Henry Davis doubled to lead off the seventh and eventually scored the go-ahead run as the host Pittsburgh Pirates took advantage of three errors to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-2 on Monday night.
Davis advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and then scored on a wild pitch by Brendon Little, who entered in relief for Yariel Rodriguez (2-1).
Spencer Horwitz had two hits while Alexander Canario and Bryan Reynolds each had an RBI to help the Pirates snap a two-game skid and win for only the second time in their past nine games.
Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. each had an RBI to lead the Blue Jays, who lost their second in a row after winning five of their previous six.
The Pirates added two more runs in the eighth thanks to some poor defense by Toronto, which committed three errors overall.
Jared Triolo drew a one-out walk from Seranthony Dominguez and reached third after Dominguez’s throw to second was wide and into the outfield. Alexander Canario, who had reached on a fielder’s choice on the play, stole second and drew a wild throw into center field by catcher Tyler Heineman that allowed Triolo to score. Canario then scored on a sacrifice fly by Davis.
The effort backed up a strong start from Pittsburgh ace and Cy Young candidate Paul Skenes, who struck out eight and gave up two runs on five hits and one walk over six innings. Skenes left with a no-decision, however. Pittsburgh rookie Evan Sisk (1-1) picked up his first career win after working a scoreless seventh and striking out two.
Guerrero Jr. exited the game in the fifth inning when he was pinch-hit for by Ty France with what was later announced as left hamstring tightness. Guerrero Jr. did a split while extending to catch a throw from Bichette for the final out of the third inning.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider was ejected after arguing a called strike with home plate umpire Mark Ripperger. Associate Manager DeMarlo Hale managed Toronto for the remainder of the game.
Dugouts and bullpens cleared for each team during the bottom of the seventh inning after Tommy Pham drew a walk and began exchanging words with Blue Jays catcher Heineman. No physical confrontation ensued and players returned to their dugouts after a few moments.
–Field Level Media
