FORT MYERS, Fla. – Toronto starter Yusei Kikuchi had another impressive start to spring training as the Blue Jays beat the Minnesota Twins 3-0 on Thursday.
Kikuchi hit nine out of five innings without scoring, hitting three and allowing one to walk for the first time.
The left-hander lowered his spring-earned average from 1.38 to 1.00. He is leading 2-1 with 25 goals in 18 innings in six pre-season starts.
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Kikuchi entered the season after a mediocre debut season with the Jays with a 6-7 record and 5.19 ERA.
He’s made a strong case to join ace Alek Manoah, Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios and newcomer Chris Bassitt in an impressive spin.
Four Jays pain relievers combine to allow only one hit and one walk in the final four innings of the game. Nate Pearson saved the day.
Toronto took a 2-0 lead in the third round with RBI singles by Spencer Horwitz and Orelvis Martinez.
Horwitz scored with a sacrificial flight in the fifth inning.
Minnesota starter Tyler Mahle allowed all three Jays to run to claim the loss.
Toronto (November 16) faces Philadelphia on Friday in Dunedin, Fla.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on March 23, 2023.
© 2023 Canadian Press
