Blue Jays bats wake up as club opens homestand with 7-2 win
Posted May 30, 2023 09:58:18 PM.
Last Updated May 31, 2023 05:27:48 AM.
The Toronto Blue Jays’ once stagnant offense arose from its slumber on Tuesday with 14 combined hits as the club beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-2 to open its homestand at Rogers Centre.
First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and catcher Alejandro Kirk each had three hits on the night, while Whit Merrifield added two hits and two RBIs.
Incredibly, Merrifield was the only Jays hitter to record an extra-base hit, as 13 of Toronto’s 14 hits were singles.
That home cooking ????
It's a FOUR-run first! pic.twitter.com/XcCskZ0suV
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 30, 2023
Brewers starter Adrian Houser was tagged for 11 hits and six earned runs.
Blue Jays starter Yusei Kikuchi, who entered Tuesday on a rough patch, limited damage across five innings despite battling his control with five walks. The 31-year-old struck out four, including his 500th career strikeout.
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Former top pitching prospect Nate Pearson continued to impress out of the bullpen, firing two shutout innings of relief, including four strikeouts. He did not allow a hit.
Since being called up from Triple-A, the 26-year-old flamethrower has pitched to a 1.69 ERA with 18 strikeouts across 16 innings.
Toronto improved to 29-25 on the season and won three of their last four games. The Blue Jays will turn to Alek Manoah on Wednesday. He’ll counter Brewers starter Julio Teheran.
First pitch is slated for 7:07 p.m. ET on Sportsnet.
