After a strong Friday night showing that saw the Toronto Blue Jays hold onto a 3-1 lead for the victory, they’re now looking to build heading into Saturday afternoon’s game.

Toronto got early runs in the top of the third in thanks to a Kevin Kiermaier solo home run, as well as a Bo Bichette two-run jack.

Kevin Gausman had another solid outing allowing one earned run and four hits while issuing five walks and eight strikeouts. This afternoon it’s Chris Bassitt taking the mound for the Jays and he’s someone whose season really has turned around.

Behind the plate catching will be Tyler Heineman as the Jays give Alejandro Kirk an off-day. The spot start works well here given the fact that Bassitt can call his own game.

First pitch: 2:10 p.m. EST

Weather: 27C. 10 MPH SSE winds blowing in from the right outfield.

Toronto Blue Jays: 27-25, 10.5 GB, 2.5 WCGB, +19 DIFF.

Minnesota Twins: 26-25, – GB, – WCGB. +43 DIFF.

Moneyline: TOR +100; MIN -118.

TOR: Chris Bassitt RHP — 5-3, 3.03 ERA, 4.94 FIP, 1.043 WHIP, 7.5 K/9, 0.7 WAR.

MIN: Pablo Lopez RHP — 2-3, 3.9 ERA, 3.62 FIP, 1.100 WHIP, 11.3 K/9, 1.2 WAR.

Tune into the latest edition of Blue Jays Nation Radio as the crew talks about the Jays’ latest series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@thenationnetwork.com.

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