This was the Isiah Kiner Falefa™ game.
On Sunday, the Blue Jays avoided a scare and defeated the Oakland Athletics 6-4 in extra-innings, winning the series two games to one.
The Blue Jays started a new scoreless streak in the first inning, but continued to pile up runs in the second inning. This time, Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled to score two runs, giving the Jays a 2-0 lead. This was their league-leading 46 run in the second inning.
IKF with a two-run single to give the Blue Jays the lead! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/FAkvp84Tdj
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 9, 2024
In the bottom of the sixth, Brent Rooker hit his 13th home run of the season to cut the lead in half. In the next inning, Canadian Abraham Toro singled to score two runs, giving the Athletics a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the seventh.
Rooker CRUSHES one for the A's first run ‼ pic.twitter.com/ByOzaLBEA6
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) June 9, 2024
However, the Jays would answer the next time they were up to bat, as Daulton Varsho singled, was bunted to second, stole third, before pinch hitter Davis Schneider hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game.
Clutch catch by Babe Schneider in the bottom of the ninth! 👨🏻
Catch all the extra-inning baseball action on Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+. pic.twitter.com/7an9DfDvS1
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 9, 2024
In extras, Justin Turner walked, George Springer lined out, and Daulton Varsho was hit by a pitch, giving Isiah Kiner-Falefa a chance with the bases loaded. Once again, he had a go-ahead hit in the last inning of the game, clearing the bases with a double. Oakland would score one in the bottom of the 10th.
IKF HITS A BASES-CLEARING DOUBLE IN THE 10TH TO MAKE IT 6-3 JAYS ‼️ pic.twitter.com/XatuxyWcSu
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 9, 2024
Things worth mentioning…
Bowden Francis had a solid game, finishing with a line of 4 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K to bring his season ERA to 7.36. This is the type of performance the team needs from him.
Bowden Francis had a strong start today, tossing 4.0 IP of Shutout ball
He stepped up big for the Blue Jays as they needed a spot start and delivered an effective and efficient outing.
His 4-Seam graded out well and he generated whiffs with his secondaries pic.twitter.com/bBmXmZGa9G
— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) June 9, 2024
Zach Pop struck out the side while facing the minimum to bring his season ERA to 4.15. With how he has pitched with the Jays this season, it’ll be hard to send him down to Buffalo.
Zach Pop strikes out the side in the bottom of the fifth! 😤
Catch Blue Jays 🆚 Athletics on Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+. 📺 pic.twitter.com/fRl234fcWX
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 9, 2024
Nate Pearson gave up the home run to Brent Rooker, while Trevor Richards allowed two earned runs to bring his season ERA to 3.48. After that though, the bullpen was fantastic. Chad Green struck out two in an inning and a third, Yimi García struck out a batter and picked up the win in his inning, and Génesis Cabrera picked up his fourth-career save.
Yusei Kikuchi ran some interference on a popup during the tenth inning, giving Davis Schneider an undeserved out on a plate appearance. The benches got a bit feisty, but did not clear.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s signing was not perceived well by most of the fanbase, myself included. However, he has quickly become a well-liked player amongst fans and just had his best game of the season. He had one of two extra-base hits for the team along with 5 RBI, with Justin Turner hitting the other double.
Spencer Horwitz hit in the lead off spot for the Jays, hitting a single in his first plate appearance, along with a walk. Two of his other balls in play saw the Athletics’ infielders make a solid play to retire him.
Up next: The Blue Jays’ road trip continues with a stop in Milwaukee to play the Brewers. José Berríos will get the ball, and the game starts at 8:10 PM ET. Yes, that’s during the Oilers game.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.
