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Blue Jays Look to Break First-Inning Drought Against Pirates
The Toronto Blue Jays expect to break their first-inning scoring dry season in the elastic match of their three-game series against the meeting Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday evening. This streak, which has arrived at 23 games, is the longest in the Blue Jays’ MLB history, outperforming a 20-game streak from 1977.
Early Opportunities and Missed Chances
In spite of their battles, the Blue Jays get an opportunity to have an early effect on Sunday. In Saturday’s 8-1 misfortune, the Blue Jays botched a critical open door in the primary inning, neglecting to profit by sprinters from the start and third with one out. Privateers’ starter Mitch Keller struck out the following two hitters to suppress the danger.
“It’s about every single person being on board with their plan and with their approach from pitch one,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “If the first guy gets out, it’s on to the next guy. If he does, it’s on to the next guy. Hopefully that turns.”
Pirates’ Offensive Versatility
Pittsburgh showed their offensive versatility on Saturday with two-run homers from Ke’Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds, complemented by effective small ball tactics, including two successful sacrifice bunts. This performance followed their 14-inning, 5-3 loss on Friday.
“Really good,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “I think even (Friday) night, we didn’t score, but situationally we played pretty good baseball. We got some guys over, we got some guys in. Today, we got two bunts down. We continued to get guys in. We made some good baserunning moves. It was just a well-played baseball game.”
Edward Olivares set the tone with a sacrifice fly in the first inning, followed by Hayes’ first home run since April 27.
“Yeah, it felt good. It’s just one game, though,” Hayes said. “It’s a good feeling, though, to be able to put a swing on a ball like that.”
Pitching Highlights
Keller’s gritty performance marked his fifth consecutive quality start. He allowed one run, five hits, and one walk while striking out eight over six innings.
“That was a gritty performance by him,” Shelton said. “I thought the first three or four innings he really struggled with his command. A lot of credit to Mitch.”
With a 2-2 record on their five-game trip, the Pirates look to end on a high note, while the Blue Jays are 1-1 at the start of their seven-game homestand.
Upcoming Pitching Matchup
Toronto will send right-hander Chris Bassitt (5-6, 4.03 ERA) to the mound on Sunday. Bassitt has excelled against Pittsburgh, boasting a 3-0 record with a 1.44 ERA in four career starts against the Pirates.
Pittsburgh will counter with right-hander Quinn Priester (0-4, 4.33 ERA), recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis. This will be Priester’s second stint in the majors this season, filling in for the injured Martin Perez (left groin strain).
“We’re in a situation where we obviously need a starter with Martin on the IL,” Shelton said. “For Quinn, it’s just a matter of making sure that he keeps the ball on the plate and he stays in attack mode.”
Bullpen Adjustments
Toronto’s bullpen faces adjustments with right-hander Jordan Romano (right elbow inflammation) on the injured list. Left-hander Brendon Little was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo and allowed a home run to Reynolds in the ninth inning on Saturday. In Romano’s absence, Yimi Garcia is expected to serve as the closer.
As the two groups change their systems and revolutions, the Blue Jays will hope to snap their first-inning dry season and secure a series triumph against the Privateers. This matchup is a crucial test for the two groups as they explore the difficulties of the MLB season.
