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The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 5-1 on Saturday, guaranteeing Toronto will finish last in the AL East. Hector Rodriguez hit a two-run triple and Rhett Lowder pitched six scoreless innings in the win.
TORONTO - Hector Rodriguez hit a two-run triple in the fifth inning as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 5-1 on Saturday. The loss guaranteed that the Blue Jays will finish the season last in the American League East.
Rhett Lowder pitched six scoreless innings for Cincinnati, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out two. The Reds improved to 75-86 with the win, while Toronto dropped to 78-83 and has been eliminated from playoff contention. JJ Bleday gave Cincinnati an early lead with a solo home run in the second inning. In the third, Sal Stewart's fielder's choice scored a run, and Eugenio Suarez followed with an RBI double.
Cincinnati Reds Bullpen Secures Victory
Lowder (7-12) earned the win. Connor Phillips, Graham Ashcraft, and Tejay Antone came out of the bullpen to secure the victory. Toronto's only run came in the seventh when Andres Gimenez drove in a run with a groundout. Toronto starting pitcher Trey Yesavage (5-6) allowed one run on two hits and a walk, striking out three over two innings.
Relievers Spencer Miles, Braydon Fisher, John Klein, and Brendon Little followed him to the mound. Yesavage made just his second start after a lengthy stint on the injured list. The 23-year-old had a limited pitch count, and with only one game left in the season and Toronto eliminated from the playoffs, there was no need to strain his arm.
Toronto limited all-star shortstop Elly De La Cruz to just a walk, forcing him to go 0 for 4 at the plate. But Stewart, Suarez, and the bottom of Cincinnati's lineup made up for his off day. In the fifth inning, Blue Jays left-fielder Josh Smith knocked himself to the ground after backing into the outfield wall hard, allowing Rodriguez's hit to become a triple.
Blue Jays Set Franchise Record For Players
When Klein entered the game in the fifth inning, he became the 64th person to play for the Blue Jays this season, a franchise record. Max Scherzer (3-9) will start on short rest for the Blue Jays in what could be the final appearance of his 19-year career. The Reds will counter with Brandon Williamson (5-4). This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 26, 2026.
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CTVToronto:This story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Cincinnati Reds Toronto Blue Jays Hector Rodriguez Rhett Lowder Trey Yesavage American League East Max Scherzer MLB AL East
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