Wins have been scarce lately for the Toronto Blue Jays, and a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. home run has been even rarer. But on Saturday afternoon at Rogers Centre, Ernie Clement powered the Jays to a 6-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, snapping a three-game losing streak against their AL East rivals.
Clement Shines at the Plate
Ernie Clement has been a hitting machine for the Blue Jays. He leads the American League in hits and doubles. On Saturday, he added a three-run home run in the third inning to give Toronto a 4-1 lead, his sixth homer of the season. He later tripled and scored three runs. Defensively, he made a diving stop at second base in the eighth inning to rob Pete Alonso of a hit and likely save a run.
Pitching Holds Strong
The Blue Jays used a bullpen day, with Braydon Fisher as the opener. Six Toronto pitchers combined to hold Baltimore to six hits. Jeff Hoffman, who had struggled recently, gave up a two-run homer to Alonso in the sixth inning, drawing boos from the sellout crowd of 41,861. But the bullpen held on for the win.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Still Struggling
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 0-for-3 but walked twice and scored a run. He has not hit a home run since May 17 and has only three on the season. The Blue Jays need him to produce more offensively.
Injury Updates and Lineup Changes
Outfielder Daulton Varsho is day-to-day with a wrist issue that dates back to his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was used as a defensive replacement on Saturday. Catcher Brandon Valenzuela, starting in place of the injured Alejandro Kirk, had three hits, including a double. Kirk is expected to return from a thumb injury soon.
Up Next
The series finale is Sunday at 1:37 p.m. Kevin Gausman will start for the Blue Jays against the Orioles.
