The Toronto Blue Jays will attempt to end their first-inning drought and achieve a rare fast start when they face the Pittsburgh Pirates in the rubber match of their three-game series on Sunday afternoon.
The Blue Jays failed to score in the first inning for the 23rd consecutive game on Saturday, surpassing the record set in 1977 during the team’s inaugural season. Despite having runners at first and third with one out in the bottom of the first inning, the Blue Jays were unable to capitalize on the opportunity, as Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller struck out the next two batters to end the threat.
The Pirates, on the other hand, scored three runs in the top of the first inning, with Edward Olivares starting the scoring with a sacrifice fly, followed by Ke’Bryan Hayes’ first home run since April 27. The Pirates also executed two successful sacrifice bunts, rebounding from a 5-3 loss in 14 innings on Friday.
Pirates manager Derek Shelton praised his team’s performance, saying, “Really good. I think even (Friday) night, we didn’t score, but situationally we played pretty good baseball.” Hayes also expressed his satisfaction with his performance, saying, “Yeah, it felt good. It’s just one game, though. It’s a good feeling, though, to be able to put a swing on a ball like that.”
Keller tossed his fifth consecutive quality start, allowing one run, five hits, and one walk while striking out eight in six innings. Pirates manager Derek Shelton praised Keller’s performance, saying, “That was a gritty performance by him. I thought the first three or four innings, he really struggled with his command. A lot of credit to Mitch”
The Pirates are 2-2 with one game remaining on their five-game trip, while the Blue Jays are 1-1 to start their seven-game homestand. Toronto will start right-hander Chris Bassitt (5-6, 4.03 ERA) on Sunday, who has a 3-0 record and a 1.44 ERA in four career starts against Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh will recall right-hander Quinn Priester (0-4, 4.33) from Triple-A Indianapolis to start Sunday, taking the rotation spot of left-hander Martin Perez, who is on the injured list with a left groin strain.
Toronto placed right-hander Jordan Romano on the injured list with right elbow inflammation and recalled left-hander Brendon Little from Triple-A Buffalo. In Romano’s absence, Yimi Garcia is expected to be Toronto’s closer.
The Blue Jays are looking to end their first-inning drought and achieve a rare fast start, while the Pirates aim to build on their Saturday’s win and take the series. The rubber match is set to be an exciting contest, with both teams looking to gain momentum in their respective seasons.
