The Blue Jays extended their mini winning streak to three games with a 3-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night at the Rogers Centre. Here’s what you need to know:
Right-hander Bowden Francis improved to 2-2 by limiting the Mariners to one run across six innings. Francis served up a second-inning solo homer to former Blue Jay Rowdy Tellez and that was it. He scattered five hits and a walk while striking out five to earn his second quality start of the season.
The Jays registered just one extra-base hit off Mariners starter Bryan Woo, but they were able to make the most of their opportunities. George Springer doubled as part of a two-hit night while Anthony Santander and Alan Roden had sacrifice flies. Alejandro Kirk also chipped in with an RBI single.
Barger’s cannon
Friday’s game might have looked a lot different if not for the strong arm of Addison Barger. The 25-year-old was recalled from Triple-A on Tuesday and got the start in right field for the Jays in the series opener. In the fourth inning, he threw out Cal Raleigh, who was trying to stretch a single into a double. Later in the same frame, Barger threw a strike to Bo Bichette at second, who turned and fired home to get Randy Arozarena in a rundown.
Barger wasn’t finished there. In the fifth, the Mariners were threatening with runners on first and second when Ben Williamson lifted a routine fly ball to right, which prompted Tellez to make an ill-advised dash toward third. Barger responded by throwing a strike to Will Wagner to get Tellez by a couple of feet. Per Statcast, Barger hit 98.8 m.p.h. on the throw and his three outfield assists fell one shy of the big-league record.
There's an absolute CANNON in RF named Addison Barger 💪
— pc28¹ÙÍøBlue Jays (@BlueJays)
Move ‘em over, get ‘em in
In the first inning, Bichette hit a leadoff single, stole second and eventually came around to score on a sac fly by Santander. In the second inning, Springer hit a leadoff single, advanced to second on a walk and later scored on another sac fly, this time by Roden.
Springer contributed again in the fourth by hitting a leadoff double and coming around to score on a single by Kirk. The productive day for Springer should alleviate any concerns about his left hand and wrist, which caused him problems earlier in the week and forced him to sit out a couple of games.
No need for Rolaids
Hoffman eases concerns about failed physicals with two wins, four saves and a 0.677 WHIP in nine
The Jays had one of the weakest bullpens in the majors last season, but it has been a much different story in 2025. The arrival of Jeff Hoffman as closer, plus the continued dominance of top setup man Yimi GarcÃa had led to some impressive results late in games. Both righties tossed scoreless frames in the series opener to preserve the win.
The Jays are 10-1 when leading after six innings and a perfect 10-0 when they’re ahead entering the ninth. The Jays bullpen ranks 10th in the majors with a 3.33 ERA. Last year, they were 29th with a 4.82 ERA.Â
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