Game Recap
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning, helping Max Scherzer and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Chicago Cubs 2-1 on Thursday.
Guerrero’s big hit off Matthew Boyd lifted AL East-leading Toronto to the series victory. It was the 20th homer of the season for the All-Star slugger.
Pitching Performance
Scherzer (3-2) pitched seven-plus innings while improving to 6-2 in 12 career starts against the Cubs. He permitted one run and five hits.
Jeff Hoffman handled the ninth for his 27th save in 32 chances. Toronto improved to 40-20 at home.
Boyd (11-6) allowed two hits in seven innings. He struck out five and walked one.
Game Highlights
Boyd walked Davis Schneider to begin the seventh. Ernie Clement followed with a sacrifice bunt before Guerrero lined an 0-2 pitch 402 feet to left-center.
The Cubs had just one hit off Scherzer before Michael Busch went deep with one out in the sixth for his 24th homer.
Promoted from Triple-A Iowa before the game, Cubs prospect Owen Caissie made his major league debut about 30 miles east of his birthplace in Burlington, Ontario. He went 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Key Moment
Scherzer exited after Matt Shaw’s leadoff double in the eighth. Brendon Little came on and walked pinch-hitter Seiya Suzuki before both runners advanced on a wild pitch. Little departed after striking out Ian Happ and Kyle Tucker. Seranthony Domínguez fanned Carson Kelly to end the threat.
Key Stat
The Blue Jays are a major league-best 24-12 in interleague play.
Up Next
Cubs: RHP Colin Rea (9-5, 4.09 ERA) is scheduled to start Friday against Pirates RHP Braxton Ashcraft (3-2, 3.19 ERA).
Blue Jays: RHP Chris Bassitt (11-6, 4.18 ERA) is expected to start Friday against Rangers RHP Jacob deGrom (10-5, 2.86 ERA).
Conclusion
The Toronto Blue Jays secured a 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs, thanks to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s two-run homer in the seventh inning. Max Scherzer delivered a strong pitching performance, and Jeff Hoffman earned his 27th save of the season. The Blue Jays continue to lead the AL East and will look to build on their success in their next game.
FAQs
Q: Who hit the game-winning homer for the Blue Jays?
A: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to give the Blue Jays the win.
Q: How many saves does Jeff Hoffman have this season?
A: Jeff Hoffman has 27 saves in 32 chances this season.
Q: What is the Blue Jays’ record in interleague play?
A: The Blue Jays are 24-12 in interleague play, the best record in the major leagues.
