The Toronto Blue Jays emerged victorious in a resolutely offensive duel on Saturday at Globe Life Field, beating the Texas Rangers 11-7.
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The Jays surged in the third inning to win. Santiago Espinal and Bo Bichette both hit a one-point double, but it was mostly Raimel Tapia’s long three-point ball that propelled the visitors.
Receiver Danny Jansen also terrified the Angels gunners. He had four strikes to the safer spot – including a two-run long ball – in five at bats.
At the very start of the game, the only Canadian major league baseball team announced its intentions by scoring four runs thanks to the hits of Alejandro Kirk and Espinal.
Adolis Garcia, however, stretched his arms with two teammates on the trails to close the gap to one point. Later, Sam Huff also hit a long ball, while Bubba Thompson and former Jays Marcus Semien added a run each.
On the hosts’ mound, Kosei Arihara (1-3) was simply humiliated. He allowed 11 earned runs, 12 hits and five free passes in just three innings.
Meanwhile, Kevin Gausman (12-9) was capable of both good and bad, going nine strikeouts in five and a third innings but allowing five runs and eight hits. Tim Mayza signed his first save of the campaign.
Rangers will try to avoid the sweep on Sunday.