Vladimir Guerrero Jr. officially kicked off his 2023 season with a great performance, including his first long pitch, in the Toronto Blue Jays’ 3-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.
The Dominican hit three times from the safe in four strokes and stretched his arms in the eighth inning. Guerrero Jr. has already had eight goals in 22 games for a .364 batting average.
One who had to recover is pitcher Alek Manoah (1-0). The Jays’ season-opening starter came back on the mound, and let’s just say he didn’t disappoint. In seven innings of work, the ace allowed just one hit and four walks, and passed five batters in the mitt.
Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano came to his aid for the last two runs. The Canadian helper allowed the Royals’ other goal but held on for his third save of the season.
Matt Chapman was responsible for Toronto’s other two points. He pinned Guerrero Jr. to the plate in the sixth, in a game in which he was beaten, then scored his single in the eighth Daulton Varsho.
The Blue Jays (3-3) and Royals (1-5) will end their four-game streak on Thursday.
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