Pirates Top Blue Jays to take series against Al East Leaders
Johan Oviedo Secures First MLB Victory Since 2023
Johan Oviedo secured his first Major League victory since 2023 as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Toronto Blue Jays with a score of 2-1 on Wednesday to win the three-game series.
In just his second start since undergoing Tommy John surgery at the end of 2023, Oviedo (1-0) pitched six innings, allowing two hits, one run, and one walk. This victory marked a significant milestone for Oviedo, as his last win came in September 2023 against the Cubs.
Dennis Santana closed out the game with a perfect ninth inning to earn his ninth save of the season.
Despite being the top team in the AL East, the Blue Jays struggled against the Pirates, who currently sit at the bottom of the NL Central.
The game’s pivotal moment came when Bo Bichette hit a double in the fourth inning. Oviedo managed to strand Bichette at second base by retiring the next three batters.
One key statistic from the game is that the Pirates have a record of 23-27 in games decided by a single run, the highest in the Major Leagues.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays will send RHP Shane Bieber (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound in his seasonal debut on Friday against the Miami Marlins. Bieber, the 2020 AL Cy Young winner, has not pitched in the Majors since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2024.
Meanwhile, the Pirates will kick off a three-game series at home against the Colorado Rockies on Friday.
Overall, Oviedo’s impressive performance and the Pirates’ ability to secure a victory against a top-ranked team like the Blue Jays demonstrate their resilience and potential for success in future matchups.
