Chris Bassitt doesn’t like the way he and the Toronto Blue Jays have started 2024.
Bassitt allowed three runs and four hits, all in the sixth inning, in a 6-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday afternoon. Although he improved his ERA from 5.64 to 5.45, Bassitt couldn’t hide his frustration.
“I’m just going to worry about what I can control, and that’s what I did today,” he said. I am beyond frustrated with what is happening. »
Bassitt said he had to make adjustments after giving up seven runs in 2 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 26.
His early season struggles are a step backwards, after he finished last season with a career-high 16 wins, a 3.60 ERA and 186 strikeouts. He also reached the plateau of 200 innings pitched for the first time in his career.
“I have a 5.50 ERA and I feel like I’ve only had one bad game. I’m frustrated,” Bassitt said.
Michael Massey hit a three-run homer and drove in another run for the Royals (19-13), who won their second straight game. Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez both drove in a run in the sixth inning with a single.
Seth Lugo (5-1) was brilliant on the mound, allowing only two hits and two walks in seven innings of work. He struck out eight batters. Relievers Chris Stratton and Nick Anderson confirmed the victory for the Royals.
Danny Jansen’s solo slap in the seventh inning provided the only point for Toronto. The Blue Jays (15-17) have lost five of their last seven outings.
Trevor Richards, Nate Pearson and Brendon Little came on in relief for the home team. Pearson allowed three runs.
Bassitt led a scoreless, hitless game until the sixth inning.
“We didn’t threaten him in the first five innings,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. We may have only hit one ball well. Everything was working for him. »
However, the problems began in the sixth inning.
Witt hit a single to push Kyle Isbel to the plate. In the next at-bat, Vinnie Pasquantino sent Witt to third base with a double.
“I think I only threw one bad throw all day,” Bassitt said of Pasquantino’s double. Other than that, I didn’t make any other bad throws. »
Perez hit a single to allow Witt to cross the plate. Massey scored on a groundout, giving the Royals a 3-0 lead.
Although Bassitt ended the inning by forcing Nelson Velazquez to ground out, he did not return to the mound.
Jansen finally responded for the Blue Jays in the seventh inning when he scored his third four-goal hit of the campaign.
Massey hit his second home run of the series and the season in the very next inning. He catapulted a Pearson curveball over the right-field fence. Witt and Pasquantino preceded their teammate to the plate.