my experience and I have a lot of history against a lot of guys in this league,” Turner said. So for game planning, I talk about approaches and different swing ideas that some players may have never heard before. »
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a run-scoring single in the third inning as the Blue Jays (8-8) won their second straight game. Isiah Kiner-Falefa produced the other point for his team, in the eighth.
Jose Berrios (3-0) gave up just two hits in seven innings of work, striking out seven batters.
Genesis Cabrera and Nate Pearson preserved Berrios’ victory by allowing no runs in two relief innings.
Berrios has a 1.05 ERA in 25 2/3 innings this season. He had 21 strikeouts. It’s one of the best starts to the season for the 29-year-old right-hander, who is playing an eighth season in major league baseball.
“We’re human, we’re not going to be 100 percent every day, but so far I’ve been able to stay healthy,” Berrios said. I made the necessary adjustments to perform and help our team win. »
Kyle Freeland (0-3) allowed four runs and seven hits in five innings on the mound. The Rockies (4-12) thus lost the decisive clash of this series at the Rogers Centre.
Victor Vodnik, Jalen Beeks and Anthony Molina came on in relief for the visitors. Molina gave Toronto a point.
Turner opened the scoring in the first inning when he hit a single to right to allow George Springer to cross home plate. The inning ended when Turner attempted to steal second base, but he was picked off by Rockies catcher Jacob Stallings.
Guerrero added a run in the third inning when his hit fell to center field, pushing Kevin Kiermaier to the plate. The latter had reached the trails thanks to a single, he had reached second base following a bad throw from Freeman and he had advanced 90 feet after the sacrifice by Springer. Turner came back with a double that allowed Guerrero to score.
Turner once again sent Springer to the plate, this time in the fifth inning.
The Blue Jays had another offensive surge in the eighth inning, as Ernie Clement, Alejandro Kirk and Kiner-Falefa hit back-to-back singles. Kiner-Falefa’s strike after two outs gave his troop a 5-0 lead.
Pearson took the mound in the ninth inning and struck out Elias Diaz, Nolan Jones and Brenton Doyle to end the game.
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2024-04-15 02:57:49
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