By Canadian Press

Kikuchi turns in another strong spring start as Jays blank Twins 3-0

Mar 23, 2023 | 2:23 PM

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Toronto starter Yusei Kikuchi turned in another impressive spring training start as the Blue Jays downed the Minnesota Twins 3-0 on Thursday.

Kikuchi struck out nine over five scoreless innings, scattering three hits and allowing one walk over his start.

The lefty lowered his spring earned-run average from 1.38 to 1.00. He is 2-1 with 25 strikeouts over 18 innings in six pre-season starts.

Kikuchi came into the season on the heels of a mediocre debut season with the Jays with a 6-7 record and 5.19 ERA.

He has made a strong case to join ace Alek Manoah, Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios and newcomer Chris Bassitt in an impressive rotation.

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Four Jays relievers combined to allow just one hit and one walk over the game’s final four innings. Nate Pearson picked up the save.

Toronto took a 2-0 lead in the third inning on RBI singles from Spencer Horwitz and Orelvis Martinez.

Horwitz capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the fifth.

Minnesota starter Tyler Mahle allowed all three Jays runs in picking up the loss.

Toronto (16-11) faces Philadelphia on Friday at Dunedin, Fla.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 23, 2023.

The Canadian Press