MLB: Three hits by Alejandro Kirk; The Blue Jays win their fifth straight game

TORONTO — George Spriner hit a productive single in the sixth inning, lifting the Toronto Blue Jays to a 3-2 win over the Seattle Mariners on Friday.

Alejandro Kirk hit three hits, including a solo homer, as Toronto (17-9) posted its fifth straight win. Matt Chapman also led in the race, thanks to a double.

Thanks to a double in the second half, utility player Jays Whit Merrifield hit the tracks for the 20th straight game.

The last time the Mariners played at Rogers Center on October 8, 2022, they came from behind to win 10-9 and complete a two-game first round sweep.

“You can’t compare the regular season to what we all felt in the playoffs last year,” Kirk said through an interpreter. It’s still nice to beat a team in such a context. »

Alec Manoah allowed six hits and four walks, but had seven strikeouts in five innings.

The Toronto-hander’s ERA was lowered from 5.13 to 4.88.

“We have a great team. It was the same as last year,” Kirk said. “We didn’t achieve our goals, but things are going well this season.”

“We are united in the locker room. The atmosphere is good and we hope this momentum continues.”

Tim Maeza was honored with the win, as he, Yimi Garcia, Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano combined to deliver four flawless rides.

Romano thus added a ninth goalkeeper to his record in 2023.

Cal Raleigh delivered a solo slap and a productive single for Seattle (11-15), which has lost its last three games.

Outfieler Teoscar Hernandez was also in Toronto for the first time since the Blue Jays traded him to the Mariners last November.