(Toronto) Christian Pache hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning that helped the Oakland Athletics break the tie and win 7-5 against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.
After Christian Bethancourt had a single, Pache hit the Blue Jays Julian Merryweather’s quick relief (0-2) over the wall in right field. It was his first home run of the season.
“I like to talk about Pache,” said athletics manager Mark Kotsay. “He has all the skills. »
Dany Jimenez (1-0) handled the eighth inning and Lou Trivino handled the final three outs for his second defense of the season. Sean Murphy hits a home run and a double for Athletics (5-4).
Starting A pitcher Paul Blackburn allowed two runs, five hits and knocked out three in five innings.
Blues Jays manager Charlie Montoyo, however, expressed his dissatisfaction with some eliminations made by the A’s pitchers. Finding the strike zone quite large, he expressed his displeasure, which earned him an ejection in the eighth inning.
“We are a team that argues little, noted Montoyo. But I watched the game and felt I had to protect my players. That is all. »
Matt Chapman and Zack Collins scored for the Blue Jays (5-4), who managed to eliminate a four-run deficit. The Jays were down 5-1 after three innings.
Blue Jays starter Hyun Jin Ryu suffered another underperformance after allowing six runs in three and a third inning in a 12-6 loss to the Texas Rangers last week. This time, he held the fort for four innings, giving up five runs and six hits. He eliminated a scout.
Montoyo said he retired Ryu after four innings not because of the score but because of his arm.
“Obviously we’re worried,” Montoyo said. We’ll see how you feel. »
Ryu received medical treatment after the encounter and was not made available to reporters. The team is expected to provide a status update on him on Sunday.
To make up for George Springer’s absence from the starting lineup, Montoyo chose Raimel Tapia. The decision paid off when Tapia hit a double and then crossed home plate on his first hit.
