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Blue Jays aim to secure first five-game win streak of the season against Pirates
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    Blue Jays aim to secure first five-game win streak of the season against Pirates

    After a tumultuous start to the season, the Toronto Blue Jays (27-29, fifth in the AL East) appear to be finding a semblance of consistency heading into Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates (26-31, fourth in the NL Central).

    Winners of four in a row, the Jays are hoping this stretch — albeit against lesser competition — can spark a run that helps them climb out of a 4.5-game hole and into a wild-card spot.

    A win on Saturday would earn Toronto its first five-game win streak of the season, having won four in a row on just one other occasion.

    Meanwhile, the Pirates have been struggling, losing four of their last five, and failing to recapture the magic that propelled them to a 5-0 start to the season.

    In Game 1 of their series and their first face-off of the season on Friday, the Blue Jays came out victorious after a grueling 14-inning affair that was ended courtesy of a two-run homer from Davis Schneider.

    PITCHING MATCHUP

    Blue Jays: Yusei Kikuchi (2-4, 3.25 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 61 strikeouts)

    The Japanese lefty’s previous time on the mound ended quickly after he was pulled three innings into last Sunday’s game against the Detroit Tigers. Kikuchi gave up five runs, all earned, on eight hits and a home run.

    Pirates: Mitch Keller (6-3, 3.59 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 58 strikeouts)

    Pittsburgh’s ace is coming off a solid outing vs. the Atlanta Braves last week. Keller picked up a win after pitching 6.2 innings, giving up one run on six hits with four strikeouts.

    TOP PERFORMERS

    Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has 10 doubles and five home runs for the Blue Jays. Isiah Kiner-Falefa is 12-for-35 with three doubles, a triple, two home runs and five RBI over the past 10 games.

    Pirates: Andrew McCutchen leads the Pirates with eight home runs while slugging .405. Nick Gonzales is 15-for-39 with three doubles, a triple, a home run and 10 RBI over the past 10 games.

    LAST 10 GAMES

    Blue Jays: 6-4, .245 batting average, 3.03 ERA, outscored opponents by 15 runs

    Pirates: 5-5, .235 batting average, 4.07 ERA, outscored by three runs

    INJURIES

    Blue Jays: Alek Manoah: 15-day IL (elbow), Yariel Rodriguez: 15-day IL (spine), Bowden Francis: 15-day IL (forearm), Jordan Romano: 15-day IL (elbow)

    Pirates: Martin Perez: 15-day IL (groin), Joey Bart: 10-day IL (thumb), Jason Delay: 60-day IL (knee), Marco Gonzales: 15-day IL (forearm), Ryan Borucki: 15-day IL (left triceps inflammation), Dauri Moreta: 60-day IL (elbow), Endy Rodriguez: 60-day IL (elbow), Johan Oviedo: 60-day IL (elbow)

    — With files from Associated Press

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    Schneider’s 14th-inning homer caps wild Blue Jays win over Pirates

    The Toronto Blue Jays are on a hot streak as they aim to secure their first five-game win streak of the season against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Blue Jays have been playing some of their best baseball as of late, with strong performances from both their offense and pitching staff.

    One key factor in the Blue Jays’ recent success has been their potent lineup. Led by sluggers like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Marcus Semien, the Blue Jays have been able to put up runs in bunches. Guerrero Jr. in particular has been on a tear, leading the team in home runs and RBIs.

    On the pitching side, the Blue Jays have also been getting strong performances from their starters and bullpen. Robbie Ray and Hyun Jin Ryu have been solid at the top of the rotation, while Jordan Romano has been lights out as the team’s closer.

    The Blue Jays will face a tough test in the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have been playing well themselves. The Pirates have a young and talented roster that has been playing with a lot of energy and confidence. However, the Blue Jays will look to continue their winning ways and secure their first five-game win streak of the season.

    Overall, the Blue Jays are firing on all cylinders right now and are playing with a lot of confidence. If they can continue to get strong performances from their lineup and pitching staff, they should have a good chance of securing their first five-game win streak of the season against the Pirates. Fans can expect an exciting matchup between two talented teams as the Blue Jays look to extend their winning streak.