The Toronto Blue Jays ended their five-game losing streak Friday at PNC Park with a 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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John Schneider’s side quickly moved on to another call after being swept by the Boston Red Sox. Not only could she rely on gunners in excellent form, but she also knew how to be opportunistic.
Chris Bassitt (4-2) was instrumental in the win for Canada’s only major league team. The pitcher, who signed a three-year, $63 million deal last offseason, gave the Pirates hitters next to nothing.
In seven innings on the mound, he allowed four hits and as many free passes. The Ohio native knocked out five batsmen.
His successors Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano also made life difficult for the Pirates.
On offense, the Jays were quick to announce their intentions. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. didn’t slow down despite his team’s unsuccessful streak and added to his haul by hitting a run-off single in the first inning.
On the hill for the Pirates, Rich Hill (3-3) limited damage in the next two sets. However, he stumbled again in the fourth and conceded a productive double against Daulton Varsho.
Outfielder George Springer completed the scoring mission later. He catapulted Hill’s offer 423 feet off the plate, sending Santiago Espinal to home plate in the process.
After a surprise start to the season, the Pirates were held back earlier in the week by the Tampa Bay Rays, who swept their three-game streak.
The Pennsylvania team and the Jays will face off again on Saturday and Sunday.
Elsewhere in Major League Baseball
In New York, Kodai Senga (4-1) was imperial in six working innings, conceding just two hits. The Mets defeated the Colorado Rockies 1-0.
In St. Petersburg, a brace from Wander Franco gave the Rays a 5-4 win over the New York Yankees. Harrison Bader hit a three-point ball in the loss.
In Cleveland, a superb performance by Peyton Battenfield (0-3) was thwarted by Bailey Ober (2-0) and the Minnesota Twins defeated the Guardians 2-0. A two-run homer by Max Kepler made the difference.