The Kansas City Royals dominated the Toronto Blue Jays 13-2 on Thursday night, with Jac Caglianone driving in six runs and Bobby Witt Jr. scoring thrice. Caglianone’s impressive performance included a two-run single in the second inning and another in the Royals’ six-run sixth inning. He capped off his stellar night with a two-run homer in the ninth, tallying five hits and three runs overall. In addition, Carter Jensen and Vinnie Pasquantino also contributed with homers for the Royals, who have been on a hot streak, winning 10 of their last 11 games.
Despite an early two-run shot from George Springer for the Blue Jays, they were outmatched by the Royals, outhit 16-8. Toronto missed a crucial opportunity to narrow the gap in the American League playoff race, falling 3 1/2 games behind the Cleveland Guardians, who currently hold the third wild-card spot.
Toronto starter Spencer Arrighetti struggled, giving up three consecutive hits at the start of the game and allowing three earned runs over four innings. The sellout crowd expressed their disappointment with boos as the Royals extended their lead in the sixth inning. Even Blue Jays standout Vladimir Guerrero Jr. couldn’t break through, going 0 for 3 with a walk and failing to hit a home run at Rogers Centre this season.
In a standout moment, Jensen’s early power hit set the tone for the Royals’ commanding victory. Pasquantino also made an impact by breaking his 39-plate appearance streak without a strikeout.
Looking ahead, Dylan Cease is set to start for Toronto on Friday night against Seattle, although the Mariners have yet to announce their starter.
