Instant Reaction: The Blue Jays won their first series since……..

Instant Reaction: The Blue Jays won their first series since April 21.

For the first time since April 21, the Blue Jays claimed a series victory.

On Wednesday evening, the Toronto Blue Jays hosted the rubber match against the Chicago White Sox, defeating the basement-dwelling team 9-2 to improve their record to 9-2.

The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the second inning, scoring seven runs. The first came on Davis Schneider’s single, which scored Justin Turner and Alejandro Kirk.

Following Schneider was Daulton Varsho, who hit his first triple of the season, scoring Varsho and Kevin Kiermaier, giving Toronto a 4-0 lead and scoring all of the runs they needed.

But it didn’t stop them from piling on, as Bo Bichette smashed a three-run homer after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reached on a single. This home run also signified the reinstatement of the home run jacket, which should never have been removed.

Toronto added a few more runs in the bottom of the fourth, when Bo Bichette singled and drove in two on an error by center fielder Dominic Fletcher, bringing the total to nine.

In the top of the eighth, Tommy Pham homered off Génesis Cabrera, but a fielding mistake and a Paul DeJong sac fly resulted in an unearned run against Cabrera. Still, the Blue Jays have finally won a series!

Things worth mentioning…

Chris Bassitt was a key contributor to Toronto’s victory on Wednesday, finishing with 7 innings, 5 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Bassitt has had a rocky start, similar to last season, but he has reduced his ERA from 5.03 to 4.39 in only one start. Let’s hope this is a turning point for him.

Nate Pearson finished the game with two strikeouts and one walk, while Génesis Cabrera gave up a homer and an unearned run. The Jays were able to save their bullpen, which is good news as they prepare for a four-game series against Detroit. Their next off day is next Thursday, so additional activities like these are beneficial.

The Blue Jays bats appear to have woken up this series, as they scored a total of 18 runs in three games, with one game being shutout with only two hits. Bo Bichette was once again the Jays’ greatest hitter, with a home run and a single, while Isiah Kiner-Falefa also had multiple hits. Every starter recorded a hit except Justin Turner, who walked three times.

Toronto is currently 1-0 with a home run jacket. Does it matter? Probably unlikely, but enabling players to have fun and smash bombs should be the team’s strategy following a harsh 2023 campaign of “singles first” offense. The bats may acquire a spark from the jacket.

The Jays will next travel to Detroit to play a four-game series against the Tigers. The opening game will start at 6:40 p.m., with Kevin Gausman facing Jack Flaherty. Following a strong start to the season, the Tigers are now 23-26.