TORONTO — In a thrilling showdown, Nathan Lukes delivered a decisive two-out, two-run single in the eighth inning, propelling the Toronto Blue Jays to a 5-3 triumph over the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night.
A moment of concern arose for the Guardians as their star player José Ramírez exited in the third inning with a sprained right ankle. The six-time All-Star was hit by a throw from pitcher Chris Bassitt during an infield single and awkwardly stumbled near first base, landing uncomfortably.
Lukes’ critical hit against right-hander Jakob Junis (0-1) halted Cleveland’s three-game winning streak, securing victory for the Blue Jays.
Brendon Little (1-0) showcased his skill, pitching 1 2/3 effective innings, while Jeff Hoffman sealed the game, notching his seventh save in as many opportunities. Hoffman skillfully retired Gabriel Arias to conclude the match, leaving runners stranded on second and third base.
This victory marked Toronto’s third consecutive win, offering a refreshing change of pace after enduring losses in eight of their previous nine games.
In earlier action, Cleveland’s Carlos Santana initiated the scoreline with a leadoff homer in the second inning. However, Toronto’s Alejandro Kirk responded with a two-run single in the third, shifting the momentum.
Bo Naylor, the Guardians’ catcher, showcased his prowess with a solo home run in the fourth to level the scores.
George Springer restored Toronto’s advantage with a solo home run in the fifth inning. Yet, Santana deftly tied the game once more in the sixth, prompting Bassitt’s exit with an RBI single.
Chris Bassitt allowed three runs and scattered seven hits over 5 1/3 innings of work, while on Cleveland’s side, left-hander Logan Allen conceded three runs, only two earned, alongside six hits in 5 2/3 innings.
A crucial moment arrived when Lukes, facing a 1-1 count, lined a sinker to right field, bringing home Springer from third and pinch-runner Daulton Varsho from second.
Notably, the Blue Jays hold an impressive 9-1 record this season when they manage to score five runs or more.
Looking ahead, Blue Jays’ right-hander Kevin Gausman (2-3, 4.50 ERA) is set to take the mound against Guardians’ right-hander Gavin Williams (2-2, 5.14) in the next contest.