Latest news with #Bichette
Hamilton Spectator
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Blue Jays vs. Red Sox: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s surprise appearance gets the ball rolling in Boston
The Blue Jays went into Boston and put a beating on the Red Sox, rolling to a 9-0 win — their second straight shutout — at Fenway Park on Friday night. Here's what you need to know: Lost in the offensive outburst was a brilliant outing by José Berríos. The right-hander threw seven innings of four-hit shutout, while striking out eight against only one walk in picking up his fourth win of the season. He allowed only two runners as far as second base. The Jays built an early picket fence with single runs in each of the first three innings, then tacked on a bunch late. George Springer and Andrés Giménez had three hits each, and Ernie Clement reached base five times with two singles and three walks. Last-minute Vladdy Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was not in the original starting lineup after exiting Thursday's game in Cleveland with a right forearm contusion , the result of being hit by a pitch in that spot for the second time in four plate appearances. But about an hour before the game, Guerrero was inserted into the lineup and contributed immediately with a two-out single in the first inning. He quickly stole second and scored the game's first run on a Springer single. Clement's impact Clement also made a big early impact, going into the third-base camera bay to haul in a foul pop-up by Jarren Duran to begin the bottom of the first. He led off the second with a walk and eventually scored on a Bo Bichette single, blowing through third-base coach Carlos Febles' stop sign, then singled in a run in the third. The 29-year-old is hitting .406 over his past 26 games. No relief The Red Sox turned to Brennan Bernardino with two on in the seventh inning and trailing 4-0, but he didn't provide much relief. The left-hander issued an intentional walk to Clement to load the bases, then walked Giménez to force in a run. In the eighth, Bernardino gave up two singles and issued two more walks. All four runners wound up scoring, the last two on a Giménez single off Jorge Alcala. JanetInYYC found me @wilnerness on Bluesky to ask: 'Is Bo the best leadoff hitter? He swings at the first pitch so often which seems antithetical to the leadoff role.' It's true, Janet, he does, but not as much as you think, I'll bet. This season, Bichette has swung at the first pitch in 33.8 per cent of his plate appearances. We think of the first batter as someone who takes a lot of pitches, works an at-bat and walks a ton. Bo doesn't do two of those things. But while Bichette doesn't walk much, he is often a very tough out. He tends to extend his at-bats by fouling off a bucket of balls, some of which are off the plate, rather than taking close pitches and staying disciplined. Going into Friday's game, Bichette was seeing an average of 3.58 pitchers per plate appearance, slightly below the major-league average of 3.87. Springer is the only Blue Jay above average at 3.97, but he has settled beautifully into the middle of the order. It should be noted, though, that when Bichette puts the first pitch in play he is a career .363 hitter, so it seems to be working pretty well for him.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Guardians play in game 2 of series
Toronto Blue Jays (42-36, third in the AL East) vs. Cleveland Guardians (39-38, second in the AL Central) Cleveland; Wednesday, 6:40 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Blue Jays: Max Scherzer (0-0); Guardians: Gavin Williams (5-3, 3.58 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 78 strikeouts) BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Blue Jays -110, Guardians -109; over/under is 8 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Toronto Blue Jays take a 1-0 lead into the next game of the series against the Cleveland Guardians. Cleveland has gone 19-16 at home and 39-38 overall. The Guardians are 26-13 in games when they record at least eight hits. Toronto is 42-36 overall and 17-20 on the road. The Blue Jays have an 18-8 record in games when they did not give up a home run. Wednesday's game is the fifth time these teams match up this season. The season series is tied 2-2. TOP PERFORMERS: Steven Kwan has 17 doubles, six home runs and 24 RBIs while hitting .310 for the Guardians. Kyle Manzardo is 10 for 31 with five doubles and a home run over the past 10 games. Bo Bichette leads the Blue Jays with 31 extra base hits (19 doubles, a triple and 11 home runs). Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is 11 for 36 with four doubles, two home runs and nine RBIs over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Guardians: 4-6, .202 batting average, 4.01 ERA, outscored by 13 runs Blue Jays: 4-6, .257 batting average, 5.17 ERA, outscored by 10 runs INJURIES: Guardians: Andrew Walters: 60-Day IL (lat), Ben Lively: 60-Day IL (forearm), Will Brennan: 10-Day IL (forearm), Paul Sewald: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Shane Bieber: 60-Day IL (elbow), Erik Sabrowski: 60-Day IL (elbow), Trevor Stephan: 60-Day IL (elbow), John Means: 60-Day IL (elbow), Sam Hentges: 60-Day IL (shoulder) Blue Jays: Bowden Francis: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Daulton Varsho: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Anthony Santander: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Yimi Garcia: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Max Scherzer: 60-Day IL (thumb), Ryan Burr: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Alek Manoah: 60-Day IL (elbow), Angel Bastardo: 60-Day IL (elbow) ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Global News
7 days ago
- Sport
- Global News
Bichette aggressive as Blue Jays' leadoff hitter
