Morales pitches an inning of relief as Blue Jays lose to Athletics 9-2
TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays were having such a hard time on Sunday that they had to turn to an unorthodox choice for a reliever in the ninth inning.
Designated hitter Kendrys Morales made his Major League pitching debut in the final inning of a 9-2 blowout loss to the Oakland Athletics. The Blue Jays used five pitchers in the game before going to Morales. He allowed just one walk in one inning of work.
“I haven’t pitched in an organized game since 2002,” said Morales through an interpreter. “They needed me for an inning and it happened but hopefully it doesn’t happen again because it means we’re losing.”
Toronto’s Joe Biagini (0-3) struggled to pitch deep into the game. He went four-plus innings and allowed four runs, three earned runs, six hits and walked two batters. He lost a career-high eighth consecutive decision.