Another series, another Game 1 win.
On Monday evening, the Toronto Blue Jays took on the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, defeating the fraudulent 2015 World Series winners 5-3.
In the top of the third, Bo Bichette hit a bases clearing triple, scoring three runs in quick fashion for the 3-0 lead. Bichette hasn’t had the best of seasons, and the Jays have struggled to hit with runners in scoring position, but this was a great sign.
Bo Bichette clears the bases 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/IM72u8403I
— MLB (@MLB) April 23, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Daulton Varsho continued to do Daulton Varsho things in the top of the sixth, hitting his sixth home run of the season, driving in the game-winning run and an insurance run with a two-run blast. He’s been fantastic this season.
Make that 6 homers in his last 10 games for Daulton Varsho 🔥 pic.twitter.com/44EeXUM6yG
— MLB (@MLB) April 23, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
In the following half-inning, Maikel García hit a two-run blast off Yusei Kikuchi, the only earned runs the left-handed starter gave up. In the bottom of the ninth, Jordan Romano allowed a solo home run off the bat of Kyle Isbel, meaning the game finished 5-3.
Kyle Isbel homers with 2 out in the 9th pic.twitter.com/qY7yiYmA0U
— Royals Daily (@RoyalsDaily_) April 23, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Things worth mentioning…
Daulton Varsho has been absolutely terrific this season. His six homers are now tied for fourth in the league, and he’s now batting .246/.316/.565 for a 153 wRC+ in 76 plate appearances. It doesn’t account for his 7 Defensive Runs Saved and 6 Outs Above Average, which has not been updated after this game.
Yusei Kikuchi had a quality start, finishing with a line of 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K with the home run given up. His season ERA now sits at 2.28.
Maikel Garcia – Kansas City Royals (4)
pic.twitter.com/C0VmpHSvN5— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) April 23, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Yimi García continues to lower his season ERA with another good outing, striking out one batter and allowing one hit. His ERA now sits at 0.79.
Jordan Romano gave up an earned run, but also picked up his third save of the season while striking out a batter. Erik Swanson had a good outing as well, striking out a batter and allowing a hit.
Cavan Biggio and Danny Jansen had doubles of their own, while Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. both picked up singles. Justin Turner walked twice, and was the game winning run.
Up next: The Blue Jays play the second game of a four-game series at 7:40 PM ET tomorrow. Kevin Gausman will be on the mound, facing off against Michael Wacha.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.