Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider has emphasized the importance of patience with Alejandro Kirk throughout the season. That patience paid off on Saturday when Kirk delivered two home runs, including a two-run shot, leading the Blue Jays to a 6-1 victory over the Angels. Kirk went 3 for 4 on the day, raising his batting average to .260, approaching his all-star form from 2022 when he hit .285.
Kirk expressed his gratitude for the manager’s patience, acknowledging that he sometimes struggles with his own confidence. However, he remains dedicated to working hard every day to support the team. In addition to Kirk’s performance, Santiago Espinal contributed a two-run homer, helping secure Toronto’s third consecutive win. Whit Merrifield also added an RBI double.
Kirk’s batting average had dropped to as low as .174 earlier in the season but has since hovered around .250. He mentioned that pitchers have adjusted their approach when facing him this year, but he understands that baseball is a game of adjustments and is focused on making the necessary changes.
The game took a scary turn when Los Angeles left-fielder Taylor Ward was struck by a pitch and had to be taken to the hospital. Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah, who hit Ward with the pitch, expressed his remorse and stated that his thoughts are with Ward and his family.
Manoah pitched well for the first four innings before encountering difficulties in the fifth. After hitting Ward, he was replaced by Genesis Cabrera, who successfully got the team out of the inning. Espinal responded for Toronto with a two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth, giving the Blue Jays a 2-1 lead.
Kirk extended Toronto’s lead with another home run in the seventh inning. Merrifield then hit a double to bring in another run. Kirk’s second homer of the day came in the eighth inning, solidifying the Blue Jays’ 6-1 victory.
Manager Schneider expressed his satisfaction with Kirk’s recent performances, praising his control of the strike zone and powerful hitting. The Blue Jays will conclude their three-game series against the Angels with an early afternoon game, with José Berríos starting for Toronto.