CLEVELAND (AP) — George Springer homered in the first inning and Kevin Gausman struck out six in a combined six-hitter, helping the Toronto Blue Jays to a 1-0 victory over the Guardians.
Springer belted a 393-foot shot to left-center on the 13th pitch of his at-bat against Logan Allen, delighting the boisterous Blue Jays fans who occupied most of the lower bowl at Progressive Field.
Gausman, an All-Star, worked seven innings, scattering four hits without a walk and increasing his AL-leading strikeout total to 183.
Erik Swanson, Tim Mayza and Jordan Hicks followed as Toronto posted its 12th shutout, tying for the most in the majors.
Kole Calhoun had two hits for the freefalling Guardians, who have lost nine of 12.