Another start for young pitcher Alek Manoah, another victory for the Toronto Blue Jays!
The 24-year-old Manoah added his sixth win to his record this season, helping the Toronto squad to an 8-3 win Thursday afternoon at Rogers Center against the White Sox from Chicago. The Jays (30-20) thus won an eighth consecutive game and retain second place in the American League East Division ahead of the Tampa Bay Rays (30-21).
This time, Manoah had allowed just three hits and one walk in seven innings of work. However, manager Charlie Montoyo returned him to the mound for the eighth and he allowed three runs.
Either way, after 11 starts this season, the Florida Gunner now boasts a stunning 6-1 record and a brilliant 1.98 ERA. Relievers Adam Cimber and Trent Thornton completed the job for the Jays.
Good game for Espinal
On offense, Santiago Espinal first provoked the first two points for the Blue Jays. While compromising in a double play, Espinal pushed teammate Raimel Tapia to home plate late in the third inning. Tapia was again sent to the paying plate by Espinal, in fifth, following a double. The second baseman ended his productive day with a two-run single in the eighth.
Outfielder Teoscar Hernandez had allowed the Jays to breathe better, at the end of the sixth, with the help of a two-run homer. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. preceded him to the plate, he who had gone on the trails thanks to a double to start the half-inning.
After sweeping the Angels in a four-game series in Los Angeles, the Jays reserved the same fate for the White Sox in three games. Toronto now hosts the Minnesota Twins from Friday to Sunday.
Ryu back on injured list
In the less good news department, Blue Jays pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu is back on the injured list with inflammation in his left forearm.
The news was announced, before Thursday’s game, by the Toronto organization. The day before, Ryu had left the meeting against the White Sox after only four innings of work.
This is a second stint with the injured for Ryu, who was plagued with elbow pain earlier this season.
The South Korean, who signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Jays in December 2019, has been limited to six starts this season. The left-handed gunner is 2-0 with a 5.33 earned run average.
To make up for his absence, right-handed pitcher Jeremy Beasley was recalled from the AAA-level Buffalo Bisons.
