Gausman helps Blue Jays sweep Angels

Kevin Gausman gave younger teammate Bowden Francis for inspiring the veteran's first-rate pitching performance on Sunday.

TORONTO – Kevin Gausman gave younger teammate Bowden Francis for inspiring the veteran’s first-rate pitching performance on Sunday.

Gausman struck out 10 in seven innings while Addison Barger and Alejandro Kirk hit two-run homers to push the Blue Jays to an 8-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels and complete a four-game sweep. The win came a day after Francis took a no-hitter into the ninth inning but surrendered a lead-off homer to Taylor Ward in a 3-1 Toronto victory.

“I just followed Bowden’s lead, to be honest,” Gausman said. “It was pretty special to watch him (on Saturday).”

The 33-year-old Gausman (12-9) enjoyed watching his 28-year-old teammate’s approach to defeating the Angels. Francis finished with a career-high 12 strikeouts and a career-high 117 pitches to win his third straight start.

“I thought he did a really good job of stealing strikes with his split,” Gausman said. “Going into the game knowing how well his split was (on Saturday). It definitely was a pitch I wanted to throw a lot.”

After taking three games from the struggling Angels (54-77) in Anaheim, Calif., earlier this month, the Blue Jays (63-68) went 7-0 against a team in a season for the first time in franchise history.

“From starting pitching to the bats, the power, pretty good defence, little things, base running too with Will (Wagner) tagging up from first to go to second (in the sixth inning), they stayed on it,” said Gausman. “It’s not easy to sweep anyone at any time of the year.

“It’s a good feeling for not only the young guys, but for everyone.”