(Toronto) Before boarding a plane to Los Angeles, Alejandro Kirk continued to show why he’s one of the best players heading into the All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium next week.
Posted at 4:33 p.m.
The 23-year-old catcher hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Sunday.
The 11e Kirk’s long ball of the season came at the expense of reliever Wyatt Mills (0-1), who let a slippery ball hang in the area. The Blue Jays (50-43) have signed a third consecutive victory and a fifth in their last six outings.
Kirk’s game-winning hit boosted her batting average to .315, fifth best for the American. His average presence plus power of .882 points to the seventh echelon.
“I’m not surprised because when you work as hard as I did in the off season and spring camp, it pays off,” Kirk said.
“It’s fun to put him in the lineup,” added Blue Jays interim manager John Schneider. He had an incredible first half of the season and he deserves his All-Star selection. He was one of the most consistent. »
Kirk’s parents will join him in Los Angeles for the All-Star Game festivities. He will also be accompanied by his teammates Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alek Manoah, Santiago Espinal and Jordan Romano.
“I’m grateful they’re here by my side,” Kirk said when asked about the late additions of Espinal and Romano.
Although the Blue Jays beat the Royals (36-56), the situation was difficult for the visitors as 10 regular players had to stay home due to their vaccination status. Kirk and his teammates felt good about their good streak.
“We have to build on what we’ve accomplished this week,” said Blue Jays starter Jose Berrios, who allowed two runs, seven hits and a walk in six and a third innings at the mound. .
Reliever Tim Mayza (3-0) replaced Berrios and was perfect for an inning and two-thirds to help Toronto reach 50 wins heading into the All-Star Game break.
“That’s better than 40, isn’t it?” Fifty is a nice number, Schneider said. When you look at the expectations set by our team, you can tell yourself that we are gradually moving in the right direction. »
The Blue Jays scored two unearned runs in the third inning to tie the game. Espinal and Guerrero hit the trails on back-to-back infield hits.
Espinal crossed home when Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. mishandled a ground ball from Kirk. Guerrero took advantage of the error to get to third base and scored on a Bo Bichette sacrifice.
The Royals have scored a run in each of the first two innings. Nicky Lopez touched the plate following a single through Edward Olivares.
Royals first baseman Nick Pratto started the second inning with a solo homer to the right. It was his first career long ball in the Majors.
Lopez, Vinnie Pasquantino, Pratto and Witt were among six rookies in the Royals’ starting lineup due to the absences of big-name players like Whit Merrifield and Andrew Benintendi.
Royals southpaw Kris Bubic served seven innings. He limited the home team to two unearned runs and five hits.