The Toronto Blue Jays snapped a six-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory over the New York Mets on Monday night at Rogers Centre, a game that featured the return of former franchise cornerstone Bo Bichette to Toronto for the first time as an opponent.
Bichette's return highlights the night
Bichette, who was traded by the Blue Jays in the offseason, received a warm tribute from the Toronto faithful before the game. He went 0-for-4 at the plate, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the other half of the duo that defined the Jays' recent era, went 1-for-4. Both batted third in their respective lineups.
The game was the first of a three-game series between two teams with losing records: the Mets at 35-49 and the Blue Jays at 39-45. The matchup has reignited debate over which player the Blue Jays should have invested in long-term, given the difficulty of retaining both.
Trey Yesavage delivers quality start
Right-handed starter Trey Yesavage pitched 6.2 innings, allowing just three hits and one run (a solo home run to Francisco Lindor) while striking out three. It was the first quality start by a Blue Jays pitcher in nine games, a sorely needed boost for a rotation that has struggled.
“He gave us exactly what we needed,” said manager John Schneider. “He kept them off balance and gave our bullpen a chance.”
Bullpen holds on for the win
Mason Fluharty recorded the final out of the seventh inning, Tyler Rogers worked a scoreless eighth despite allowing a hit and a walk, and closer Louis Varland earned his 17th save of the season, striking out two batters in the ninth despite allowing a single and a walk.
Varland’s outing was a bounce-back after a wild pitch cost him a save in Sunday’s loss to the Texas Rangers.
Springer's 'little league home run'
The Blue Jays scored first for the first time in eight games, thanks to a bizarre play in the first inning. Leadoff hitter George Springer hit a ball to center field that should have been a triple, but a fielding error by Mets center fielder A.J. Ewing allowed Springer to circle the bases and score. The play was officially scored a triple and an error, but was dubbed a “little league home run” by some observers.
“We’ll take it any way we can get it,” Springer said. “We needed a break, and we got one.”
Looking ahead
The series continues Tuesday night at Rogers Centre, with Kevin Gausman starting for the Blue Jays against the Mets' Nolan McLean. Gausman has struggled in his past two outings, including a rough start against the Chicago Cubs.
