Yusei Kikuchi only served two and two-third innings, allowing four runs, four hits and three walks in the Blue Jays ’11-7 loss to the Houston Astros on Friday night.
Kikuchi will still be performing for Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker after another disappointing start.
The Japanese signed with the Blue Jays on March 14, after the start of spring camp, and is working closely with Walker to make some changes to his motion.
I had a lot of trust in Pete and we had a smooth and straightforward conversation. Whether it’s about my moves or non-baseball stuff, Kikuchi says. I think by continuing to work with Pete, I will bring great success.
Towards Friday’s game, Kikuchi gave up 11 hits, 10 walks and eight runs, including five catches, in 12 innings in three starts.
Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said it was about putting up Kikuchi’s shot. He walked 13 of 14 innings or what, Montoyo said. He has tools, we know that. He just can’t put his shots right.
Jeremy Peña’s three-run slap and Yordan Alvarez’s two-run homer put the Astros (11-9) out of the sixth inning. Alex Bregman first hit a long single ball.
Astros starter Jose Urquidy (2-1) allowed four runs, seven hits and a walk in five innings of work. Bryan Abreu, Phil Maton, Ryne Stanek and Héctor Neris took over.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got it. the three-run homer for the Blue Jays (13-8) while Matt Chapman added a two-run slap.
Bregman quickly sounded his staff at Kikuchi’s expense. He threw his offering into the Blue Jays bullpen.
Raimel Tapia tied the game in the second inning, when he got a double that sent Chapman home. Alvarez put the Astros back ahead in the third inning with a run single. Yuli Gurriel added a one-run double and Kyle Tucker made it 4-1 for the Astros at one sacrifice.
That was the end of the broadcasts for Kikuchi. Trent Thornton (0-2), Tayler Saucedo, Trevor Richards, Julian Merryweather, David Phelps and Andrew Vasquez swapped in the mound.
Source: Radio-Canada
