George Springer, Bo Bichette, and Davis Schneider hit home runs, helping the Toronto Blue Jays defeat the struggling Chicago White Sox 5-1 on Monday.
Chris Bassitt pitched well, striking out seven batters in five innings without allowing any runs. The 35-year-old right-hander gave up five hits but didn’t walk any batters, despite dealing with neck spasms that almost kept him from starting.
“I was able to figure out what I needed to do mechanically to throw my pitches effectively,” Bassitt said. “I didn’t expect to pitch five innings, but I’m glad I could contribute.”
Springer hit his fourth home run of the season in the second inning after Daulton Varsho walked with two outs against Nick Nastrini.
Bichette started the fourth inning with his own home run, a 419-foot hit to center field.
“They were swinging the bat really well,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “During tough times, good teams tend to come together a bit more, and I think they’re doing that.”
Nastrini gave up three hits in five innings, striking out five and walking four batters.
The White Sox, currently in last place, lost their sixth game in a row, making it their worst start in franchise history at 15-40 after 55 games.
Gavin Sheets hit a home run in the eighth inning against Erik Swanson, scoring the only run for the White Sox. They struggled to capitalize with runners in scoring position, going 1 for 7, and left 11 runners on base.
Chicago had a chance in the first inning with the bases loaded but couldn’t score, ending the inning with a flyout to right field by Paul DeJong.
