Bichette’s Homer and Game-Winning Run Push Blue Jays Past Angels 3-2 for Eighth Straight Win

Bo Bichette homered and scored the decisive run to help the Toronto Blue Jays edge the Los Angeles Angels 3-2 on Sunday, extending Toronto’s winning streak to a season-best eight games.

With the victory, the Blue Jays improved to 52-38 and swept a homestand of seven or more games for only the second time in franchise history, the first since 1994. The American League East leaders continue to gain momentum heading into the All-Star break.

Bichette tied the game in the fourth with a solo homer, his 12th of the season, after a fielding error in the top half of the inning helped the Angels load the bases. In the sixth, Davis Schneider brought Bichette home with a go-ahead RBI single down the left field line.

Mike Trout gave the Angels an early lead with a solo home run in the first inning. Toronto responded in the fourth as rookie Joey Loperfido, making his season debut, delivered a two-out RBI single to take a 2-1 lead. The Angels tied the game in the fifth on Taylor Ward’s RBI single over Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Toronto starter Kevin Gausman struck out nine across 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits and three walks. Angels left-hander Tyler Anderson (2-6) surrendered three runs on eight hits in five-plus innings.

Ryan Burr (1-0), making his first appearance of the season after recovering from a shoulder injury, earned the win. Jeff Hoffman collected his 22nd save with a clean ninth inning.

Key Moment

With the bases loaded and one out in the fourth inning, Gausman escaped the jam by inducing a 1-3 double play from Gustavo Campero.

Key Stat

Toronto’s 52 wins before the All-Star break are just one shy of the franchise’s all-time record of 53, set in 1985 and equaled in 1992.

Up Next

The Angels return home Monday night with Yusei Kikuchi (3-6) set to face the Texas Rangers. The Blue Jays head to Chicago, where José Berríos (4-3) will start Monday against the White Sox’s Sean Burke (4-7).