Instant Reaction: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Anthony Santander went deep in Blue Jays’ 3-0 win against Padres

Alejandro Kirk drew a lead-off walk, bringing up the struggling Anthony Santander. Well, he hit a hanging slider in the zone off Dylan Cease, making a 3-0 game. 

That’s all the Jays needed for their first shutout victory of the season.

Takeaways…

After a quiet series against the Detroit Tigers, the Jays hit as many home runs as they had in their previous series. With that said, it was a quiet day for the offence, registering just three hits all game, the two home runs and an Addison Barger single immediately following Anthony Santander’s long-ball.

Speaking of Santander, did he ever need that home run? Coming into this game, Santander was slashing .153/.232/.271 with three home runs in 95 plate appearances since April 18. If the Jays want any chance of making the postseason this season, he has to get going.

It was the pitching that won the Blue Jays the game. Chris Bassitt pitched six innings without giving up a run and striking out six.  It’s the second consecutive game a Blue Jays’ starter has pitched a quality start, as Jose Berrios went six innings with two earned runs on Sunday. His season ERA now sits at 2.83.

Relievers also had a good game, as Brendan Little gave up a lead-off single, he got a double play and retired his final out with a strikeout. Yariel Rodriguez pitched a clean inning, as did Jeff Hoffman, who picked up his 10th save of the season. Good to see the Jays’ closer get back on track.

The Jays have a chance to win the series on Wednesday, with that game starting at 7:07 PM ET with Kevin Gausman on the mound.