Justin Turner hit a home run and brought in four runs as the Toronto Blue Jays evened the series by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 9-2 on Sunday.
After winning the first game 8-1 on Thursday, the Blue Jays struggled in the next two matches, losing by a combined score of 13-3. Toronto has struggled on the road against Tampa Bay since 2018, winning only 20 out of 55 games.
“Everyone contributed in some way, whether it was drawing a walk or delivering a key hit, so that’s what we’re aiming for,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said.
Randy Arozarena hit a home run for the Rays, adding to his home run in Saturday’s 5-1 victory. Tampa Bay pitchers issued eight walks during the game. “It just wasn’t our day on the mound,” Rays manager Kevin Cash commented.
Toronto’s top pitcher Kevin Gausman, limited by a pitch count due to shoulder fatigue, allowed only one run, and two hits, and struck out six batters in 4 ⅓ innings. He threw 48 of his 69 pitches for strikes.
“It was my first major league game with a pitch count, so it felt a bit strange to be aware of that, but I think we did well with the pitches we had,” Gausman said. He expects to increase his pitch count to 80-85 in his next start. “He performed exceptionally well, considering the circumstances,” Schneider praised.
Nate Pearson completed the fifth inning, and Mitch White (1-0) followed with three innings without allowing a hit. Chad Green gave up a homer to Isaac Paredes in the ninth but closed out the game with just three hits allowed.
The Blue Jays took a 4-1 lead with Turner’s two-run double off Tyler Alexander in the second inning. Turner also had an RBI single during a two-run first inning against opener Shawn Armstrong (0-1).
“I felt good today,” Turner remarked. “I made some minor adjustments in the last couple of days to get comfortable again, shortening up my leg kick a bit. It improved my timing today.”
Turner later added a solo home run, and Davis Schneider hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning to extend Toronto’s lead to 7-1.
Alexander, who had not pitched since July 2 last year due to a left lat strain, gave up five runs and six hits over five innings. Cavan Biggio contributed with an RBI single in the seventh inning to cap off the scoring for the Blue Jays.
