It’s starting to be the story of the season: the Toronto Blue Jays saw their fine efforts sabotaged by their relief pitchers in a 9-3 loss to the Nationals on Friday night in Washington.
Yusei Kikuchi had a quality start during his six innings of work. The Japanese gunner allowed six hits and one run, neutralizing as best he could an attack that was just waiting to explode.
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The Jays then led 3 to 1. The entry into play of Erik Swanson during the next at-bat, however, changed the shape of the game. The reliever quickly allowed a walk and a single before Luis Garcia Jr. emptied the trails with a home run.
Swanson was immediately sent to the showers, but the Nationals continued to have fun at the expense of Tim Mayza and Genesis Cabrera. The home favorites added three more runs in the ninth inning.
Daulton Varsho and George Springer drove in the Jays’ runs with a double and a sacrifice fly, respectively. It was another grueling game for Bo Bichette, whose batting average fell below .200 and was shut out in four appearances.
This is a third consecutive loss for the Jays. They will face the “Nats” on Saturday and Sunday.
And 11 for the Twins
In Minnesota, Édouard Julien’s Twins scored an 11th consecutive victory by defeating the Boston Bruins by a score of 5 to 2.
The Quebecer did his part of the job with two RBIs. In the third inning, his single to the left fielder brought Willi Castro across the plate. In the seventh, the latter was able to score another point when Julien drew a walk while the cushions were full.
Pitcher Chris Paddack (3-1) delivered an excellent performance during his six innings of work. He allowed only two hits to safety and struck out six men.
2024-05-04 02:20:44
#Jays #succession #faltering
