Kazuma Okamoto goes deep twice to lead Jays over Twins

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Get the latest from Mike Ganter straight to your inbox Published May 01, 2026  •  3 minute read You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.The home run was a big part of the Blue Jays’ success last season, particularly when it came to the team’s post-season run.But so far this season, the damage the Jays have done with the long ball has been limited.Friday night in Minnesota, the long ball was once again the difference in the Blue Jays’ 7-3 win over the host Twins.Kazuma Okamoto, the Blue Jays’ prized non-pitcher signing during the off-season, recorded his first multi-homer game since coming over to North America. Both home runs came off Minnesota starter Simeon Woods Richardson, a former Blue Jays farmhand.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsOkamoto has a team-high seven home runs, and is looking more and more comfortable with each passing day.Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againThe Jays hitting coaches have worked closely with the Japanese slugger, getting him a little closer to the plate, and the moves have paid immediate dividends for the coachable young man.All one had to see last night was the smile on the normally reserved slugger’s face as he made his way through the dugout following each of his homers to see just how quickly he has become comfortable in a completely new environment.CORBIN DELIVERING WHEN CALLED ONAs the Blue Jays attempt to stay afloat while they await the return of a slew of regulars to both the everyday lineup and the starting rotation, Patrick Corbin is firmly establishing himself as one of those guys most responsible for keeping this rash of injuries from determining their season.Corbin pitched into the sixth inning on Friday, allowing just two runs, and picking up his first win as a Blue Jay.When the season began, Corbin was home in Florida, staying ready in case a team came calling this year.Corbin made his fifth start Friday for the Jays, his second of the year against the Twins, but this time around Corbin was in a much better groove than the guy who arrived one day and was on the mound the next that first time against Minnesota.At 36 years of age and in his 14th season in the major leagues, Corbin is no longer a guy the Jays are going to expect to provide a steady six innings every time he takes the mound, but he has given the Jays a chance every time he has taken the mound.In fact, the Jays have won four of his five starts as the crafty veteran, even as he was finding his way in those first couple of starts, has managed to do enough to keep his team in the game.QUICK HITSIt was an interesting, and ultimately correct, decision by the Jays to stay with Yohendrick Pinango in left field over Davis Schneider in this one. Schneider has some pretty impressive numbers against Woods Richardson, including a two-homer game last season. But the Jays braintrust liked what they were seeing from Pinango at the plate the past couple of days and opted to stay with him for a third day. All the young Venezuelan did was have an impact with each of his four at-bats. He had three singles and drove in a pair of runs for a rather solid night at the plate … Nice to see Louis Varland get some love in his home town. It’s no secret the Jays’ current closer was shocked by last season’s trade away from the Twins, and it took him a little while to adjust to life as a Blue Jay, but he clearly has not been forgotten. Varland received a nice welcome home from his fellow Minnesotans and then continued to do what he has been doing all year, mowing down the Twins in the ninth to preserve the 7-3 win.NEXT UPThe Jays send Dylan Cease (1-1, 2.37 ERA) to the mound on Saturday in a 2:10 p.m. start. He will be opposed by young Minnesota left-hander Connor Prielipp (1-0, 4.00 ERA), who will be making just his second big league start.LOOKING AHEADThere was some thought that the Jays might have right-hander Jose Berrios back from the injured list to make Sunday’s start, but the team has decided one more minor-league rehab start would serve the veteran well. It means Trey Yesavage will pitch on the normal four days rest Sunday, with Eric Lauer expected to get another start Monday in St. Petersburg against the Tampa Bay Rays. There is always the chance though that the Jays will go with an opener before turning the ball over to Lauer for the bulk of the game, though that has yet to be decided.mganter@postmedia.com Blue Jays get sloppy in lopsided loss to Twins Blue Jays' improved health coincides with consecutive series wins Join the Conversation Toronto Blue Jays Toronto Maple Leafs World Toronto Maple Leafs Columnists This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.