McNeil single caps rally, A's top Blue Jays 6-5

Late Surge Pivots on One Play

The Athletics overcame a significant deficit to secure a 6-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, September 8, at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. The game featured a dramatic shift in momentum, with the home team closing the gap in the seventh and ninth innings. Jeff McNeil provided the final blow, reaching on an infield single to shortstop in the ninth inning.

That base hit allowed Walton to score, lifting Sacramento to the lead. Toronto challenged the call on the field, but the decision was upheld, sealing the win for the A's.

Blue Jays Take Early Lead

Toronto established a commanding lead early in the contest. In the first inning, the Blue Jays scored two runs. Gelof hit a ground rule double that allowed Bolte to score.

Subsequently, Gelof scored while Cortes advanced to third base on a throwing error by third baseman Okamoto. The away team continued its offensive pressure in the second inning when Kirk homered to right center off a 373-foot drive. Toronto added two more runs in the third inning.

Gelof grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Bolte, and Cortes singled to right, driving in Gelof. By the start of the fifth inning, the Blue Jays held a 5-1 advantage.

Athletics Close the Gap

The Athletics began their comeback in the fifth inning when Bolte homered to right off a 341-foot shot. The momentum continued in the seventh inning, where Okamoto launched a 423-foot home run to left. Giménez followed with a double to left that scored Lukes.

Smith then hit a sacrifice fly to left, driving in Clement to cut the deficit to one run. The score remained 5-4 in favor of Toronto heading into the final frame.

Pitching Performance

Dylan Cease started for Toronto, pitching five innings. He allowed four hits and four earned runs while striking out six batters and walking two. Louis Varland took the loss, pitching two-thirds of an inning with two hits, one earned run, and two walks.

For Sacramento, Jacob Lopez pitched six innings, allowing seven hits and four earned runs while striking out one and walking one. Hogan Harris earned the win, pitching one and one-third innings with one hit, one earned run, one walk, and one strikeout. Luis Medina recorded the hold, pitching one and two-thirds innings with one hit, no earned runs, one walk, and two strikeouts.

The final score was Athletics 6, Blue Jays 5.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816851