(Toronto) Kevin Kiermaier broke a tie with a solo homer in the seventh on Saturday as the Toronto Blue Jays had the last laugh 5-2 against the Kansas City Royals.
Santiago Espinal and Cavan Biggio added one-run singles in the next inning, guiding the Jays to a three-game series sweep.
José Berríos (10-10) struck out 10 batters in seven innings, allowing two runs and five hits.
Following on the mound were Yimi Garcia, Genesis Cabrera and Jordan Romano of Markham.
The Ontarian recorded a 34th save, after loading the bases (a single, a double and a walk).
Second in the race for three additional playoff spots, the Blue Jays will host the Texas Rangers from Monday to Thursday, also at the heart of this fight.
“We just have to continue in the same direction,” Kiermaier said. We play with energy. We take it day by day and we arrive at the stadium ready. »
Berrios said the same thing.
“We know what the rankings are,” the right-hander said. Every match counts. All shots and putouts count. »
Star shortstop Bo Bichette was the hitter of choice as part of his smooth return to play. He returned to the active players on Friday, after problems with the quadriceps in his right leg. Ernie Clement played shortstop.
The visitors’ points came from a double from Bobby Witt and an optional from Salvador Perez. The Royals have lost their last six away games.
Cole Ragans walked six, including three in the sixth. He allowed two runs and a hit in five and two-thirds innings.
Taylor Clarke (2-5) was the victim of Kiermaier’s eighth homer this season.
