Scherzer, Springer lead Blue Jays to 7-3 win over Pirates

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Max Scherzer pitched six strong innings to notch his 220th career win, and George Springer hit an early two-run home run as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-3 on Tuesday night.

Scherzer (4-2) allowed one run and four hits with four strikeouts and three walks. The 18-year veteran has pitched at least six innings in five consecutive starts.

The Blue Jays (74-53) built a 5-0 lead against Mitch Keller in the first two innings.

Springer hit a 423-foot shot to center field for his 20th homer of the season in the second inning. The Blue Jays scored three runs in the first when Alejandro Kirk had an RBI single and Nathan Lukes followed with a two-run single.

Kirk added a two-run home run, his 10th, off Colin Holderman in the seventh inning to make 7-1. The All-Star catcher finished with three hits and three RBIs.

Keller (5-12) was tagged for five runs in 3 1/3 innings after giving up six runs in four innings in a loss at National League-leading Milwaukee in his previous start last Wednesday.

The Pirates lost for the eighth time in 10 games as they fell deeper into the NL Central basement.

Blue Jays All-Star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sat out because of tightness in his left hamstring. An MRI performed earlier Tuesday revealed no damage.

The Blue Jays are 25-13 in interleague games, tops in the major leagues.

The Pirates loaded the bases with none out in the second inning against Scherzer but managed only one run on a groundout by Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

The rubber game of the three-game series is set for Wednesday with Chris Bassitt (11-6, 4.22 ERA) pitching for the Blue Jays. Johan Oviedo (0-0, 18.00) is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to start for the Pirates.

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Toronto Blue Jays' Alejandro Kirk celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer reacts after getting hit by a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer, bottom, steals second as Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jared Triolo, top, applies the late tag during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

DENVER (AP) — Versatile infielder/outfielder Willi Castro and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $12.8 million, two-year deal Thursday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

Castro spent last season with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs, where he hit a combined .226 with 11 homers and 33 RBIs. He played all three outfield spots last season in addition to seeing time at third and shortstop. He even pitched an inning while with the Twins.

The 28-year-old Castro made his major league debut on Aug. 24, 2019, while with Detroit. He spent four seasons with the Tigers before joining the Twins, where he was an All-Star in 2024. He was traded to the Cubs last July.

Earlier in the day, the Rockies finalized the signing of right-handed starter Michael Lorenzen to an $8 million, one-year contract. The deal includes a $9 million club option for 2027. Right-hander Bradley Blalock was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.

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FILE - Chicago Cubs' Willi Castro (1) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sept. 5, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)