It took an overtime inning, but the Toronto Blue Jays finally defeated the Athletics 6-5 on Monday at the Oakland Coliseum.
The visitors were surprised at times by the resilience of the A’s (42-96), who nevertheless had the worst record in major baseball this season. The Jays (76-62) can’t really afford to lose again in their playoff run, and they struck at the right time.
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The score was 3-3 after nine innings. However, Toronto added three runs in the 10th inning, enough to thwart the A’s comeback attempt. Spencer Horwitz went there with a brace from the decisive point. The other team turned to the referee after the ball got stuck under the midfield wall, but the referee stood by his decision.
Athletics were dangerous with their long balls. Lawrence Butler had two hits in the fifth and tenth innings. Ryan Noda and Jordan Diaz also each scored a point with a single shot.
In the fifth, the Blue Jays showed why they are one of the best teams since August when they had two outs against them and men on the bases. Kevin Kiermaier put his team in this position at the start of a productive inning.
The outfielder hit a double play, but Alejandro Kirk was able to cross the plate. The next batter, George Springer, then hit a double, allowing Daulton Varsho to score. Cavan Biggio capped off that offensive push with a single to Springer, who completed his trail turn.
With this win, the Blue Jays moved within half a game of the Texas Rangers (76-61), who occupy the final playoff spot in the American League. On Monday they lost to the Houston Astros 13:6 (78:61).