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Instant Reaction: Pitching carries Blue Jays to a 1-0 win over White Sox
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Photo credit: © Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Jul 19, 2026, 07:30 EDTUpdated: Jul 19, 2026, 12:59 EDT
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It’s not about how, but how many.
On Saturday afternoon, the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Chicago White Sox by a score of 1-0, their first victory following the All-Star break. Still, they ended the day a staggering six games below .500. Let’s take a look at what went on in this one.
The Blue Jays’ lone base runner in the first three innings was Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who hit a two-out single in the bottom of the first. Similarly, the White Sox had just one base runner, also in the first, as they left Miguel Vargas stranded at second after a two-out double.
Shane Bieber got out of some trouble in the top of the fourth after giving up a lead-off double and a one-out walk. A pop out and a strikeout brought the Blue Jays up to bat. Guerrero Jr. hit a one-out double, then was cashed in by George Springer, who hit an RBI single.
Thankfully that was enough, as the Jays wasted scoring chances in the next two innings. With runners on first and second in the bottom of the fifth, Ernie Clement popped out and Nathan Lukes grounded out. With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the sixth, Andrés Giménez grounded out.
Still, strong pitching was able to get them out of the inning, as the Blue Jays evened up the series at one a piece.

Takeaways…

Before Saturday’s game, the Blue Jays unveiled Joe Carter’s statue for his World Series-winning walk-off home run in 1993. He also happened to be in the broadcast booth when the Blue Jays scored their only run, so that’s cool.
As has been the case for most of the season, the Blue Jays offence was lethargic on Saturday afternoon. They mustered just five hits, two of which were doubles, but were 1-4 with runners in scoring position. In fact, their offence was better on Friday, as they managed to hit three home runs, all solo blasts.
The difference was pitching. Shane Bieber had his best start of the season, and arguably the best of his Blue Jays career. Over six innings of work, Bieber surrendered just three hits, walking two and striking out six to bring his season ERA to 5.70.
That allowed the Jays to turn to their high-leverage relievers for the final three innings. Jeff Hoffman struck out two over an inning of work, giving him his 11th hold of the season. Tyler Rogers surrendered a lead-off single, but Brandon Valenzuela threw out the runner followed by a strikeout for a scoreless inning.
Like clockwork, Louis Varland went three up, three down for his 20th save of the season. He’s now a perfect 20/20 for save opportunities this season since becoming the team’s full-time closer. What a trade that has turned out to be.
The Jays play the rubber match against the White Sox on Sunday, as Trey Yesavage is set to get the ball. Take note of the 12:15 PM ET start time, as the game is a Peacock-broadcasted game in the United States.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.
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