The Toronto Blue Jays snapped a four-game losing streak Thursday night, defeating the Atlanta Braves 7-2 behind a strong pitching performance from rookie Chad Dallas and a relentless 16-hit offensive attack.
Making his major league debut, Dallas delivered 3 2/3 solid innings after entering behind opener Mason Fluharty. The right-hander allowed just one run on two hits while striking out two and walking two, earning his first big league victory as Toronto combined six pitchers to hold Atlanta to four hits.
Dallas Delivers in Debut
Fluharty, making only the third start of his career, opened the game and recorded the first four outs before turning things over to Dallas. The rookie, recently recalled from Triple-A Buffalo, settled in quickly and gave Toronto exactly what it needed. Dallas improved to 1-0 with the win as the Blue Jays pitching staff kept Atlanta’s lineup largely quiet throughout the evening.
Atlanta managed just four hits in the game, with Mauricio Dubón providing the lone highlight when he hit his fifth home run of the season in the eighth inning.
Toronto’s Offense Pounds Braves Ace
Toronto’s offense gave Dallas plenty of support. Myles Straw led the way with three RBIs and two hits, playing a key role in a decisive third inning against Braves ace Chris Sale. Straw lined a two-run single during a three-run rally, while Charles McAdoo added an RBI single as the Blue Jays built an early cushion.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continued his productive stretch, collecting three hits, including a double that helped spark the third-inning outburst. Ernie Clement also contributed three hits as Toronto consistently put pressure on Atlanta’s pitching staff.
Sale, who entered the game with an 8-3 record, struggled to contain the Blue Jays lineup. The veteran left-hander surrendered three runs on a season-high 10 hits over 5 2/3 innings. Although he limited further damage after the third inning, Toronto’s hitters consistently found openings and kept traffic on the bases.
Late Surge Puts Game Away
The Blue Jays put the game out of reach in the ninth inning when Tyler Heineman delivered a two-run double against Reynaldo López as part of a four-run frame. The late rally transformed a close game into a comfortable victory and capped one of Toronto’s most productive offensive performances of the season.
Toronto also announced roster moves ahead of the game. Newly acquired right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson, obtained from the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday, is expected to join the club in Toronto on Friday. To make room, the Blue Jays optioned Hayden Juenger to Triple-A Buffalo and designated Tanner Andrews for assignment.
The Braves introduced newly acquired catcher Austin Wynns in the eighth inning after obtaining him from the Los Angeles Angels for cash considerations.
Toronto returns home Friday to begin a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles, with Trey Yesavage scheduled to start against Brandon Young. Atlanta continues its homestand Friday night as Martín Pérez is set to face Pittsburgh’s Mitch Keller.
