TORONTO (AP) — In a thrilling matchup at Rogers Centre, Bo Bichette delivered a tiebreaking two-run single with two outs in the eighth inning, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to a hard-fought 5-3 victory over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night. This win marked the Blue Jays' third consecutive victory, pushing their record to 3-1 early in the season.
The game was marked by a series of singles, with the Blue Jays finishing with 12 hits, all of which were singles. Bichette's clutch hit came off Washington left-hander Jose A. Ferrer (0-1), who struggled in the eighth inning after allowing a single to George Springer and committing a fielding error on a sacrifice bunt by Will Wagner, placing runners on first and second base.
Chad Green (1-0) earned the victory after getting one out, while Jeff Hoffman closed the game with a perfect ninth inning, securing his second save in as many opportunities. On the mound for Toronto, José Berríos had a solid outing, allowing two runs on four hits over 5 2/3 innings, striking out eight and walking three.
Washington's starter, Trevor Williams, faced challenges throughout the game, allowing three runs on ten hits in five innings, but he managed to avoid walks while striking out three. The Nationals had a brief surge in the sixth inning when catcher Keibert Ruiz hit a two-run single off Berríos, narrowing the gap to 3-2.
However, the Blue Jays responded effectively, as Ernie Clement and Alan Roden each contributed with RBI singles in the second inning, helping Toronto build an early lead. The game was tightly contested, with CJ Abrams tying it for the Nationals with an RBI double in the seventh inning, showcasing his growing prowess at the plate.
Key moments of the game included the Blue Jays' three-run second inning, which set the tone for their offensive strategy. Springer, Clement, and Roden all delivered crucial singles that kept the pressure on Williams and the Nationals' defense.
Despite the loss, the Nationals displayed moments of brilliance, particularly from Abrams, who went 3 for 4 with two doubles and a run scored. Manager Dave Martinez praised Abrams, stating, "He’s been doing really well. I’m happy because he’s hitting, but I’m also happy because he’s playing really good defense right now. He made some really good plays today." Abrams is seen as a pivotal player for Washington, having established himself as one of the premier offensive shortstops in baseball last season.
The Nationals' early-season struggles continued, dropping their record to 1-4. The team had hoped to build momentum after a disappointing start, including a 5-2 loss to the Blue Jays the previous night. In that game, Washington's offense had been largely quiet, managing just two runs and five hits, with Abrams and James Wood hitting back-to-back solo home runs in the sixth inning, providing a glimmer of hope.
As the Nationals look to turn their season around, they will need their key players, especially Abrams, to step up consistently. Abrams' performance has been a bright spot, as he aims to build on his first All-Star appearance and improve upon his second-half struggles from last season.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays are set to face Washington's left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore (0-0, 0.00 ERA) in the series finale on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Toronto has yet to announce a starter, adding an element of intrigue to the matchup.
In conclusion, the Blue Jays showcased their offensive depth and resilience in a tightly contested game against the Nationals, while Washington's young stars, particularly Abrams, continue to shine amidst the challenges of the early season. Fans can expect an exciting finale as both teams seek to solidify their standings in the competitive league.
