Despite being hit hard in the first inning, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt pitched six innings of one-run, eight-strikeout ball, leading the team to a victory.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt's Saturday afternoon started with a major scare. In the first inning, he faced New York Yankees' slugger Aaron Judge, and the reigning American League MVP promptly ripped a 101.6-mph line drive right up the middle, hitting Bassitt in the forearm.
Judge reached first and immediately glanced over to the mound, realizing the potential damage he could have caused with one swing of the bat. Bassitt was immediately checked by manager John Schneider and a trainer and threw a couple of warmup pitches, the first a bit errant.
Blue Jays' Chris Bassitt Shows Resilience after Taking 101.6-mph Line Drive to Arm
However, Bassitt showed remarkable resilience and stayed in the game, sporting a huge welt on his arm. Not only did he get out of a first-and-second, no-out jam, but he also gave the struggling Jays a strong outing.
Bassitt kept the Yankees scoreless until the fifth inning, when Judge ripped an RBI single at 110.3 mph. Despite the hit, Bassitt continued to pitch effectively, eventually tossing six innings of one-run, eight-strikeout ball.
Blue Jays' Chris Bassitt Shows Resilience after Taking 101.6-mph Line Drive to Arm
Bassitt's performance was particularly impressive given that he entered the afternoon with a 3.45 ERA, co-acing alongside Jose Berrios. Bassitt has been in the top 10 in Cy Young Award voting in three of the last four seasons.
In his last 11 starts, Bassitt has a remarkable 2.28 ERA, and in his last eight, it's 1.65. His resilience and ability to perform under pressure were crucial for the Jays, who have struggled this season and are in last place in the AL East.
Blue Jays' Chris Bassitt Shows Resilience after Taking 101.6-mph Line Drive to Arm
Despite the setback in the first inning, Bassitt's performance was a testament to his toughness and determination. He is one of the Blue Jays' most important players, and his ability to overcome adversity is a major asset for the team.
Bassitt's outing was a bright spot in an otherwise tough season for Toronto. The team has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, but Bassitt's performance is a reminder that they still have talent and the potential to turn things around.
With Bassitt leading the way, the Blue Jays will look to climb out of the AL East cellar and make a push for a playoff spot. His resilience and determination are essential ingredients for the team's success, and he has shown that he is up to the challenge.
