Baseball: Blue Jays' Kikuchi takes loss in rain-shortened outing

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi took his seventh loss of the season after a 40-minute rain delay cut short his start in a 6-5 defeat to the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday.

Kikuchi (4-7) gave up four runs on eight hits in two-plus innings, striking out three and walking one in a 63-pitch outing at Progressive Field. The left-hander saw his ERA rise to 4.00.

The first four Cleveland hitters of the third inning reached base against him. Zach Pop, who relieved Kikuchi when play resumed, allowed two of the inherited runners to score for a 4-3 Guardians lead.

Steven Kwan and Josh Naylor each hit solo home runs for the Guardians an inning later to make it 6-3.

"I'm disappointed that I had to exit the game early," Kikuchi said after the Blue Jays' sixth consecutive loss. "I wanted to turn the tide for the team. I think I have to review things such as my pitch sequence and habits."

© Kyodo News