UPDATE: The Kansas City Royals delivered a stunning blow to the Toronto Blue Jays, defeating them 20-1 on September 15, 2023. The Royals exploded for seven runs in the first inning, marking one of the most lopsided losses in recent Major League Baseball history.
In a shocking performance, Blue Jays starter Max Scherzer exited the game after just two outs, surrendering seven hits and setting a record for the shortest non-injury start of his career. This outing is his briefest since June 11, 2021, when he faced only one batter before leaving due to injury.
The Royals quickly responded after George Springer hit a home run for Toronto in the top of the first inning. Carter Jensen tied the game with a leadoff double, followed by Bobby Witt Jr.’s RBI single, giving Kansas City the momentum. They never looked back, with Vinnie Pasquantino doubling to extend the lead, and Salvador Perez hitting his 30th home run, a three-run blast that solidified the Royals’ dominance.
The Blue Jays faced not only a barrage of runs but also the ejection of their pitching coach, Pete Walker, during the first inning. By the time the third inning rolled around, the Royals had already amassed 10 runs and racked up 13 hits against Toronto’s pitching.
Jensen, batting leadoff for the first time, made history by hitting three doubles, becoming the first Royals player to achieve multiple doubles in the same inning. Meanwhile, Michael Massey added to the onslaught with a two-run homer, contributing to a record-breaking total of 27 hits for Kansas City.
Royals starter Michael Lorenzen (6-11) was effective on the mound, allowing just one run over 7 2/3 innings while striking out four batters. This victory marks Lorenzen’s first win since July 6, providing a much-needed boost for the team.
As the Royals continue their push in the season, this historic win against a division leader resonates deeply with fans and critics alike. The Blue Jays will need to regroup quickly as they face the Royals again in the next matchup.
Fans and analysts are left to ponder the implications of this game on both teams’ futures as the playoff race intensifies. Can the Royals maintain this momentum, or will the Blue Jays bounce back? Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
