Pirates Edge Blue Jays 2-1 as Oviedo Wins First MLB Game Since 2023

Johan Oviedo earned his first major league win since 2023 as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 2-1 to take their three-game series. In his second start since undergoing Tommy John surgery in late 2023, Oviedo struck out six batters and allowed just two hits and one run over five innings, demonstrating a strong comeback performance. Despite an early home run from Blue Jays' George Springer, Pittsburgh responded quickly with a two-run double by Tommy Pham, supported by Bryan Reynolds and Spencer Horwitz, securing the lead. Blue Jays starter Chris Bassitt struck out a season-high 10 but gave up two runs in 5 2/3 innings, while Dennis Santana closed the game with a perfect ninth inning for his ninth save. The Pirates now have a major league-high 23 wins in 50 games decided by a single run this season. Toronto, leading the AL East, dropped two of three to last-place Pittsburgh, who prepare to host the Colorado Rockies next, while the Blue Jays await the season debut of Shane Bieber, their newly acquired pitcher recovering from Tommy John surgery.