Jays Win Series Against Atlanta

 

Photo From Toronto Sun

On Monday, the Jays began a series against the struggling Braves, and fans were optimistic when they saw Easton Lucas was getting the start. We all thought, “This is going to be easy.” That confidence came from Lucas being nearly perfect in his first two starts. However, the Braves quickly brought everyone back to reality. Atlanta had their way with Lucas, as he gave up a few monster home runs and allowed 8 runs over 5 innings.

Toronto finally got on the board in the 6th inning with a home run from Myles Straw. The Jays would cut Atlanta’s lead in half, but ultimately fell short, losing 8-4. Lucas is expected to become a strong pitcher for the Jays, but let’s hope this rough outing doesn’t shake his confidence in future starts.

Game 2 of the series saw Kevin Gausman take the mound for Toronto. For Atlanta, Games 2 and 3 would feature their two best starters, so the Jays were in for a challenge. Spencer Schwellenbach got the start for Atlanta on Tuesday and received some early run support when Austin Riley hit a solo home run for a 1-0 lead.

Toronto, however, tied the game in the bottom of the 3rd. Alan Roden started things off with a double, Bo Bichette advanced him, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove him in on a fielder’s choice. The Jays pulled ahead in the 5th when Roden hit his first major league home run — a two-run shot to right field — giving Toronto a 3-1 lead. The Jays added to that lead when Bichette singled, Guerrero walked, and Anthony Santander hit a three-run homer — his first in front of the home crowd.

Atlanta managed to cut the lead in half, but the Jays held on for a 6-3 win, evening the series. Gausman was excellent for Toronto, going six innings and striking out six.

On Wednesday afternoon, Chris Bassitt started the series finale for the Jays, while the Braves sent the returning Spencer Strider to the mound. Heading into the game, much of the focus was on Guerrero’s lack of home runs, despite his consistent ability to get on base and score runs.

Vladdy silenced the critics when he got the Jays on the board with an RBI single, scoring Bichette, who had led off the game with a double. Then, in his next at-bat, Guerrero hit his first home run of the season, a solo shot that doubled Toronto’s lead. The Jays added to their cushion when Bichette hit an RBI double, scoring Myles Straw.

Jeff Hoffman gave up a solo home run in the top of the 9th to Drake Baldwin, but that was all Atlanta could muster. Hoffman closed out the game for his 4th save as the Jays' closer, and Toronto secured a 3-1 win. Bassitt was dominant, going five innings and striking out 10. He now leads Major League Baseball with an impressive 0.77 earned run average.

The Jays have Thursday off before hosting a series against Seattle over Easter weekend.