Nothing is ever assured at the rate the Blue Jays are going, not even when they play the host Chicago White Sox at assured Rate Field.
The Jays faced the same right-hander that they dominated at home last week to win Toronto’s first series in a month in White Sox starter Nick Nastrini.
The Jays had an experienced pitcher on the mound in Chris Bassitt, a South Sider who was drafted, coming off a strong start (he pitched seven scoreless innings against the White Sox last Wednesday).
After an awful weekend in the Motor City, the Jays needed a victory.
For a struggling baseball team, a 5-1 victory over the White Sox on Memorial Day was refreshing even if it wasn’t reason to get out the champagne bottles.
Everything was stacked against Nastrini, who let up a home run to Bo Bichette during the Jays’ 9-2 victory last week, when they debuted a new version of the home run jacket.
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On Monday, in the fourth inning, Bichette drove Nastrini deep once more, giving the Jays a 3-0 lead on two hits that went for extra bases.
The Jays’ third hit came from Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who extended his hit streak to six with a two-out line shot into left field that resulted in a double. During this streak, IKF has recorded 10 hits, five of which have gone for extra bases.
After overcoming a few jams, Bassitt pitched his side five scoreless innings.
When he opposed Nastrini at Rogers Centre last week, he appeared to be in discomfort for someone who was dealing with neck problems.
Nevertheless, Bassitt struck out seven without giving up a single run.
Remember that in a league with 30 teams, the White Sox have the 30th-ranked offence.
After Bassitt’s day was over, Nate Pearson—who hasn’t been great—threw well for the Jays.
The Jays received two scoreless innings from the big righty.
Erik Swanson appeared to have made progress until the eighth inning, when he let up a leadoff home run.
There was little confidence in a really long out deep into centrefield to the following hitter.
Zach Pop was brought in from the bullpen due to a single that prompted another pitching change.
Chicago now had the runner at the plate to tie the game.
After that, with two runners on base and Pop giving up a two-out single, the game took an intriguing turn.
To close the inning, Pop coaxed a fly ball to right field.
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