Blue Jays Shut Out Nationals 7-0 Behind Kirk’s 3 RBIs and Bassitt’s 8 Innings

Alejandro Kirk had three hits and three RBIs, Chris Bassitt and Jay Jackson combined on a five-hitter as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Washington Nationals 7-0 on Wednesday.

Santiago Espinal had two hits and two RBIs, and Ernie Clement had two hits and drove in a run as the Blue Jays took two of three from the Nationals, denying Washington a sixth straight series victory.

Kirk hit a two-run double in the first inning, doubled and scored in the fourth, singled and scored in the sixth, and hit a sacrifice fly in the seventh.

Chris Bassitt allowed three hits in eight innings, while Jay Jackson finished Toronto’s 13th shutout as the Blue Jays ensured they would not lose further ground in the AL wild card race.

Washington had just two singles and a walk through the first four innings. Rookie Jacob Young hit a two-out double in the fifth but Bassitt promptly picked him off. Bassitt retired the next seven in a row before hitting Riley Adams with a pitch in the eighth. Young grounded into a fielder’s choice and CJ Abrams flied out.

Nationals left-hander Patrick Corbin lost for the first time in three starts, allowing six runs and 10 hits in six innings.

Kirk hit a two-out, two-run double off the left-field wall in the first. He doubled starting the fourth, advanced on Clement’s single and scored on Espinal’s hit. Cavan Biggio followed with a sacrifice fly.

The Toronto Blue Jays ended the month of August with a record of 14-13.

Next up, the Nationals will start RHP Joan Adon (2-0, 5.25 ERA) on Thursday as they return home for a four-game series against the Miami Marlins. The Blue Jays will start LHP Hyun Jin Ryu (3-1, 2.25 ERA) on Friday as they begin a three-game series at Colorado.