Seiya Suzuki’s Game-Ending Single Lifts Cubs Over Blue Jays 6-5

In a thrilling matchup on Friday, Seiya Suzuki delivered a game-ending single in the 10th inning, securing a 6-5 victory for the Chicago Cubs against the Toronto Blue Jays. This win was crucial for the Cubs, who had recently endured a challenging three-game losing streak.

The drama unfolded in the 10th, with Ian Happ starting on second base due to the automatic runner rule. After Chad Green walked Michael Busch, Suzuki stepped up and hit a well-placed 2-2 pitch into left field. Happ crossed the plate effortlessly, sealing the game for Chicago.

Prior to this moment, the Cubs had been in control with a 5-2 lead but saw their advantage slip away in the ninth inning. The team had suffered a three-game sweep at the hands of Cleveland, making this win all the more essential.

In total, the Cubs showcased their power-hitting talent with home runs from Ian Happ, Cody Bellinger, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Miguel Amaya. Tyson Miller also contributed significantly to the team’s success, pitching a scoreless inning and earning the win to bring his record to 4-1.

The Blue Jays, who came into the game fresh off three straight victories and a three-game sweep against the Angels, put up a fight late in the game. They rallied in the ninth inning by loading the bases with Héctor Neris on the mound. Will Wagner crossed home plate on a balk, and Leo Jiménez managed to strike out swinging. However, George Springer delivered a critical triple off the left-field wall, driving in two runs and tying the game at 5-5. Daulton Varsho could not capitalize, striking out to end the inning.

On the mound for Toronto, right-hander Yariel Rodríguez put forth a solid effort despite allowing four runs and four hits over five innings. Rodríguez struck out five batters but struggled with control, walking two hitters during the game.

Crow-Armstrong and Amaya sparked Chicago’s offense in the fifth inning with back-to-back solo home runs, flipping the score to a 4-2 lead for the Cubs. Happ added to the Cubs’ momentum in the seventh with his 21st homer of the season, driving a shot deep to center field off pitcher Brendon Little.

Cubs’ right-hander Kyle Hendricks effectively limited the Blue Jays’ batting lineup, allowing two runs—one of which was earned—along with five hits during his five innings on the mound. Jiménez’s solo home run had tied the game for Toronto earlier in the fifth, showcasing the back-and-forth nature of the contest.

In injury news, the Blue Jays are monitoring shortstop Bo Bichette, who has resumed baseball activities following a calf injury but has yet to begin running. Additionally, right-handed pitcher Jordan Romano, who underwent surgery on his right elbow last month, has not progressed to throwing as part of his rehabilitation.

On the Cubs’ side, Cody Bellinger made a return to the outfield after serving 13 games as a designated hitter due to a fractured finger, showing he is on the mend and ready to contribute more actively to the team’s efforts.

Looking ahead, the Blue Jays are expected to start Chris Bassitt, hoping to bounce back after a rough outing where he allowed seven earned runs in just four innings against Oakland last weekend. The Cubs plan to send left-hander Justin Steele to the mound as they seek to build on this hard-fought victory.