Oakland, Calif. (AP) — Bo Bichette hit a tiebreaking solo home run in the eighth inning and the Toronto Blue Jays broke a five-game losing streak as they beat the Oakland Athletics 2-1 on Wednesday.
“We needed it,” Bichette said. “I think that’s what happens sometimes when you’re trying to prevent a skid, so I thought we fought well today and are definitely excited to take the win.”
Matt Chapman also went home against his former team for the second day in a row. Chapman spent his first five seasons at Oakland before being traded to Toronto in March.
Ramon Loreno made home for the A, failing to complete his first sweep of the season.
“We’ve played well against the Blue Jays team this year,” said Oakland manager Mark Cootse. “Unfortunately, we didn’t get the win today to get our first sweep and win our season series, but we still have games ahead of us.”
Loreno’s sixth long ball of the year broke a scoreless tie in the bottom half of the sixth. Chapman answered with his 13th on top of the seventh, before Bichette hit his 13th inning later.
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Toronto manager Charlie Montoyo said, “It seems that every time (Bitchet) runs in a home race, it is to advance or tie the game.” “It was good. Hopefully this will get us on the offensive again.”
Blue Jays starter Jose Berrios played six strong innings, allowing one run on four hits with six strikeouts and one walk. Adam Simber (8-2) followed with two perfect frames to secure his eighth win, the most in a major league reliever.
“(I) felt great,” Berios said. “I was able to go out there and compete and give my team a chance to win, and we did that.”
Jordan Romano recorded his ninth inning 1-2-3 with two punch-outs for his 18th save in 21 chances.
Oakland starter James Caprillion drove Toronto through six innings in seven innings before giving up a home run to one of his best friends, Chapman.
Kaprilian allowed five hits and four walks with a strike out. It was his 24th consecutive debut of six frames or less, expanding the all-time A’s record.
Domingo Acevedo (1-2) surrendered his seventh homer of the year to suffer his first loss since 29 April.
allen leather shines
AK rookie Nick Allen made a pair of dazzling defensive plays at second base in the fourth inning. With Bichette going out of frame, Allen chased a pop-up in shallow right field and leapt to take a hit. Then with two runners on base and two outs, Allen made a brilliant diving stop on a blistering one-hopper to rob Lourdes Guriel Jr. and keep the game scoreless.
instructor room
Blue Jays: RHP Kevin Gossman, who returned with his right foot on Saturday, is expected to miss his scheduled start on Thursday. Gaussmann took the catch for the third day in a row and could potentially make his next debut this weekend.
Athletics: RHP Frankie Montas received a cortisone injection into his right shoulder after an MRI revealed swelling but no structural damage. He will miss his next start and is considered day after day. … RHP Dany Jiménez (right shoulder strain) has played a catch out to 90 feet, but needs to be pushed further in 10 days next week.
roster moves
The Blue Jays claimed an exemption from the Kansas City Royals to RHP Matt Peacock and named RHP Shaun Anderson for the assignment. Toronto also recalled RHP Casey Lawrence and selected RHP Trent Thornton to Triple-A Buffalo.
next
Blue Jays: Begin a four-match series in Seattle on Thursday. Toronto have not named a starting pitcher, with Gossman (ankle) expected to miss his start.
Athletics: After an off-day, RHP Paul Blackburn (6-3, 2.90 ERA) will open a three-match home series against the Houston Astros on Friday.
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