Game recap: Springer continues hot start; Lucas dazzles in first big league start

Easton Lucas took the ball in place of the injured Max Scherzer, in what was his first major league start. Mackenzie Gore got the honours for the Nationals.

Lucas delivered and earned himself another opportunity, pitching five scoreless innings, while striking out three, walking two, and giving up just one hit.

The Jays got on the board in the first inning. Anthony Santander doubled and then Andres Gimenez hit an RBI single which brought home the first run of the game and gave the Blue Jays an early lead.

George Springer, continuing his hot start to the year, launched a solo home run over the left field wall, his first of the season, to give the Blue Jays a 2-0 lead. Ernie Clement then added a sacrifice fly to increase the Blue Jays lead to three.

The Nationals got one back in the sixth as CJ Abrams homered on Brendon Little. The Jays answered in the bottom of the frame. Myles Straw hit his second double of the game, advanced to third on a groundout and then scored on a fielder's choice from Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Chad Green and Yimi Garcia pitched the seventh and eighth innings. Jeff Hoffman gave up a single and double in the ninth to allow another run to score, but Tyler Heineman caught Jacob Young stealing second base to end the game.

The Blue Jays have an off day on Thursday before taking on the New York Mets on Friday. Kevin Gausman will make his second start of the season. First pitch is scheduled for 3:10PM ET.