Ernie Clement‘s bases loaded single in the ninth inning gave the Toronto Blue Jays a walk-off 6-5 win in their series opener against the Texas Rangers on Friday.
The win was Toronto’s (47-56) third in seven starts since the MLB All-Star break and halted the Rangers’ (51-53) five-game win streak.
Jays’ reliever Chad Green (3-2) got all four batters he faced in the eighth and ninth, including two strikeouts. Texas reliever Josh Shorz (2-1) put the winning run on base in the ninth.
Adolis Garcia’s two-run homer off the top of the wall down the right-field line put the Rangers in front 5-4 in the fifth inning. But the Blue Jays tied the game in the seventh inning with a bases-loaded sacrifice fly from Danny Jansen.
Lefty Yusei Kikuchi lasted only 4 2/3 innings in what likely was his final outing for Toronto because of expectations he’ll be traded before the deadline. His 96-pitch effort included five runs on eight hits with two walks and five strikeouts.
Texas starter Andrew Heaney lasted five innings. He surrendered four runs on seven hits with a walk and four strikeouts.
Blue Jays rookie shortstop Leo Jimenez knocked in Davis Schneider in the fourth inning for the go-ahead run with a single to centre after Schneider doubled into the right-field corner.
The Blue Jays led 3-1 after the first inning thanks to a two-run double from rookie Spencer Horwitz. He scored on Clement’s double to left.
The defending World Series champions drew even at 3-3 in the third inning off a bases-loaded single up the middle from catcher Jonah Heim.
GARCIA GONE
Yimi Garcia arrived at Rogers Centre with his suitcase packed, just in case. The Blue Jays dealt the reliever to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for minor league outfielder Jonatan Chase and catcher Jacob Sharp.
The 22-year-old Chase was the 10th-ranked prospect in the Mariners system. He made his MLB debut earlier this season and saw action in 41 games with a .195 average (8-for-41).
Although Chase likely will get a look in Toronto later this season, the Blue Jays optioned him to triple-A Buffalo.
The 22-year-old Sharp was optioned to High-A Vancouver. He was playing for the single-A Modesta in the California League.
Garcia, 34, was one of several Blue Jays whose contract expires at the end of the season. Kikuchi, Justin Turner, Jansen, Kevin Kiermaier and reliever Trevor Richards are in the same situation as Garcia and also are candidates to be moved before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
ON DECK
Kevin Gausman (8-8) will start for the Blue Jays in the middle game of the three-game set against Texas on Saturday. The Rangers will counter with Michael Lorenzen (5-5).
In a thrilling matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Texas Rangers, rookie outfielder Jake Clement stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning with the game tied at 4-4. With runners on second and third, Clement delivered a clutch walk-off single to left field, securing a dramatic 5-4 victory for the Blue Jays.
The 22-year-old prospect showed incredible poise and composure in the high-pressure situation, calmly waiting for his pitch and then driving it into the outfield to bring home the winning run. The crowd at Rogers Centre erupted in cheers as Clement rounded first base and was mobbed by his teammates in celebration.
Clement’s game-winning hit capped off a memorable performance for the young outfielder, who finished the game 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. His heroics not only secured a crucial win for the Blue Jays but also showcased his potential as a key contributor to the team’s success in the future.
The victory was especially sweet for Toronto, as they had been locked in a tight battle with the Rangers throughout the game. Both teams traded blows back and forth, with neither able to pull away until Clement’s clutch hit sealed the deal for the Blue Jays.
Manager Charlie Montoyo praised Clement’s performance after the game, highlighting his ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver in key moments. “Jake showed a lot of maturity out there today,” Montoyo said. “He’s got a bright future ahead of him, and I’m excited to see what he can do for us moving forward.”
With the win, the Blue Jays improved their record to 65-52 and solidified their position in the playoff race. As they continue their push for a postseason berth, Clement’s walk-off heroics will surely be remembered as a turning point in their season.
Overall, Jake Clement’s game-winning walk-off hit against the Rangers was a thrilling moment that showcased his talent and potential as a rising star in Major League Baseball. Blue Jays fans can look forward to seeing more clutch performances from the young outfielder as he continues to make his mark on the team.