Bateman and Kirk hit homers to power Blue Jays to 7-3 victory over Orioles

Toronto has won 10 of its last 16 games. The rubber match of the three-game series was set for Sunday.

Blue Jays opener Spencer Miles barely survived a 31-pitch first inning, getting Christian Encarnacion-Strand on a deep flyout with the bases loaded.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit an RBI double in the bottom half of the frame against Orioles starter Kyle Bradish (7-14) and scored on a Kirk single.

The Orioles got on the board in the fourth after a double-error by Toronto third baseman Kazuma Okamoto. He bobbled a grounder by Encarnacion-Strand and then threw high to first base, allowing Gunnar Henderson to come across.

Joe Mantiply, Spencer Arrighetti (8-9), Mason Fluharty, Paul Sewald, Tyler Rogers and Louis Varland also pitched for Toronto in the bullpen game.

TAKEAWAYS

Blue Jays: Toronto used a balanced offensive attack with every starter reaching base at least once. The Blue Jays outhit the Orioles 11-6.

Orioles: Baltimore missed a big opportunity in the first inning and never recovered.

KEY MOMENT

The sellout crowd of 41,949 roared when Lukes threw out Encarnacion-Strand at home plate to end the Baltimore half of the fourth inning.

KEY STAT

Lukes extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a single in the seventh inning.

COMING UP

Toronto ace Dylan Cease (10-5, 2.40) was scheduled to start on Sunday against Trevor Rogers (10-9, 4.15).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 12, 2026.

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Bateman and Kirk hit homers to power Blue Jays to 7-3 victory over Orioles

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