TORONTO – In just seven weeks Bo Bichette has gone from no home runs to leading the Toronto Blue Jays in round trippers. Bichette smashed the first pitch he saw over the wall in centre field on Saturday for his 11th homer of the year as Toronto routed the Chicago White Sox 7-1. The 27-year-old shortstop couldn't really explain what's changed for him since he hit his first homer on May 3 after not having any for the first 16 games of the Blue Jays' season. 'I think just every season is kind of different,' said Bichette. 'I started the year getting a lot of hits and competing really well with no power, and then started hitting for some power. 'I don't know. I mean, sometimes it just takes one to kind of understand the feeling and then go through the season and try to put it all together.' Story continues below advertisement Just 76 games into the season and Bichette's already matched or exceeded the home run output in three of his other seasons (2019, 2020, 2024). His best-ever year for power at the plate was when he had 29 homers in 2021. He moved ahead of George Springer (10) for most home runs on the Blue Jays this season with his first-inning blast on Saturday. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'I'm just trying to go out there and compete every day and do as best I can,' said Bichette. The 35-year-old Springer, who batted fifth on Saturday, has been a leadoff hitter for most of his 12 years in Major League Baseball. Springer's 60 leadoff home runs are second on the all-time list behind Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson (81). Bichette said that Springer's been giving him some advice on how to hit for power when leading off. Story continues below advertisement 'He's one of the best of all time to do it and he's helped me,' said Bichette, who has two leadoff homers in the past four games. 'Most of it has been how to manage knowing you're probably getting a fastball and maybe not being too excited about it but also being ready for it.' Toronto manager John Schneider said that as much as Springer has helped, Bichette's also just a natural. 'Bo can do that, he's that talented of a hitter,' said Schneider. 'The leadoff spot is a tricky one, because you're probably gonna get a first pitch fastball. 'You have to be kind of on time and do your homework a little bit.' BERRIOS DELIVERS — Blue Jays starting pitcher Jose Berrios (3-3) allowed one unearned run on two hits and three walks over 7 2/3 innings, striking out five. The quality start was critical after Toronto used seven relief pitchers in Friday's 7-1 loss, a scheduled bullpen day. Berrios threw 95 pitches and earned a standing ovation from the 41,488 fans at Rogers Centre when he left the game in the eighth inning. 'I came in today having that on my mind, but also it's my day,' said Berrios. 'This is my job, and that's my goal, trying to be longer in the game. Story continues below advertisement 'I was able to throw seven and two outs today, and I helped, so I'm happy.' Schneider was impressed with how varied Berrios's arsenal of pitches were in the outing. 'He's using both sides of the plate, good mix of his pitches, stick in his heater when he needs to,' said Schneider. 'The strikeouts late, I think were huge for him, too. 'He's been consistent all year, and today was exactly what we needed.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 21, 2025.
Toronto Sun
7 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Bo Bichette's first-pitch lead-off homer powers Blue Jays to win over White Sox
Get the latest from Frank Zicarelli straight to your inbox Blue Jays' Bo Bichette, centre, celebrates his solo home run during the first inning of a game against the White Sox at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Saturday, June 21, 2025. Photo by Cole Burston / Getty Images Bo Bichette batting leadoff is turning into a huge success. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 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). Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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. Read More 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. Columnists Columnists Toronto & GTA World Toronto & GTA
Winnipeg Free Press
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Bichette homers, Guerrero drives in three runs as Blue Jays dump Diamondbacks 8-1
TORONTO – Bo Bichette homered and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in three runs as the Toronto Blue Jays rolled to an 8-1 rout of the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday night. Bichette and Addison Barger had three hits apiece while Guerrero reached base five times. He had a single, double and three walks. Toronto starter Eric Lauer (3-1) had eight strikeouts over five-plus innings to help the Blue Jays win for the 11th time in 12 games at Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays (40-33), who have won 14 of 19 overall, will go for a three-game sweep on Thursday afternoon. Bichette hit a leadoff homer off southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez (2-4). It was his 10th homer of the season. Lauer threw five shutout frames before he was pulled after giving up a leadoff triple to Corbin Carroll in the sixth. With Yariel Rodriguez on in relief, Carroll scored the lone run for Arizona (36-37) on a groundout by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Lauer allowed one earned run, four hits and a walk. Guerrero hit a two-run double as the Blue Jays scored three times in the bottom half of the inning. He added an RBI single in Toronto's three-run seventh. Announced attendance was 27,635 and the game took two hours 44 minutes to play. STRAW SITS Blue Jays outfielder Myles Straw was considered out on a day-to-day basis after suffering a right ankle sprain Tuesday, manager John Schneider said before the game. Outfielder Jonatan Clase, who bruised his right knee when he was hit by a pitch in the series opener, didn't start but was available if needed. SCHERZER START Right-hander Max Scherzer (thumb) threw 75 pitches in his start for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on Wednesday night at Worcester. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Scherzer threw into the fifth inning and allowed one hit and two walks while striking out eight. It's possible he could return to the big-league club next week. 'It would be huge just to have him, knowing that you have that calibre of pitcher waiting on your staff every fifth day,' Schneider said. 'It would a nice shot in the arm.' COMING UP Toronto's Kevin Gausman (5-5, 4.08 ERA) was scheduled to start the series finale against fellow right-hander Ryne Nelson (3-2, 4.14). This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2025.
