DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) – Bo Bichette had five RBIs, Randal Grichuk hit a three-run double during a seven-run second inning, and the Toronto Blue Jays stopped a four-game skid by routing the Los Angeles Angels 15-1 on Saturday night following a rain delay that lasted more than 2 1/2 hours.
Bichette had two-run doubles in the third and fourth, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added RBI singles in both innings as the Blue Jays went up 14-1. The pair drew bases-loaded walks in the second from José Quintana (0-1), who allowed seven runs, five hits, and four walks in 1 2/3 innings.
“We all needed a night like this,” Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said. “It was great to see. Great at-bats.” After the start was delayed 2 hours, 38 minutes, the first four innings took 2:07 to play. Overall the game lasted 3:21 and ended about 12 hours before Sunday’s series finale was scheduled to start.
Steven Matz (2-0) gave up one run and five hits over six innings.
“We know our lineup is good,” Matz said. “It’s fun to see them jell together.” Anthony Rendon homered for the Angels, who were trying to go 7-2 and set a franchise record for the best nine-game start to a season. “It was a weird night,” manager Joe Maddon said. “They beat us fair and square. That’s the kind of game when it’s all said and done; I’m fine with throwing it in the nearest trash can.”
A 5:45 double review of a fielder’s choice grounder by Toronto’s Danny Jansen in the second produced the game’s first run. Maddon was ejected for arguing in the third inning, one pitch after Juan Lagares was called out at the first base, and it stood following a short review. AAngels shortstop José Iglesias was charged with two errors for missing second base on a forceout try and making an errant throw to first base.
The tarp went on the field at TD Ballpark, the Blue Jays spring training home used for the first three homestands, about 2½ hours before the scheduled 7:07 p.m. start time as dark and ominous clouds rolled in from the nearby Gulf of Mexico. Shortly after that, heavy rain, lightning, and wind gusts engulfed the ballpark between 40-45 mph.
A second storm struck around an hour after the original start time.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Angels: OF Dexter Fowler was placed on the 10-day injured list with a sprained left knee. He was hurt Friday night when he stepped awkwardly on second base. … Shohei Ohtani, whose scheduled pitching start this weekend was pushed back due to a blister on his right hand, could throw a bullpen Monday.
Blue Jays: Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who left after the second inning with vaccination symptoms Friday night, was placed on the COVID-19 injured list. He might miss just a couple of days. … LHP Ryan Borucki was reinstated from the COVID-19 IL after missing one game with vaccination side effects. … LHP Robbie Ray (bruised elbow) could be ready to pitch during a three-game series against the New York Yankees that begins Monday.
HIGH PRAISE
Rendon has played with several power hitters and was asked where Ohtani stands. “He’s at the top … but don’t tell him that,” a smiling Rendon said.
UP NEXT
Angels RHP Alex Cobb (0-0) and Blue Jays RHP Tanner Roark (0-0) are Sunday’s scheduled starters.
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