Blue Jays win narrow 4-2 over Red Sox, thanks to Guerrero Jr.'s clutch ninth-inning homer
In Toronto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. crushed a three-run bomb in the 8th inning, sparking a 4-2 comeback victory over the Red Sox. This nail-biting win marked the Blue Jays' second consecutive come-from-behind triumph, claiming the series.
Daulton Varsho and his mighty solo shot in the 7th inning added to Toronto's victory tally, as they improved to 15-16 on the season. Jose Berrios delivered a stellar performance, striking out 8 over 6 2/3 innings, surrendering just 2 runs, and earning 2-0 the nod from the bullpen in the form of Mason Fluharty. With a second save of the year under his belt, Yimi Garcia continued his impressive run.
Boston's offense wasn't far behind, with Alex Bregman's double in the 5th knocking in both runs. However, their efforts fell short as they rounded up 17-16 on the season.
Tanner Houck put up a strong fight for the Red Sox, limiting the Blue Jays to just 4 hits, including Varsho's homer. Despite this, he was unable to secure the win, with Justin Slaten (0-2) taking the loss after surrendering Guerrero's three-run shot.
Information Bits
The Red Sox were under pressure following Toronto's seven unanswered runs the previous night, courtesy of Anthony Santander's game-tying home run. Despite Houck's valiant effort, dropping his ERA from 7.58 to 6.38, the Red Sox were unable to hold off the Blue Jays' late-inning surge.
Berrios turned in one of his better outings this season, with six strikeouts, four hits surrendered, and a walk conceded. Berrios only became troubled in the 5th, giving up consecutive hits to Rob Refsnyder and David Hamilton to start the inning. After two outs, he walked Rafael Devers, setting the stage for Bregman's double.
Crucial Moment
With the score tied 2-2 in the 8th inning and a man on base, Guerrero stepped to the plate, blasting a 85.8 mph curveball from Slaten 403 feet into left-center field for the Blue Jays' first lead of the game.
Key Stat
Varsho's second home run of 2025 came just 3 games into the season after recuperating from shoulder surgery, compared to 15 games for his first two homers of 2024.
Upcoming Matches
Chris Bassitt (2-2) will take the mound on Friday as the Blue Jays continue their homestand, entertaining the Cleveland Guardians. Logan Allen (1-2) will start for Cleveland.
The Red Sox return to Boston to host the Minnesota Twins.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 1, 2025.
In the MLB game in Toronto, Yimi Garcia continued his impressive run as the Blue Jays' closer, while Jose Berrios delivered a strong performance, earning the nod from the bullpen in the form of Mason Fluharty. Despite a valiant effort from Tanner Houck, the Red Sox dropped the game to the Blue Jays, whose offense was boosted by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s three-run bomb in the 8th inning. Berrios, in his outing, struck out 8 over 6 2/3 innings and surrendered just 2 runs. Boston's offense was not far behind, with Alex Bregman's double in the 5th knocking in both runs, but their efforts fell short. In the crucial moment of the game, Guerrero stepped to the plate in the 8th inning, blasting a 85.8 mph curveball from Justin Slaten 403 feet into left-center field for the Blue Jays' first lead of the game.
