The Toronto Blue Jays secured a dramatic 3-2 walk-off victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night at Rogers Centre, with rookie Brandon Valenzuela delivering the game-winning single in the ninth inning.
Valenzuela's Heroics
With the score tied 2-2, pinch-runner Myles Straw scored on a wild pitch by Phillies closer Jhoan Duran, who had not blown a save all season. Daulton Varsho advanced to third on the play, and Valenzuela followed with a clutch single to bring him home, sparking a celebration at home plate.
Valenzuela's hit capped a strong night for the young catcher, who also homered over the weekend against Baltimore. The walk-off was the first of his career.
Guerrero Jr. Leads Off
In a move to ignite the offense, manager John Schneider inserted Vladimir Guerrero Jr. into the leadoff spot for the first time since the final game of the 2024 season. Guerrero, who has struggled with power this year (three home runs, none at home), went 1-for-4 with a groundout, a flyout, and an infield single. He showed visible relief after beating out a throw in the third inning.
George Springer, the usual leadoff hitter, was out of the starting lineup after striking out three times in Monday's loss. He is expected to return to the top of the order on Wednesday.
Cease Shines After Rusty Start
Starter Dylan Cease, making his first start since May 24, overcame a shaky first inning to pitch six strong frames. He allowed just three hits and one run, striking out 11 and walking one. The only damage came in the first inning on a double by Trea Turner and an RBI double by a subsequent hitter.
Sanchez and Others Step Up
Jesus Sanchez provided the tying run in the sixth inning with his seventh home run of the season, a solo shot off Phillies starter Zack Wheeler. Sanchez finished with three hits in the game.
Jeff Hoffman, who has struggled in save situations this year, pitched a scoreless seventh inning, striking out Adolis Garcia with a runner in scoring position to end the threat.
Looking Ahead
The Blue Jays will look to win the series in Wednesday's finale, with veteran Max Scherzer scheduled to make his return from injury. Scherzer has not pitched since April 24, when he allowed seven runs in 2.1 innings against Cleveland. He will face Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo (4-4, 4.56 ERA).
