WALKOFF WIN
TORONTO — The thrill of a walk off win still hasn’t gotten old for Justin Smoak, even after a decade in Major League Baseball.
Smoak drove in the winning run in the 11th inning as the Toronto Blue Jays completed a three-game sweep of the Oakland Athletics with a 5-4 victory on Sunday afternoon.
Toronto was trailing 4-1 entering the bottom of the inning, but a three-run homer by Brandon Drury off A’s closer Blake Treinen tied it up and Smoak stroked a single to left field to bring home Freddy Galvis for the winning run.
“It’s awesome any time you can get a walk off,” said Smoak. “Especially in the position we were in there and against one of the best closers in the game.”
Eric Sogard was a triple short of the cycle for Toronto (14-14). Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 1 for 4 in his third MLB start, drawing cheers with each at bat.
“Honestly, I think over the past couple of weeks we’ve been better offensively,” said Smoak. “I feel like we’ve been pitching well all year, so as long as we can keep scoring runs we’ve got a chance.”
Trent Thornton gave up a run on two hits and five walks, but struck out seven in a five-inning no decision. It was an improved performance for the rookie who gave up a total of 13 runs over 12 2/3 innings in his past three starts, all losses.
“I just felt like I was being more aggressive with it today. I was trying to get ahead in the count,” said Thornton. “It’s probably the most walks I’ve ever had in my career, but I felt like I was being aggressive and going after hitters.”
Daniel Hudson, Joe Biagini, Ryan Tepera, and Ken Giles each pitched an inning of scoreless relief. Thomas Pannone gave up three runs in 1 2/3 inning of work, with Elvis Luciano earning the first win of his career on just one out.
Kendrys Morales and Ramon Laureano drove in runs in the 11th for Oakland (1416), while Khris Davis went 2 for 5 with an RBI double.
Chris Bassitt was dominant for seven innings, giving up three walks and one run with nine strikeouts, but earned a no decision.