The Toronto Blue Jays managed only three hits through nine innings on Saturday but still emerged with a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers in extra innings at Comerica Park. The win came despite continued struggles from star players Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer.
Guerrero's slump deepens
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended his hitless streak to 20 at-bats, looking lost at the plate. He hit into an inning-ending double play in the first inning, popped out weakly in his next at-bat, and grounded out in the seventh. In the ninth, he finally made solid contact but grounded out to end the inning. For May, Guerrero has just six hits and four RBIs in 51 at-bats.
Springer's struggles continue
George Springer, playing through a fractured big toe, saw his average drop to .188 after grounding out in the sixth inning. The veteran leadoff hitter, an AL MVP candidate last season, has been a shadow of his former self. He popped out in foul territory in the ninth, showing visible frustration.
Pitching shines despite offensive woes
The Blue Jays used an opener strategy with Mason Fluharty, who struck out three over two scoreless innings. Spencer Miles followed with 5.2 innings of relief, striking out a key batter with the bases loaded in the third. He allowed just one run on a solo home run by Yohendrick Pinango in the seventh, which tied the game.
Extra-inning heroics
In the 10th inning, Daulton Varsho singled to drive in Guerrero, giving Toronto its first lead. Louis Varland closed the game with a strikeout, securing the 2-1 win. The Blue Jays improved to 17-17 on the season despite their offensive struggles.
Sunday's series finale features Kevin Gausman for Toronto against Jack Flaherty for Detroit.
