The Toronto Blue Jays’ offence broke out in a big way Sunday afternoon, scoring a franchise-record eight runs in the first inning on their way to an easy win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Toronto chased starter Ryne Nelson after he recorded just one out and surrendered eight hits and a walk en route to eight earned runs. The Jays would go on to win the game 10-4, snapping a four-game losing streak.
The first seven Blue Jay hitters picked up base hits, highlighted by a two-run RBI double by Kazuma Okamoto that bounced into the wall in left field. After Myles Straw walked, the D-Backs didn’t get their first out until catcher Brandon Valenzuela struck out.
The offensive explosion was much-needed for a Jays team that had entered play Sunday last in the American League East at 7-13.
Much of their early-season struggles have come at the plate, particularly with runners in scoring position. The Jays are 23rd in MLB in total runs scored (81) and have hit the sixth-fewest home runs across the league (17) entering Sunday. They’re also second-worst in team OPS (.583) with runners in scoring position
According to The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon, the Jays had more hits with the bases loaded in the inning (2) than they had in their previous 20 games (1). They were 1/20 in those spots entering today.
The #BlueJays have more hits with the bases loaded in today's first inning (2) than they had in their previous 20 games (1). They were 1/20 in those spots entering today.
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) April 19, 2026
The Jays will head to Anaheim to take on the Los Angeles Angels after wrapping things up at Chase Field on Sunday.
