(Pittsburgh) Whit Merrifield drove in four runs and the Toronto Blue Jays served a 10-1 fix to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.
Merrifield hit his first home run of the season, good for three runs, to help the Blue Jays snap a three-game streak and extend the Pirates’ backhand streak to seven.
Merrifield gave the Blue Jays the lead with a first-inning runoff single after a 95-minute rain delay. He increased the lead to 4-0 in the third when he jumped over a Roansy Contreras curveball (3-3).
“That’s what this team is capable of,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. You don’t have to be so dependent on the first four hitters. … They are a very dangerous team. »
The Torontonians outscored the Pirates 22–3 in the sweep, recovering from five consecutive defeats.
The Pirates were beaten 44-9 in their worst losing streak since an eight-game losing streak last September. They started the season with a 20-8 record, which was their best start to the campaign since 1992, when they won the division title.
“I don’t think anyone expected this pace to continue at the level we’re playing,” said Pirates head coach Derek Shelton. During this period, we played full matches, which is not the case today. We didn’t play very well, we didn’t hit very well either. »
Yusei Kikuchi (5-0) allowed just four hits in six and a half innings. He allowed five runs in just four and a third inning against the Boston Red Sox on May 2.
“Using my fastball effectively has been very beneficial for me,” said Kikuchi. More than my performances on the mound, I’m happy for the team’s victory. I’m happy to be able to help the team win. »
Contreras allowed five runs and nine hits in five innings on the mound. He gave up nine runs in 10 1/3 innings in his final two starts.
Carlos Santana hit a run single in the eighth inning. Jordan Romano came in in relief when the bases were all full, but ended the Pirates’ threat by striking out Jack Suwinski and forcing Miguel Andujar out on the spot.
“Right now, we just can’t hit big,” Shelton admitted. The hits we were getting at the start of the season, we were able to hit them again and take the lead. Right now we’re missing that blow to take the pressure off a bit. »
Daulton Varsho and Kevin Kiermaier hit a two-run homer in a five-run ninth inning for the Blue Jays. Varsho catapulted a Chase De Jong bid over the fence and the ball ended its swing into the Allegheny River.
Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds was struck out in four appearances on plate to end his 11-hit streak.
