The Baltimore Orioles dominated the Toronto Blue Jays in the opening game of their three-game series Friday night, securing a 7-4 victory at Rogers Centre. Dylan Beavers set the tone early with a leadoff home run on just the second pitch of the game, giving Baltimore an immediate advantage that would prove difficult for Toronto to overcome.
The Orioles’ offensive explosion came primarily in the second inning, when they strung together four consecutive singles followed by a double and another single to build a commanding 6-0 lead. Pitcher Max Scherzer was tagged with the loss after allowing six earned runs on seven hits over five innings of work, though he managed to retire the next 12 batters without allowing a hit following that disastrous second frame.
Toronto mounted a late comeback attempt but fell short of erasing the deficit. Kazuma Okamoto contributed a solo home run in the fourth inning, while the Blue Jays added two more runs in the ninth on a Brett Bateman home run. Despite loading the bases with two outs in the final inning, the Jays could not complete the rally as Alejandro Kirk grounded out to end the game.
The loss leaves Toronto two games behind the final wild card spot following a Cleveland Guardians victory. The teams continue their series Saturday with Kyle Bradish taking the mound for Baltimore against Spencer Miles and Spencer Arrighetti for Toronto.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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