Gausman strikes out 11, Okamoto scores winning run as Blue Jays beat Athletics in season opener
Posted on: Mar 28, 2026 00:55 IST | Posted by: Cbc
Toronto blueness Jays recreate 1st place biz after World Series defeat
Kazuma Okamoto scored the winning run in his Blue Jays debut and Kevin Gausman had 11 strikeouts as Toronto opened its 50th anniversary season with a 3-2 walkoff victory over the Athletics on Friday night.
Okamoto hit a two-out single in the ninth inning and moved to third on an Ernie Clement double. Andres Gimenez ended the game with a single up the middle off reliever Justin Sterner.
Gausman set a franchise record in the fifth inning when he fanned Max Muncy for his 10th strikeout, the most on opening day in team history.
A solo homer by Shea Langeliers was the lone blemish over his six-inning outing.
The Blue Jays took advantage of a fielding blunder to score two runs in the fifth against Athletics starter Luis Severino.
Outfielders Denzel Clarke and Tyler Soderstrom got their signals crossed on a drive by Gimenez. The ball dropped between them in left-centre field and bounced to the warning track, allowing Okamoto and Clement to score on the triple.
Toronto reliever Louis Varland touched 99 m.p.h. On the radar gun in his one inning of relief in the seventh. Okamoto singled in the bottom half for his first career major-league hit.
Submarine reliever Tyler Rogers worked the eighth inning in his Blue Jays debut. Jeff Hoffman blew a save opportunity in the ninth when he gave up a solo homer to Langeliers.
The start of the game was delayed about 35 minutes for player introductions and a ceremony to recognize the team's 2025 American League title. The sellout crowd of 42,728 roared as a new banner was unveiled above the large video screen at Rogers Centre.
Blue Jays: Gausman set the early tone by striking out the side in the first inning. He retired the first 10 batters he faced.
Athletics: Severino didn't allow a hit until Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Singled in the fourth. The right-hander had three strikeouts and gave up two earned runs, three hits and three walks.
Blue Jays legends George Bell, Pat Hentgen, Jose Bautista, Vernon Wells and Ernie Whitt threw out ceremonial first pitches as part of the club's anniversary celebration.
The Blue Jays improved their all-time record on Opening Day to 27-23.
The three-game series continues Saturday afternoon. Toronto right-hander Dylan Cease (8-12, 4.55 earned-run average) was tabbed to start against left-hander Jeffrey Springs (11-11, 4.11).
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.