Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Will Wagner runs after hitting a single against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium. The Blue Jays won 4-2 on Aug. 12, 2024.Gary A. Vasquez/Reuters
Bowden Francis pitched seven dominant innings and Will Wagner got hits in the first three at-bats of his major-league debut as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-2 on Monday night.
Leo Jimenez launched his first career home run and the last-place Blue Jays won the opener of a six-game road trip.
Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell homered for the Angels, who lost for the third time in four games after earning a series win on the road against the New York Yankees.
Wagner, the son of former All-Star closer Billy Wagner, hit the first pitch he saw into right-centre field for a second-inning double.
“I was nervous on the on-deck circle, but once I was walking to the plate, I just started to gain a little bit more confidence,” Wagner said. “Just go up there and know I’m here for a reason and I was just trying to be aggressive.”
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Spencer Horwitz delivered back-to-back doubles in the third to open the scoring. Wagner singled with two outs for his first career RBI and a 2-0 lead.
Jimenez followed with a two-run shot to centre field, his first homer in 30 games since making his big-league debut on July 4.
In his third at-bat, Wagner rolled a single into right field in the fifth. All three hits to begin his career came against right-hander Davis Daniel (1-4), who gave up four runs and eight hits in five innings with two walks and five strikeouts.
“Just growing up in big-league clubhouses, I kind of know what to expect,” Wagner said. “It was a nerve-racking day for sure, but once you get that first at-bat out of the way it’s all good.”
Wagner became the fourth player in Blue Jays history to have three hits in his major-league debut. He finally made his first out on a fly to centre in the seventh.
“It’s pretty cool when you have a debut like that. It kind of gives guys some energy,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “Leo with his first homer, really good defence and awesome pitching. I think we’re all going to remember Will tonight, but can’t overlook what Bowden did.”
The only hit Francis (5-3) gave up was Moniak’s solo homer in the third. He was otherwise untouchable, with no walks and a career-high eight strikeouts. The right-hander retired his first seven batters and then his last 14.
“I think efficiency was the biggest thing for me,” Francis said. “I just feel like I haven’t been scared. Obviously, the home runs happen, but that’s just me attacking it and not being timid. I’m just trying to be in the zone as much as I can.”
Chad Green gave up a home run to Adell in the ninth before earning his 12th save.
Billy Wagner was in attendance while on a whirlwind adventure that first had him at triple-A Buffalo over the weekend to watch his son play. After flying home to Virginia on Sunday, he learned of his son’s promotion and boarded a plane for California.
The only hiccup Will Wagner had on the day was forgetting to leave tickets for his fiancé and his father.
“My dad texted me and was like, `Hey, we still can’t get in,”' Will Wagner said. “I was like, ‘Oh gosh, I’ve got to get them tickets.’ But we got it all figured out.”
The Blue Jays acquired the younger Wagner in the July 29 trade that sent left-hander Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros, where his father spent nine seasons.
“When I was at Houston, in big league camp, we had [Alex] Bregman, [Jeremy] Pena and [Jose] Altuve and I would talk to them every day,” Will Wagner said before the game. “And I was like, ‘These guys are going to be Hall of Famers.’ Now I’m here and I have [Guerrero] and Bo [Bichette] to talk to, too. And there is a mix of guys who are younger that I can fit in with, too. So I’m excited.”
Trainer’s room
Blue Jays: Bichette returned to Florida to continue his rehab from a right calf strain and could begin baseball activity by next week. ... RHP Jordan Romano (elbow) also returned to Florida and is close to beginning a light throwing program.
Angels: C Logan O’Hoppe exited after six innings with right knee soreness and was replaced by Matt Thaiss. O’Hoppe left not long after he threw out Steward Berroa, who was trying to steal second base in the top of the sixth.
Up next
Blue Jays: RHP Kevin Gausman (10-8, 4.42 ERA) has reached double digits in wins over four consecutive seasons and six times total.
Angels: RHP Carson Fulmer (0-2, 3.74) has made five starts this season, with a 3.60 ERA in those outings.