(St. Petersburg) Randy Arozarena scored three runs, including one on a solo home run that he celebrated with autographs upon his return to the dugout, and the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 5-1, Saturday.
Arozarena, who was invited to the All-Star Game for the first time in his career last season, scored his first run after drawing a walk from Yusei Kikuchi (0-1) in the third inning.
“It always makes me happy to sign autographs for kids, because you never know, it could be their dream and they can identify with me,” Arozarena commented through his interpreter.
“I hope one day they can make it to the big leagues and be like me.” »
Right-handed pitcher Zack Littell (1-0) gave up four singles in six scoreless innings for the Rays, who won the last two games after losing the first of this series to their Eastern Division rivals of the American League by six points.
Littell gave up two free passes and struck out six batters.
After taking advantage of home runs from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer and Cavan Biggio in an 8-2 victory to open the new season, the Blue Jays were limited to three runs in their last two meetings.
The Canadian team gave itself a chance to come from behind in the seventh inning when Daulton Varsho drew a walk and Ernie Clement hit a single off Colin Poche. A Biggio single then cut the lead to 3-1.
Kikuchi has won a career-high 11 matches in 2023. However, he will have to wait before signing his first victory this season since he allowed three runs, six hits to safety and three walks in four and a third innings.
Both dugouts were emptied in the bottom of the seventh inning when Blue Jays pitcher Genesis Cabrera pushed Jose Caballero on a play to third base.
“I play baseball, I don’t want any problems with anyone,” Caballero commented. I didn’t want it to go any further.
Tempers flared when Caballero hit a single to push Arozarena to the plate. He went around the first two cushions to get to the third thanks to an error by Justin Turner, who was trying to remove him at the first.
Springer threw a throw to Bo Bichette who retired Caballero to end the inning.
Cabrera, who was covering Bichette’s back, made slight contact with Caballero. The two players exchanged a few words and the thrower pushed his opponent. No punches were thrown afterward.
“I saw the ball near the bullpen and I started running,” Caballero said. I saw the instructor who motioned for me to go to the third floor. When I got to the third, I saw Bichette with the ball, so I gave up. I slowed down and Cabrera came out of nowhere and hit me.
“I just asked him, ‘Why did you push me?’ He didn’t say a word and pushed me again. »
Cabrera was ejected by the referees.
“I will say it was the heat of the moment,” Cabrera said through a translator. I think we all overreacted. It’s part of the game, but it’s over.
“That’s where it ends.” »