Blue Jays thwart Athletics with relentless offence

The Blue Jays found a way to keep their foot on the throat of the opposition and did so relentlessly, answering the A’s jabs with haymakers in what turned into an 11-7 win at Rogers Centre.

The Toronto Blue Jays‘ bats have been firing on all cylinders and will be looking to take a series win over the Athletics on Saturday.

The Blue Jays offence has enjoyed a great run of success in the first two games of their series against the Athletics, outscoring them 23-7.

Toronto is making the most of its return to the Rogers Centre after scoring just six runs during its eight-game road trip.

Ernie Clement led the charge in Friday’s 11-7 victory with a four-hit performance that included a home run, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended his career-best on-base streak to 30 games by going 1-for-3 with three walks and an RBI.

Taking the mound for the A’s is Gunnar Hoglund who was selected in the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Blue Jays but was traded for Matt Chapman in 2022. The rookie has a 1-2 record with a 5.13 ERA through 26.1 innings this season.

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The Blue Jays will look to take advantage of Hogland’s struggles as he’s surrendered 12 runs, including five home runs, over his last three starts.

Toronto counters with Braydon Fisher, who is expected to serve as the opener. Fisher has been solid since getting recalled earlier this month, tossing 8.1 scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts.

Eric Lauer and Paxton Schultz are potential multiple-inning relievers who are expected to follow behind Fisher.

You can watch the Blue Jays go for the series win against the Athletics on Saturday live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting at 3 p.m. ET / noon PT.