Blue Jays Rally to Victory with Back-to-Back Homers

TORONTO (AP) — In a thrilling finish, the Toronto Blue Jays overcame a late deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Angels 5-4 on Friday night, thanks to back-to-back home runs from Joey Loperfido and Addison Barger in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Blue Jays entered the final frame trailing 4-3, but Loperfido's fourth home run of the season tied the game before Barger clinched the victory with his own homer. Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz had a solid outing, allowing three runs and seven hits over six-plus innings, striking out one and walking none. However, he exited the game after Loperfido's double in the seventh. On the other side, Blue Jays right-hander Chris Bassitt struggled, giving up four runs and four hits in six innings, while striking out six and walking two. The Angels initially took control of the game in the second inning, scoring all four of their runs. Kevin Pillar, who was hit by a pitch, scored on Anthony Rendon's double, followed by Jo Adell's two-out double that brought in two more runs. Taylor Ward capped the inning with an RBI single, putting the Angels ahead 4-1. Toronto fought back, narrowing the gap with a run in the fourth from Alejandro Kirk's groundout and another in the sixth from Kirk's RBI single. Looking ahead, Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis, who is on a five-game unbeaten streak, is set to start against Angels right-hander Carson Fulmer on Saturday.