Teoscar Hernández gets key hit as Blue Jays beat A's 9-4

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Oakland's typically reliable bullpen faltered. The Blue Jays delivered with their bats despite more injuries.

Teoscar Hernández hit a tiebreaking RBI single during Toronto's five-run eighth inning, and the Blue Jays beat the Athletics 9-4 on Wednesday night.

After George Springer went on the injured list earlier in the day, Toronto lost right-handed reliever David Phelps to shoulder discomfort and infielder Joe Panik, who hurt a calf muscle running out a grounder. Both were scheduled for further examination Thursday, with manager Charlie Montoyo expecting to be short-handed for the afternoon series finale.

Hernández also had an earlier run-scoring single before coming through against Lou Trivino (1-1), who was tagged for five earned runs after allowing a total of three in his first 15 appearances this year.

“Everyone has a bad night. Tomorrow I fully trust Lou and Diek (Jake Diekman) and the back end of our bullpen,” said starter Chris Bassitt, who settled for a no-decision.

Ramón Laureano and Matt Chapman homered for Oakland, and Sean Murphy had two hits and two RBIs.

The A’s (19-13) are still tied for the best winning percentage in the majors after beginning the season 0-6.

Laureano went deep in the first after Bassitt fell behind 2-0 in the top half — but the right-hander bounced back to pitch a solid outing.

“I just didn’t execute pitches. Bass threw a fantastic game,” Trivino said.

"The guy’s a first-class starter, he’s everything you want in a starter. To give up two runs in the beginning of the game and then to dominate like he did it was fun to watch. It’s a little disappointing I couldn’t bring home the W.”

Hernández and Randal Grichuk hit RBI singles in the first inning before Laureano...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Teoscar-Hern-ndez-gets-key-hit-as-Blue-Jays-beat-16155472.php