The Toronto Blue Jays extended their winning streak to three games with a 5-3 victory over the San Diego Padres on Friday night at Petco Park, powered by Kazuma Okamoto's historic home run.
Okamoto ties Ohtani's rookie mark
Okamoto launched his club-leading 22nd home run in the fifth inning, a three-run blast that capped a four-run frame. The homer tied him with Shohei Ohtani (2018) for the most home runs by a Japanese rookie in MLB history. Okamoto, who signed with the Blue Jays in free agency this past off-season, could claim the record outright as early as Saturday.
According to Frank Zicarelli of the Toronto Sun, Okamoto has been a revelation for the Jays, providing much-needed power to a lineup that has struggled offensively. The 22 homers lead the team by a wide margin.
Bieber shows improvement despite early struggles
Shane Bieber, the former Cy Young Award winner, allowed a home run to the third batter of the game, his eighth surrendered in his last four starts. However, he settled down and came within one out of completing five innings, giving up six hits and three walks while throwing 97 pitches. The outing was a step forward after three consecutive starts in which the Jays lost.
"When things have gone south for Bieber, his guile, experience and pride have allowed him to become much more competitive and less prone to yield hard contact," Zicarelli wrote.
Springer bats cleanup, Kirk delivers in homecoming
George Springer, activated from the paternity list, batted cleanup for the first time this season, a departure from his usual leadoff role. He homered in Wednesday's game against the San Francisco Giants, one batter after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his first home run since June 18. Springer is a pending free agent, and the Jays may look to add power before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Alejandro Kirk, a two-time all-star catcher from Tijuana, Mexico, playing near his hometown, drove in the Jays' first run with a double in the second inning. It was his first extra-base hit since going deep eight games ago. Kirk had been struggling after returning from a broken thumb, but his plate discipline and contact ability remain elite.
Bullpen holds on for save
Louis Varland recorded his 19th save of the season, though he allowed a run on three straight two-out singles in the ninth inning to make the game close. Ernie Clement and Myles Straw each had multi-hit games for Toronto.
Up next
The Blue Jays will send right-hander Trey Yesavage to the mound for his 14th start of the season on Saturday. Yesavage recorded a season-high seven strikeouts in his last outing but took the loss against the Seattle Mariners. The Padres will counter with former World Series champion Walker Buehler. First pitch is at 8:40 p.m.
