The Toronto Blue Jays finally figured out a way to beat a National League team Tuesday and they are in a position to complete a sweep of the visiting Atlanta Braves in a two-game set by winning the finale Wednesday night.
The Blue Jays used seven pitchers in the series opener as they ended a nine-game losing streak in interleague games. They are 3-14 in interleague play this season.
The Braves, who lead the National League East, have lost two in a row after going on a season-best eight-game winning streak. The streak ended Monday at Denver when they lost 3-1 in a makeup game caused by an April postponement. They were held to seven hits Tuesday in losing again 3-1 as the Blue Jays had a bullpen night.
Atlanta is 6-6 in interleague games this season.
The Blue Jays learned about the arm of Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr., who threw out two players trying for doubles for his first career two-assist game Tuesday.
“He’s one of the best players in baseball and has a good arm,” Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said.
It was a special night for Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson even though he went 0-for-4, made an error and struck out with the bases loaded in the seventh.
This was his first game back in Toronto since he was traded to the Cleveland Indians last Aug. 31. He was signed by the Braves as a free agent.
Donaldson, the 2015 American League MVP as a Blue Jay, received two standing ovations — one after a video tribute was played as he warmed up on the field before the game and the other when he came to the plate in the first inning.
Donaldson has 32 homers and 76 RBIs with a .903 OPS after the game Tuesday.
“He’s been a huge part of what we’ve done here so far,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “Look at his numbers, the way he’s played third, the presence in the lineup and what he’s done, probably, for Freddie (Freeman). Freddie’s having, coincidentally, one of his best years ever.”
“I will forever be grateful for the fans and how they took me in from Day 1 and how they have received me here,” Donaldson said. “What probably nags at me the most is how my career finished here in Toronto — not being able to play at the time, trying to fight as hard as I could to get back.”
A calf injury cost Donaldson most of last season and he had not played in a game at Toronto since May 24 last year. His final game as a Blue Jay was May 28 at Boston.
He returned to play 16 games with the Indians during September and three in the postseason.
The Braves will start right-hander Mike Foltynewicz (4-5. 5.68 ERA) in the finale Wednesday against Blue Jays right-hander Jacob Waguespack (4-1, 3.63).
Foltynewicz is 2-0 with a 5.40 ERA in three career games (two starts) against the Blue Jays.
Waguespack is coming off a one-hit, seven-inning start against the Dodgers at Los Angeles Thursday. He allowed no runs and one walk and struck out five. He did not factor into the decision in the 3-2 loss as the Dodgers rallied in the ninth.
In his past five outings (four starts), Waguespack is 3-0 with a 1.93 ERA. He has never faced the Braves.
