The Toronto Blue Jays overcame an early four-run deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Angels 8-5 on Thursday night, avoiding a three-game series sweep and snapping a four-game losing streak. Before the game, the betting lines reflected a fairly balanced matchup, with the Angels listed as slight favorites at -120 on the moneyline and the Blue Jays close behind at +100.
Toronto’s offense broke out with 14 hits, led by Daulton Varsho, who recorded three hits, including a home run, and drove in three. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also contributed with three hits, while Anthony Santander delivered the go-ahead two-run single during a decisive four-run sixth inning.
Los Angeles took an early lead with a two-run homer from Taylor Ward in the first inning, followed by a solo shot from Jo Adell in the second. The Angels then capitalized on a defensive error in the third inning, with Zach Neto scoring after Bo Bichette mishandled a ground ball, extending their advantage to 4-0.
The Blue Jays began to chip away in the fourth inning. Varsho drove in a run with a double, and rookie Addison Barger followed with an RBI single to bring the score to 4-2. Toronto tied the game and took the lead in the sixth inning when they loaded the bases and Santander delivered a two-run single off reliever Brock Burke. That hit was the first pitch Burke threw after replacing Ryan Johnson, who had walked the bases full.
Varsho added insurance in the eighth inning with his third home run in six games, pushing the Blue Jays’ lead to 8-5. The outfielder has seen a surge in production in recent games, providing a spark to an offense that has struggled through the month.
Toronto starter Chris Bassitt (3-2) pitched six innings, giving up eight hits and allowing four runs while striking out six. After the early damage, he settled down and held the Angels scoreless for the remainder of his outing. Chad Green closed the game with a scoreless ninth inning to earn his first save of the season. Green reclaimed the opportunity one night after Jeff Hoffman, Toronto’s new closer, surrendered a two-run lead in the ninth inning of a blown save.
Right-hander José Soriano pitched five innings for the Angels, surrendering three runs on eight hits and four walks. Johnson (1-1) was charged with the loss after allowing all three batters he faced in the sixth to reach base, leading to the Blue Jays’ rally.
Despite the loss, the Angels’ early offense showed continued power, with home runs in each of the first two innings. However, their bullpen could not hold the lead, preventing them from completing what would have been their first series sweep of the season.
Next, Toronto travels to Seattle, where Kevin Gausman (2-3, 3.83 ERA) is scheduled to start. Los Angeles will host the Baltimore Orioles, with Kyle Hendricks (1-3, 5.28 ERA) taking the mound for the Angels in the series opener at Angel Stadium.
