George Springer of the Toronto Blue Jays stands on first base as Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo delivers a pitch during the second inning of their game in Toronto on Friday, April 18, 2025. (Photo: Jon Blacker / The Canadian Press)
The Toronto Blue Jays kicked off their weekend series with a solid 3-1 win over the Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre on Friday night, thanks to a strong outing by pitcher Bowden Francis and a sharp performance from George Springer.
Francis, the right-hander, kept the Mariners in check over six innings, allowing just one run. He struck out five, gave up five hits and a walk, and tossed 77 pitches in front of a crowd of over 40,000 fans. The win marked his second of the season, evening out his record at 2-2.
Springer wasted no time getting involved. In the second inning, he led off with a single and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Alan Roden. Two innings later, he smashed a double to start the fourth and came around to score once more, this time off a single by catcher Alejandro Kirk.
The Blue Jays jumped ahead early. In the first inning, Bo Bichette scored the game’s opening run on a sacrifice fly from Anthony Santander. With that, Toronto took a 1-0 lead and never looked back.
Seattle’s starter Bryan Woo put in a decent effort, going seven innings and striking out four. He gave up three runs on seven hits and walked two batters. Despite his strong showing, the Mariners couldn't mount enough offence to support him.
Toronto’s bullpen took over after Francis exited and shut the door completely. Mason Fluharty, Chad Green, Yimi Garcia, and Jeff Hoffman combined to silence Seattle’s bats in the final three innings, not allowing a single hit. Hoffman closed it out with a clean ninth inning to earn his fifth save of the season.
What Went Down
The Blue Jays improved their record to 12-8 and extended their winning streak to three games. Meanwhile, the Mariners fell to 10-10, putting an end to their own two-game streak.
There was a brief moment when Seattle looked ready to strike back. In the fifth inning, with runners on first and second and no outs, the Mariners had a golden opportunity. But Toronto’s Addison Barger came through with a key defensive play, throwing out Rowdy Tellez at third base on a sacrifice fly attempt. That double play shifted the momentum back in the Jays' favour.
Player Notes
For Seattle, Rowdy Tellez—a former Blue Jay—belted his second home run of the season, a laser to right field in the second inning.
On the injury front, Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer continues his recovery from a thumb issue. He received a second cortisone shot, this time in his knuckle, and will rest his arm for a couple of days. Scherzer expects to be back with the team next week when they visit Houston.
Stat Snapshot
Toronto sits at 12-8 after 20 games, just one game ahead of their 11-9 start from last season.
