Rookie Sean Keys made a memorable Canada Day debut, hitting his first career home run to power the Toronto Blue Jays to a 9-3 victory over the New York Mets in the series finale on Wednesday.
Keys' three-run blast sparks Blue Jays
Keys, called up earlier this week, connected for a three-run homer in the third inning at Rogers Centre. The ball sailed over the left-field wall, giving the Blue Jays an early lead they never relinquished. Ernie Clement and Alejandro Kirk scored ahead of Keys on the play.
The 24-year-old infielder finished the game 2-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. His teammates mobbed him at home plate as the crowd of over 40,000 roared its approval.
Blue Jays offense erupts
Toronto's lineup pounded out 12 hits against Mets pitching. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added a solo home run in the fifth inning, his 22nd of the season, and drove in two runs. George Springer contributed three hits and scored twice.
Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman earned his eighth win of the season, allowing three runs on six hits over six innings while striking out seven. The right-hander improved to 8-4 with a 3.45 ERA.
Mets struggle to keep pace
New York managed only six hits and left eight runners on base. Francisco Lindor homered in the fourth inning, his 18th of the year, but the Mets could not mount a sustained rally. Starter David Peterson took the loss, surrendering six runs in four-plus innings.
"We just didn't have it today," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. "Keys' homer really set the tone for them, and we couldn't answer."
Series finale decisive
The victory gave Toronto a split of the two-game series, following a 5-4 loss on Tuesday. The Blue Jays improved to 48-36, while the Mets fell to 44-40.
Keys, a 2024 draft pick out of the University of Miami, was promoted from Triple-A Buffalo on Monday after hitting .310 with 15 home runs in 72 games. His emergence provides a boost to a Toronto lineup that has struggled with consistency.
"It's a dream come true," Keys said postgame. "To do it on Canada Day in front of this crowd is something I'll never forget."
