Blue Jays Dominate Giants with Four-Run Inning, Shut Out Verlander

In a commanding display, the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the San Francisco Giants 4-0 on Friday night, capitalizing on a four-run second inning that left Justin Verlander reeling. Chris Bassitt led the charge, combining with three relievers to deliver a shutout.

Bassitt, now boasting a record of 10-4, pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing 10 hits while striking out five and issuing no walks. This performance marked a significant achievement as he became the first pitcher in over a decade to surrender at least 10 hits without conceding a run. The last to accomplish this feat was John Danks of the White Sox during a complete-game victory against Houston on May 31, 2015.

The Blue Jays, who currently lead the AL East, improved their home record to 33-16 as they kicked off the second half of the season. The shutout against the Giants was their seventh of the year, further solidifying their strong position in the league.

Verlander, struggling this season with an 0-8 record, faced significant challenges on the mound. He allowed four runs and matched his season high by giving up nine hits in just 2 2/3 innings. This outing extended his winless streak to 16 games, marking a career low for the veteran right-hander. It was also his shortest appearance since he pitched 2 1/3 innings against Seattle on April 4, 2025.

This game marked Verlander's first start in Toronto since he no-hit the Blue Jays while with Houston on September 1, 2019. The first inning saw him give up a ground ball single to George Springer, but it was the second inning that proved disastrous. After allowing four runs on six hits, Verlander was replaced by Tristan Beck following a two-out walk to Will Wagner, Toronto's No. 9 hitter.

Wagner played a pivotal role in the second inning, hitting a two-run double that contributed significantly to the Blue Jays' lead. As Bassitt exited in the seventh with runners on first and second, Brendon Little took over and struck out both batters he faced, effectively quelling any threat from the Giants.

Verlander's current winless streak is now just one game shy of matching the Giants' record for consecutive winless starts, previously set by Mark Davis between June 19, 1984, and June 30, 1986.

Looking ahead, RHP Logan Webb (9-6, 2.94 ERA) is slated to start for the Giants on Saturday against Blue Jays LHP Eric Lauer (4-2, 2.78), as both teams aim to shift momentum in this ongoing series.