Kevin Gausman delivered a stellar performance, pitching seven strong innings to clinch his first victory of the season as the Toronto Blue Jays put an end to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ six-game winning streak with a 3-1 triumph on Sunday.
Alejandro Kirk, batting 3 for 3, notched his first home run of the season in the second inning, breaking free from an 0-for-11 slump prior to the game. The Blue Jays, who had endured a season-high five consecutive losses, found their rhythm again with Kirk’s stellar performance.
In a standout defensive play, Toronto’s Daulton Varsho made a spectacular leaping catch at the warning track to deny Dodgers’ slugger Shohei Ohtani a potential hit in his first at-bat against Gausman. Later in the game, Blue Jays’ right fielder George Springer showcased his defensive prowess with a remarkable diving catch on Andy Pages’ liner in the ninth inning.
Despite a solo home run from Freddie Freeman, his second of the season, the Dodgers fell short in their quest for back-to-back sweeps. The NL West leaders, who had clinched three consecutive wins against Washington last week, failed to replicate their success against the Blue Jays.
Toronto’s offense was fueled by Varsho and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who contributed with run-scoring groundouts. The victory marked an improvement for the Blue Jays, who had struggled when scoring three or fewer runs, boasting a record of 4-12 in such games.
Gausman, earning his first win of the season, displayed remarkable control on the mound, allowing just five hits, including Freeman’s sixth-inning homer. The right-hander struck out five batters and issued no walks during his seven-inning stint.
In a tense moment in the eighth inning, Blue Jays’ reliever Yimi García navigated through a bases-loaded jam, preserving Toronto’s lead with a key strikeout of Teoscar Hernández. Left-hander Tim Mayza entered the game and successfully retired Max Muncy to maintain the Blue Jays’ advantage.
With Michael Grove on the mound for the Dodgers, Toronto capitalized on a three-run second inning, which included Kirk’s decisive home run. The Dodgers found themselves trailing by multiple runs for the first time since their loss to the Mets on April 20.