Blue Jays Win 5-2 Against Orioles with Kirk’s 3-Run Homer and Bassitt’s Strong Pitching

Alejandro Kirk’s three-run home run and Chris Bassitt’s strong pitching performance helped the Toronto Blue Jays defeat the Baltimore Orioles 5-2 on Tuesday night. The win marked the Orioles’ 14th loss in their last 24 games, dropping them from the top spot in the AL East. Baltimore suffered a setback when Grayson Rodriguez was scratched from the game due to back and shoulder pain. Despite the last-minute change, replacement pitcher Albert Suárez delivered a solid five innings.
Bassitt had a standout performance, striking out a season-high nine batters and allowing only three hits over seven innings. Daulton Varsho made a key defensive play for the Blue Jays, robbing Gunnar Henderson of a hit with a leaping catch. The game also featured strong defensive plays from Toronto’s Joey Loperfido in his team debut.
Offensively, Addison Barger’s two-run double in the sixth inning helped secure the win for the Blue Jays. Kirk’s home run added to the team’s offensive momentum, as they capitalized on Gregory Soto’s struggles on the mound for the Orioles. Despite a late push from Baltimore in the eighth inning, Toronto’s bullpen shut down the Orioles to secure the victory.
The Orioles provided an update on catcher James McCann, who underwent a successful nasal realignment procedure following a recent injury. Wednesday’s matchup will see LHP Trevor Rogers starting for Baltimore and RHP Bowden Francis taking the mound for Toronto.

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Photo credit wtop.com