A back-and-forth battle that saw the Guards’ third baseman sprain his ankle ended with Cleveland’s three-game winning streak coming to an end.
In a thrilling game, Nathan Lukes of the Toronto Blue Jays delivered a clutch two-out, two-run single in the eighth inning to break a tie and secure a 5-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. The game was intense as both teams fought hard for the win.
Unfortunately, the Guardians faced a setback when their top player, José Ramírez, had to leave the game in the third inning due to a sprained right ankle. Ramírez, a six-time All-Star, sustained the injury after being hit in the back by a throw from pitcher Chris Bassitt while trying to reach first base. The injury forced him to leave the game prematurely.
Lukes lined the winning hit off right-hander Jakob Junis (0-1) to end Cleveland’s three-game winning streak.
Brendon Little was instrumental in securing the win for the Blue Jays as he pitched 1 2/3 innings effectively. Jeff Hoffman also played a key role by earning his seventh save in seven opportunities. The game culminated in a tense moment when Hoffman managed to retire Gabriel Arias and leave the tying and go-ahead runs stranded on base.
Toronto won its third straight game after losing eight of its previous nine.
Cleveland’s Carlos Santana hit a leadoff homer in the second, but Alejandro Kirk answered with a two-run single in the third.
Guardians catcher Bo Naylor tied it with a solo homer in the fourth.
George Springer restored Toronto’s lead with a solo shot in the fifth, but Santana knotted it again in the sixth, chasing Bassitt with an RBI single.
Bassitt allowed three runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Guardians left-hander Logan Allen allowed three runs, two earned, and six hits in 5 2/3 innings.
Key moment
Lukes lined a 1-1 sinker to right field, driving in Springer from third base and pinch-runner Daulton Varsho from second.
Key stat
The Blue Jays are 9-1 this season when they score five runs or more.
Up next
Blue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman (2-3, 4.50 ERA) is scheduled to start against Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (2-2, 5.14) on Saturday.
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