Gausman, relievers shut down Guardians in Blue Jays win

Kevin Gausman pitched seven scoreless innings, and the bullpen did the rest, as the Toronto Blue Jays shutout the Cleveland Guardians 1-0 on Wednesday.

Gausman, who improved to 9-6 this season, went seven strong, allowing only four hits and striking out six batters. His 183 strikeouts lead all American League starting pitchers. His 3.04 ERA is fifth-best in the AL.

Relievers Erik Swanson, Tim Mayza and Jordan Hicks, who picked up his 11th save of the season and third as a member of the Blue Jays, did their job out of the bullpen to secure the 1-0 win. Blue Jays pitchers did not issue a walk on Wednesday.

Outfielder George Springer was the only source of offence with a solo home run, his 14th of the season, in the top of the first inning off Guardians starter Logan Allen. Springer would add two more singles on the night. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had two hits, both singles.

A THIRTEEN pitch at-bat ????

The result: #SpringerDinger pic.twitter.com/775ReDT0DE

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 9, 2023

Gausman’s counterpart, Allen, shut down the Blue Jays over the rest of his five innings, as did a trio of Guardians relievers

The Blue Jays’ win follows the Guardians’ 1-0 victory on Tuesday, in which Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee dazzled with seven scoreless innings. The Guardians also got a brilliant performance from starting pitcher Gavin Williams in Monday’s series opener, who pitched seven scoreless with 12 strikeouts.

The Blue Jays have scored only four runs in three games against the Guardians, while Cleveland has managed only two.

Toronto improves to 65-51 on the season, and the win gives the Blue Jays much-needed breathing room in the AL Wildcard race.

With files from Sportsnet’s David Singh