Toronto Blue Jays’ pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu may have been the star of the show, but it was catcher Alejandro Kirk who stole the spotlight in the team’s 5-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.
Ryu, who has been struggling in recent games, finally got his first win of the season, pitching six strong innings and allowing only two runs on five hits. The left-hander also struck out five batters and walked none, showing signs of the dominant pitcher he was last season.
But it was Kirk, the 22-year-old rookie, who provided the offensive spark for the Blue Jays. In the bottom of the second inning, Kirk hit a two-run homer, his first of the season, to give the team an early lead. He then followed it up with a double in the fourth inning, driving in another run.
Kirk’s performance at the plate was not the only highlight of the game. He also showed off his defensive skills, throwing out two runners attempting to steal second base.
The Blue Jays’ offense was also aided by Marcus Semien, who hit a solo home run in the third inning, and Randal Grichuk, who drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning.
Despite a late rally by the Mariners, the Blue Jays’ bullpen held on to secure the win. Reliever Rafael Dolis pitched a scoreless ninth inning, earning his first save of the season.
With this win, the Blue Jays improve their record to 11-11 and are now tied for third place in the American League East division.
The team will look to continue their winning ways as they face the Mariners again on Wednesday night.
