Eight-run second inning propels Blue Jays past Athletics
Ernie Clement homered and had five RBIs, Jose Berrios struck out nine in six innings and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the visiting Athletics 12-0 on Thursday night.
Clement had a three-run home run and a two-run double, both in an eight-run second inning in the opener of a four-game series.
Bo Bichette had a two-run homer and three RBIs, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added a two-run homer and George Springer had a solo shot.
Clement's five RBIs in the second tied a club record for an inning, according to Sportsnet Stats. Edwin Encarnacion had five RBIs in the seventh inning against the Houston Astros on July 26, 2013. The five RBIs were also a career-best.
Clement and Alejandro Kirk each had three hits for the Blue Jays, who had 18 hits in winning their second in a row. The Athletics have lost 14 of 15.
Berrios (2-2) allowed two hits and two walks while matching his season best in strikeouts.
Seven of the second-inning runs were charged to left-hander Jacob Lopez (0-3), who allowed six hits and a walk in 1 2/3 innings.
Kirk led off the second with a single, struggling Anthony Santander walked on four pitches and Clement homered to left center on a first-pitch slider that stayed in the middle of the plate. Jonatan Clase singled to extend his hit streak to six games, stole second and scored on Bichette's double to center. Guerrero homered to left center on a fastball over the plate to extend his on-base streak to 29 games. Springer singled and Anthony Madonado replaced Lopez. Kirk singled, Santander walked and Clement stroked a two-run double to left.
Toronto added three runs in the third against Maldonado. Clase walked and Bichette hit a two-run homer to left. Springer homered to left with two out. Kirk walked and Maldonado was replaced by Sean Newcomb, who pitched 3 1/3 runless innings.
Addison Barger doubled and pinch hitter Ali Sanchez singled in the seventh against Hogan Harris. Kirk hit a sacrifice fly.
Oakland reserve catcher Willie MacIver pitched a runless eighth, working around three singles.
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