Blue Jays Beat Royals, Turn Attention to Athletics
The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Kansas City Royals 4-3, powered by Kazuma Okamoto's four-hit night and costly Royals errors, and are now preparing for their next matchup against the Oakland Athletics.
Win Over the Royals
The Toronto Blue Jays took their series against the Kansas City Royals with a 4-3 win, according to Royals Review. The result ended the Royals' streak of five straight series wins over the Jays. Starter Seth Lugo ran into early trouble but picked off leadoff man Brett Bateman at first base after a single. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. later drove in the game's opening run, aided by a wild throw from Royals third baseman Josh Rojas that allowed Guerrero to score all the way from first. Nathan Lukes and Kazuma Okamoto added run-scoring hits of their own to extend Toronto's lead.
The Royals tied the game in the first inning after starter Max Scherzer hit Carter Jensen with a pitch, followed by a Bobby Witt Jr. double and a string of hits that brought Kansas City level. The Jays regained the lead, and Okamoto's fourth hit of the night, in the seventh inning, drove in what proved to be the decisive run. Kansas City threatened again in the eighth, but a double play ended the rally.
With the loss, the Royals have won just one of five games in September after a 16-11 August. Randy Dobnak is set to start their next game against Toronto. Following the win, the Blue Jays pulled even with the Cleveland Guardians in the race for the final American League Wild Card spot, as noted by Royals Review.
Looking Ahead: Athletics Matchup
According to Bluebird Banter, the Blue Jays are preparing for their next game against the Oakland Athletics. Toronto's expected lineup features Brett Bateman in center field, George Springer at designated hitter, Guerrero at first base, Alejandro Kirk catching, Okamoto at third base, Lukes in right field, Ernie Clement at second base, Andres Gimenez at shortstop, and Myles Straw in left field. Dylan Cease is scheduled to start on the mound. The Athletics' lineup is set to include Henry Bolte, Jeff McNeil, Zack Gelof, Lawrence Butler, Carlos Cortes, Max Muncy, Donovan Walton, Alika Williams and Jonah Heim, with Jacob Lopez starting for Oakland.
It was also reported that Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander will begin a rehab assignment in Buffalo on Wednesday, with a return to the major-league roster possibly coming within a week or two.
