Pache hits game-winning homer in ninth, A's beat Jays 7-5

TORONTO (AP) — Cristian Pache hit a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning, Sean Murphy also connected and the Oakland Athletics beat Toronto 7-5 on Saturday, snapping a six-game losing streak against the Blue Jays.

Facing Julian Merryweather (0-2), the right-handed Pache hammered a 1-0 pitch into the right field bullpen for his first home run of the season and second of his career.

“It was incredible,” Pache said through a translator. “I’m very grateful, and I’m really happy to see that I have that strength to be able to hit a ball like that. My confidence just continues to grow.”

Pache was acquired from Atlanta last month in the deal that sent slugger Matt Olson to the Braves.

“He’s been impressive ever since he’s been here with him in the outfield, his arm, the at bats he puts together,” Athletics starter Paul Blackburn said. “He’s fun to watch.”

A’s manager Mark Kotsay said he’s been impressed with Pache’s fast-growing maturity, especially at the plate.

“I love talking about Pach,” Kotsay said. “He’s got all the tools.”

Oakland right-hander Dany Jiménez (1-0) worked one inning for the win and Lou Trivino pitched around a leadoff walk in the ninth to earn his second save in three opportunities.

Toronto’s Matt Chapman and Zack Collins homered on consecutive pitches from Athletics right-hander Domingo Acevedo in the sixth as the Blue Jays erased a 5-2 deficit. Chapman’s two-run homer was his second of the season, while Collins connected for the first time.

“Two balls over the middle of the plate and you can’t get away with that with these guys,” Kotsay said. “They can do damage in a hurry.”

Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu had a sore forearm after allowing five runs and six hits,...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Pache-hits-game-winning-homer-in-ninth-A-s-beat-17085840.php