Blue Jays avoid sweep, shutout Padres 4-0 at Rogers Centre
Posted July 20, 2023 4:43 pm.
Last Updated July 20, 2023 8:42 pm.
Chris Bassitt pitched six scoreless innings, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a solo home run as the Toronto Blue Jays avoided a sweep with a 4-0 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday.
Bassitt improved to 10-5 this season in one of his steadiest performances that saw the veteran hurler go six strong, allowing four hits, striking out five batters, and walking one.
The Blue Jays got off to an early start against Padres southpaw Blake Snell when Jordan Luplow hit an RBI single to give Toronto a 1-0 lead in the second inning. It would stay that way until the bottom of the seventh when Guerrero hit a solo shot, his 15th home run of the season.
Catcher Alejandro Kirk would give Toronto some insurance with a two-run home run the inning after. It was Kirk’s fourth homer of the year. Relievers Tim Mayza, Erik Swanson and Canadian closer Jordan Romano would each toss three scoreless innings en route to the win.
RELATED: Chris Bassitt announces ‘Bassitts Pitch In’ in support of Jays Care Foundation
It was Romano’s first game back since the Canadian was lifted from his All-Star game appearance on July 11 with back tightness.
Snell took the loss after struggling with his control all game, walking seven batters and striking out four Blue Jays hitters.
Bassitt’s win comes two days after he and his wife Jessica announced the “Bassitts Pitch In” program in support of the Jays Care Foundation. As part of the program, the Bassitt family is pledging to donate $10,000 for each game the Jays win with Bassitt on the roster.
Another @BlueJays win, means another win for kids across Toronto! ????
Today's victory with @C_Bass419 on the mound, means the Bassitts will generously donate another $10K to R.B.I Summer Edition, bringing the total to $130K! Join in and support today at: https://t.co/zs3OLQrN9G pic.twitter.com/Lu3Qr2MPXi
— Jays Care Foundation (@JaysCare) July 20, 2023
Toronto travels to Seattle on Friday for a three-game series. Yusei Kikuchi will get the start tomorrow against his former team, followed by Kevin Gausman on Saturday and Alek Manoah on Sunday.
It will be Gausman’s first start since July 8 after the right-hander skipped the All-Star game to be with family. He’s since been dealing with left-side soreness but was not placed on the injured list.
