(Cincinnati) Toronto Blue Jays game looked to end in 10It is goalless on Friday, but Christian Encarnacion-Strand made sure that didn’t happen. He hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth and the Cincinnati Reds won 1–0.
With a two-ball count and two hits, Encarnacion-Strand stretched his arms when Jordan Hicks (2-8) offered him a slippery ball. It was his fourth long jump shot of the season.
“He’s a mature hitter,” said Reds manager David Bell. A slipper with two claws. Probably a very good move. Christian was in a good position to hit hard and has a lot of power. »
“I’m always trying to do damage,” said Encarnacion-Strand. Maybe that’s why I have so many eliminations. But when you try to deal damage, sometimes it happens. »
Prior to that strike, both teams had been struggling to get the ball in play with seven total hits.
Blue Jays starter Jose Berrios notably shined with a one-hit-to-safety, four-walk performance in five innings and two-thirds. He also struck out eight batters.
He only yielded to Matt McLain, who singled against him in the sixth.
“He was really good tonight, admitted Bell. He seemed to get even better as the game progressed. »
Brett Kennedy was just starting for the second time this season and his eighth career, but he didn’t look intimidated. He gave up three vault hits and a free pass in five innings on the mound.
“He did everything you could ask against a good batting team,” said Bell. He used his fastball, he put it well. He was able to fool hitters with his fastball and really used it to tackle. He used his slippery a bit. The succession has been remarkable. »
Alexis Diaz, who did not give up in ninth, saw victory brought to his record.
Outfielder Kevin Kiermaier and reliever Trevor Richards were back in action for the Blue Jays. Kiermaier was out on three hits, being out once.
Kiermaier had been sidelined since August 6 with a laceration to his right elbow. Richards’ name was placed on the injured list on August 3 due to a sore neck.
To make room in their lineup for Kiermaier and Richards, the Blue Jays demoted outfielder Nathan Lukes and reliever Jay Jackson.
Both teams are vying for a playoff picture spot in their respective leagues. The Blue Jays (67-56) are in the race among drafted teams in the American League, as are the Reds (64-59) in the Nationals.
For game two of this three-game series, Chris Bassitt (11-6) should be the Jays’ right man on the mound, and Brandon Williamson (4-2) the Reds’. Bo Bichette is expected to return to play for Toronto.
