Bo Bichette's first-pitch lead-off homer powers Blue Jays to win over White Sox

Yahoo

21-06-2025

Bo Bichette batting leadoff is turning into a huge success.
If he can somehow ease up on his aggressive approach at the plate, which doesn't seem likely, then perhaps this new-found role can be sustained.
Regardless, Bichette has been on fire with as he ignited the Blue Jays in Saturday's meeting against the Chicago White Sox under a closed roof at Rogers Centre that did eventually open once the home side opened the floodgates.
For the second time in four games, Bichette led off the game with a home run on the first pitch, the third time in five games Bichette has gone deep.
Following a two-game losing streak, the Blue Jays returned to their winning ways following their 7-1 victory over the ChiSox, who took the series opener with that exact score.
Bichette leads the Jays in homers (11) and RBI (46).
The more he keeps hitting, the more unlikely Bichette — a pending free agent — will be moved at next month's trade deadline.
Keep in mind Bichette did not record his first homer of the season until May 3 when he went yard in a loss to the visiting Cleveland Guardians.
Also keep in mind Bichette had three hits Friday night in Toronto's loss when the Jays recorded a total of seven.
In the second inning of Saturday's game, the Jays produced five hits during a three-run frame.
The hitting onslaught began when George Springer led off the inning on a sharp line drive into left field.
Following injuries to Daulton Varsho (hamstring) and Anthony Santander (shoulder), the Jays' lineup has undergone change, including the reappearance of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. into the No. 3 hole.
He went deep on a solo shot in the seventh inning.
The one constant has been Bichette, who has reasserted his elite status.
Saturday's lineup featured a last-minute alteration when Addison Barger (hip) was scratched after he hit the wall in right field during Friday's loss.
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Davis Schneider was inserted and he came through by driving in the Jays' third run of the game, the first of three RBI on the afternoon for the left-fielder.
Not to be forgotten was Jose Berrios, who was coming off an unforgettable outing in Philadelphia.
Saturday's start was one of his best, scattering two hits across 7.2 innings as Berrios earned the win to improve to 3-3 on the season.
From his shortest outing of the season (4.2) in Philly, to his longest, Berrios looked like a different pitcher.
Truth be told, he was facing a far less imposing lineup, but it shouldn't minimize his performance and how Berrios allowed an over-burdened bullpen to exhale.