(St. Louis) Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove three runs, including the game-winner on Thursday, as the Toronto Blue Jays opened their season with a 10-9 win over the Cardinals in St. Louis. Louis.
George Springer tapped safety five times, all singles. He had five hits for the fourth time in his career.
“It’s great,” Springer said. Of course you want to start off on the right foot. It’s just a game, but I’m going to take all the hits I can. »
Adley Rutschman of the Orioles also had five hits in Boston.
Two players with five hits on the first day of a regular season, we haven’t seen that since 1901.
Bo Bichette added three singles and a double, while Matt Chapman added three singles.
There were 19 hits for the visitors and 15 for the Cardinals.
“There were ups and downs,” said Toronto team manager John Scheider. But practically all of our players had good hits. »
Springer scored the first point of the game on a Daulton Varsho double.
“Our attack was excellent,” said Varsho, who also hit a sacrifice fly. We never give up. That’s the kind of club we are. »
The Blue Jays won the season opener for the fourth straight season.
This time they came from behind 9-8 in the ninth, against Ryan Helsley (0-1).
Springer tied it with a single and Guerrero followed with a sacrifice fly.
For the Cards, Tyler O’Neill scored in the season opener for the fourth straight season.
Receiver Willson Contreras left the field after the eighth inning with a knee injury.
Nolan Arenado added three points, including two in the double against Yimi Garcia (1-0).
Jordan Romano made the save. Last out was Lars Nootbar at bats, using a slipper.
Alek Manoah allowed five runs and 11 hits in three innings and a third.
Miles Mikolas also racked up 10 strikeouts, allowing five runs and 10 hits.
The previous Thursday, the Blue Jays placed pitchers Hyun Jin Ryu and Mitch White on the disabled list.
Ryu’s name has been placed on the injured list for a period of 15 days, retroactive to March 27th, as he continues to recover from Tommy John-style surgery performed on June 18th.
White was also placed on the 15-day disabled list, also retroactive to March 27, with right elbow inflammation.
Ryu, a left-handed pitcher, made six appearances for the Blue Jays last season. He was 2-0 with a 5.67 GAA and 16 strikeouts.
The 36-year-old South Korean was suspended against the Chicago White Sox on June 2, shortly after reaching the 1,000 career innings mark. Damage to his ulnar collateral ligament was later noted.
White was destined to be the fifth starter or be brought in as a replacement this season.
White, 28, went 1-7 with the Blue Jays last year. His average was 5.45 and he had 78 strikeouts in 99 innings.
