Photo: The Canadian Press

TORONTO — Jose Berrios had eight strikeouts and Vladimir Guerrero extended his hitting streak to 21 games with two singles in the Toronto Blue Jays’ 3-1 series-opening win over the Oakland Athletics on Friday.

Guerrero also hit the winning run in the sixth inning, hitting Alejandro Kirk’s fielder’s choice hit to third base as the Blue Jays (54-62) won for the eighth time in their last 11 home games.

The Blue Jays’ in-form first baseman singled mightily in the first and sixth innings, going 2 for 4 with strikeouts.

That streak produced a . 506 average (39 for 77) with 11 doubles, 1 triple, 10 home runs and 22 RBI.

Guerrero also made a perfect running catch in foul territory and used his momentum to reach the first row of 39,894 fans at Rogers Centre.

Toronto rookie defenseman Leo Jimenez also made a memorable diving shot off Shea Langeliers, who fell victim to Guerrero’s catch.

The Athletics (48-69) entered the game with an 11-7 record since the all-star break, but they were no match for Berrios (10-9).

His seven-inning performance limited the Athletics to a single run with six hits and one walk.

The teams exchanged solo home runs early in the game.

George Springer hit his 14th home run of the year in the first inning, sending his .421 home run to second base in left field.

Daulton Varsho hit a hard single to right field but was thrown out while trying to get to first base on Guerrero’s single to center field.

In the third, Oakland rookie third baseman Darrell Hernaiz hit his first home run in his 77th at-bat. His solo shot went over the left field wall to tie the game.

Athletics starter Mitch Spence (7-8) allowed two runs and had two strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

Spencer Horwitz closed out the scoring with a spectacular solo home run to third base to right field in the eighth inning.

Reliever Chad Green pitched a clean performance in the ninth inning to pick up his 11th save.

CHASING RICKEY

Springer’s opening home run was the 58th of his career. Only former Blue Jays outfielder Rickey Henderson has more in Major League Baseball history with 81.

ON DECK

Yariel Rodriguez (1-4) will start for Toronto in the middle game of Saturday’s three-game series against Oakland. The Athletics will counter with right-hander Osvaldo Bido (2-3).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 9, 2024.