The Blue Jays have the upper hand over the Brewers

Merrifield capped a four-run first inning for his team with his 11^e double, scoring Matt Chapman and Brandon Belt.

William Contreras of the visitors slammed a two-run homer in the first, before the Toronto club pushed.

The comeback began with Vladimir Guerrero and Chapman’s one-run singles before Merrifield struck.

“It’s always tough to get up after giving up a four-run inning,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said.

In the second round at bat for the Blue Jays, Bo Bichette drove in a run using an optional, then Belt added a run-off single.

In the third, it was Cavan Biggio’s turn to push a runner to the plate with a single. Guerrero and Alejandro Kirk each provided three singles, among the Blue Jays’ 14 hits.

Yusei Kikuchi (6-2) allowed two runs and three hits in five innings. He walked five times but found his way back to winning ways, having been defeated in his last two outings.

The 31-year-old Japanese collected his 500^e career strikeout in the fourth, at the expense of Joey Wiemer.

Nate Pearson had three strikeouts in the seventh inning.

“The game was a perfect example of what we can do well,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. A good start from our starter, good defensive work and very good presences at bat. »

The outdoor game took place in front of 32,930 people at the Rogers Centre.

Adrian Houser (1-1) allowed seven runs and 11 hits in four and a third innings.

Andruw Monasterio hit his first major league hit on his 26th birthday. He hit a single through the mound in the fourth inning.

Monasterio has played 680 minor league games in nine seasons.

He intends to return the ball from his first hit to his father.

“He was my first coach,” the shortstop said. Before my first contract with the pros, everything I learned about baseball came from him. »

Recalled earlier Tuesday from Nashville (AAA), Longueuil resident Abraham Toro was hit when he was at bat as a pinch hitter in the ninth.

The Brewers have lost four of their last five games.

Wednesday night, the starting pitchers will be Julio Teheran and Alek Manoah. The latter will be looking for a first victory since April 5; his record is 1-5.