Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt supports teammate Bowden Francis with handmade sig
TORONTO (AP) After Taylor Ward offered a critical take on Toronto right-hander Bowden Francis latest strong start, fellow Blue Jays starter Chris Ba sitt made sure he had his teammates back. Francis struck out a career-high 12 in Toronto's over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. He was working on a no-hitter before Ward hit a leadoff homer in the ninth inning. The 28-year-old Francis was named AL Player of the Week last week after going 2-0 with a 0.64 ERA in two starts. In the first of those, he pitched seven innings in a road Carlos Santana Jersey win over the Angels on Aug. 12, allowing one run and one hit while striking out eight. Ward struck out, was hit by a pitch and flew out before he connected for his 17th homer on Saturday. I thought that everything was hittable, Ward said of Francis after the lo s. Maybe to other guys he made better pitches. A lot of guys were talking about his split and that being on. But personally, I didnt think it was anything special. While Francis was being interviewed from the dugout during the television broadcast of Sundays game, Ba sitt stood over his teammates shoulder that read 15 innings, 2 hits, 20 Ks. Hittable + Nothing Special. Manager John Schneider said Ba sitt and fellow right-hander Kevin Gausman have kind of taken Bowden under their wing, adding that he likes seeing his players stick up for each other. I love when the guys have each others back," Schneider said, "and I think Bowdens results against (the Angels) speak for themselves. Toronto beat the Angels to sweep the seven-game season series. The Blue Jays have won 11 of their past 13 against the Angels, dating to last season. Harmon Killebrew Jersey




