Blue Jays Defeat Royals 3-0 with Lukes’ Homer and Six-Hit Shutout
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By Doug Hirdle
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- Proof-checked
- Nathan Lukes hit a three-run homer, providing all of the Toronto Blue Jays’ offense in the game against the Kansas City Royals.
- Seven Blue Jays pitchers combined for a six-hit shutout.
- Louis Varland recorded his 30th save as Toronto ended Kansas City’s nine-game winning streak with a 3-0 score.
The Toronto Blue Jays managed to strengthen their push for an American League wild-card spot on Wednesday, August 26, when they shut out the Kansas City Royals 3-0 at Rogers Center.
Back in the Race
Their victory stood behind a three-run homer from Nathan Lukes and a combined six-hit shutout from seven pitchers.
Overall, Toronto improved to 65-69, winning 17 of its last 28 games, and is back into the American League wild-card race. The Jays are three games behind the Cleveland Guardians, who defeated the Los Angeles Angels 4-3 earlier Wednesday.
For Kansas City, the loss ended a nine-game winning streak and dropped the Royals to 59-75.
Lukes Provided All the Offense
Toronto broke through in the fourth inning against Royals starter Randy Dobnak. George Springer and Jesus Sanchez opened the frame with consecutive singles before Kazuma Okamoto reached on a fielder’s choice.
Lukes then drove a 1-0 change-up over the wall for his ninth home run of the season, giving Toronto a 3-0 lead.
The homer was Toronto’s first since Lukes went deep last Saturday during a 4-3 road victory over the New York Yankees.
The Blue Jays used a bullpen game in front of a sellout crowd of 42,323. Opener Spencer Miles allowed two hits over just more than two innings before Chad Dallas entered the game.
Dallas earned the victory, improving to 2-1, after throwing 2 2/3 innings without allowing a hit.
Bullpen Holds Off Late Royals Threat
Toronto’s relievers were especially important as Kansas City threatened late.
The Royals put runners on the corners in the eighth inning after Tyler Rogers surrendered two hits. Louis Varland then entered and needed only one pitch to record the final out of the inning before returning for the ninth.
Kansas City again created an opportunity in the ninth, putting two runners on base. Varland ended the threat by striking out Isaac Collins for his 30th save.
One of the game’s most important moments came earlier, when Dallas entered in the third inning with two outs and the bases loaded. He struck out Royals cleanup hitter Salvador Perez on three swinging strikes to escape the jam.
Series Continues Next Week
The victory was significant for Toronto as it attempts to remain in contention for the American League wild-card race. The Blue Jays’ recent 17-11 run has put them back within striking distance.
Kansas City, meanwhile, saw its impressive nine-game winning streak come to an end despite creating several opportunities late in the game.
The Royals, who have won their last four series against Toronto, will meet the Canadiens again next week for a three-game series at Kauffman Stadium.
For Thursday’s rubber game, Toronto will send right-hander Spencer Arrighetti (7-6, 4.73) to the mound, while Kansas City will counter with left-hander Noah Cameron (8-8, 4.02).
Doug Hirdle
Author
betting.ca
