Mark Canha and Wenceel Pérez both hit two-run home runs, Jack Flaherty struck out eight batters in 5 2/3 innings to earn his sixth win in seven starts, and the Detroit Tigers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 on Friday night. It was the Tigers’ third consecutive win and their ninth victory in the last 11 games.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer hit two-run homers for the Blue Jays in the game. Despite their offensive efforts, Toronto lost for the third time in four games and has struggled in close contests, with a 12-18 record in one-run games.
Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette exited the game after six innings due to a strained right calf. Bichette, a two-time All-Star, and two-time AL hits leader, sustained the injury while running to first base after lining out to right field to end the sixth inning.
“He’s going to get an MRI tomorrow and go from there,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “It’s tough for him and for us.” Leo Jiménez took over for Bichette in the top of the seventh inning.
Flaherty had a dominant start for the Tigers, retiring the first 13 batters he faced in order until Bichette singled in the fifth inning. Flaherty allowed two runs and three hits overall, improving to 6-1 since a loss to Toronto on May 23.
“It’s hard to argue that it wasn’t a great outing considering all the swings and misses he generated,” commented Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. “He pitched over five scoreless innings before the final swing of his outing. We’ll take that performance every time.”
Guerrero’s 445-foot home run in the sixth inning, with an exit velocity of 117.5 mph, ended Flaherty’s night. It was Guerrero’s 15th home run of the season.
Flaherty has now compiled a 3-1 record with a 2.35 ERA in four career starts against the Blue Jays.
“It seems like every time he takes the mound, he’s capable of delivering,” said Mark Canha. “He’s been our anchor. He’s the kind of player you think, ‘Wow, where would we be without him?'”
