(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.
Posted yesterday at 8:31 p.m.
After Christian Bethancourt had a single, Pache barreled the quick of Blue Jays reliever Julian Merryweather (0-2) just 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 save of the season. Sean Murphy hit a home run and a double for the Athletics (5-4).
A’s starting pitcher Paul Blackburn allowed two runs, five hits and struck out three in five innings.
Blues Jays manager Charlie Montoyo, however, expressed his dissatisfaction with a few outs made by the A’s pitchers. Finding the strike zone to be rather 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 watch the game and I felt I had to protect my players. That’s all. »
Matt Chapman and Zack Collins homered for the Blue Jays (5-4), who had managed to erase a four-run deficit. The Jays trailed 5-1 after three innings.
Blue Jays starter Hyun Jin Ryu suffered another underperformance after allowing six runs over three and a third innings 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 struck out a batter.
Montoyo said he retired Ryu after four innings not because of the score, but rather because of his arm.
“Obviously we’re worried,” Montoyo said. We’ll see how it feels. »
Ryu received medical treatment after the encounter and was not made available to reporters. The team is expected to provide an update on its status on Sunday.
To make up for the absence of George Springer in the starting line-up, Montoyo chose Raimel Tapia. The decision paid off as Tapia hit a double and then crossed home plate on his first at bat.