Addison Barger delivered a dramatic performance for the Toronto Blue Jays, hitting a hard-hit single into right field to secure a walk-off 4-3 victory in 11 innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. This thrilling game took place at Rogers Centre, where 37,269 fans witnessed the Blue Jays extending their season-high win streak to seven games.
The decisive moment came in the 11th inning, where Barger, facing Angels reliever Ryan Zeferjahn, made a significant impact with a two-out smash that drove in the winning run. This victory solidifies the Blue Jays’ position as leaders in the American League East, further emphasizing their strong performance this season.
Braydon Fisher, who stepped up in crucial late-game situations, was credited with the win for Toronto, showcasing strong pitching in both the 10th and 11th innings. Meanwhile, Lazaro Estrada made his Major League Baseball debut for the Blue Jays, effectively pitching four innings and allowing only singles to Luis Rengifo and Nolan Schanuel in the seventh, with Schanuel’s hit tying the game at that moment.
George Springer of the Blue Jays played a vital role, putting his team ahead 3-2 in the third inning with a two-run homer that traveled an impressive 413 feet to straightaway center. This marked Springer’s team-leading 16th home run and bolstered his RBI total to 21 over his last 13 games, showcasing his significant presence in the lineup.
Despite struggling with injuries, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. returned as the designated hitter after taking a day off to heal from a sore right foot. He notably contributed to the Blue Jays' efforts, going 3 for 4 with three singles, proving his importance to the offense as he rejoins the active roster.
The game was tightly contested from the beginning, with both teams trading runs in the first inning. The Angels managed to pull ahead 2-1 in the top of the third thanks to a sacrifice fly by Jo Adell. However, the Blue Jays quickly regrouped to regain their lead.
Max Scherzer, the seasoned pitcher for the Angels, made his third start after a long layoff due to a thumb injury. He demonstrated flashes of brilliance by striking out the side in a quick 10-pitch second inning but ultimately pitched four innings in total, giving up two runs on five hits and three walks while recording four strikeouts. On the opposing side, Jack Kochanowicz for the Angels went 5 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on six hits with two walks and a strikeout, failing to find the victory in his recent starts.
The game also included notable defensive plays, particularly from Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk, who caught Chad Stevens attempting to steal second base with runners on first and third and one out in the fourth inning. This critical moment preserved Toronto's lead and kept the momentum favorable to the Blue Jays.
Looking at recent team performances, the Angels are struggling, with Kochanowicz not having won a start since May 16. On the other side, the Blue Jays have been hit by injuries; reliever Yimi Garcia was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a sprained left ankle, leading to the recall of righty Robinson Pena from Triple-A Buffalo as his replacement.
As the series continues, the Blue Jays will look to maintain their winning form. They are set for a decisive matchup on Sunday, with Kevin Gausman (6-6) on the mound facing off against Tyler Anderson (2-5) in the final game of the series, signaling the end of an exciting stretch of baseball for Toronto.
