Yusei Kikuchi’s gem wasn’t enough as Blue Jays get shut out in Cleveland

Things worth mentioning…

• Yusei Kikuchi has been putting together not only his best string of starts as a Blue Jay, but in his big league career as a whole. He tossed seven innings against Cleveland on Tuesday and allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk while striking out six. It’s been four consecutive starts now that Kikuchi hasn’t allowed more than one run. Starting in Seattle against the Mariners, Kikuchi has allowed three earned runs over his last 24 1/3 innings of work.
• The one run that Kikuchi allowed came in the second inning. Oscar Gonzalez led off the frame with a single that was misplayed by Santiago Espinal and Paul DeJong on the left side of the infield and the newly-acquired Ramon Laureano drove him in with a double.
• The Blue Jays had their chances to score but couldn’t cash their runners in. They had nine hits but all of them were singles. In the top of the ninth inning, Daulton Varsho led off with a bunt single and then promptly stole second base. Matt Chapman pinch hit and hit another infield single to put runners on first and third but Alejandro Kirk flew out to end the game.
• The third game of the series will go on Wednesday evening. Kevin Gausman will take the mound for the Blue Jays while the Guardians will counter with yet another rookie. This time, it’s Logan Allen, a righty with a 3.65 ERA across 16 starts. Buckle up for another low-scoring game!

ARTICLE PRESENTED BY BETANO