(Toronto) A Carlos Correa grand slam in the eighth inning helped the Minnesota Twins complete a comeback and win 9-4 over the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.
It was the second grand slam of Correa’s career, as the ball ended its way into the front row of the left field stands. The Twins won their second straight game in a three-game series against the Blue Jays.
“What a beautiful feeling,” Correa said. I won’t lie. The goals scored, behind in scoring, it’s really great to reverse the situation with a slap like that. »
The Twins fielded 10 batters in the eighth inning. Two batters after Correa, Max Kepler hit a three-run homer to right-center field.
Correa hit his grand slam at the expense of Adam Cimber (0-2), who struck out one batter of the seven he faced. He was replaced by Mitch White, who faltered against Kepler.
“It was an easy decision,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said of the decision to send Cimber to the mound in the eighth. It was dictated by the availability of our pitchers and the course of the game.
“He’s been in this situation before and we have faith in him. There was a bunt single, then a smashed stick single. Things then unraveled. »
Jimi Garcia, Erik Swanson and Nate Pearson were unavailable after pitching on Friday.
“It’s tough, but it’s part of our game,” starter Trevor Richards said of Cimber’s relief work. We all know that can change quickly. »
Cimber and White scuppered all seven good innings of work from Richards, Tim Mayza and Bowden Francis.
Pitching in place of Alek Manoah in the rotation, the line allowed a total of five hits and one walk, while recording 12 strikeouts.
The Blue Jays took a 3-0 lead on RBIs in the second, third and fifth innings. Matt Chapman scored the first run of the game on a Whit Merrifield single.
In the third, Brandon Belt crossed home plate on a single from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. George Springer scored in the fifth on a Nathan Luke sacrifice fly.
Joe Ryan started the game pitching for the Twins and pitched six innings, allowing three runs. He struck out four batters and walked one. The win went to reliever Jorge Lopez (2-2).
Both teams scored a run in the last inning.
Quebecer Édouard Julien hit a double early in the game, his 15th hit in 20 games. He finished the game 2-for-3 at bat, also with a single, a walk and a strikeout.
