Addison Barger delivered a thrilling walk-off single in the 11th inning, propelling the Toronto Blue Jays to a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. This win marked the Blue Jays’ seventh consecutive victory, showcasing their impressive form.
George Springer played a pivotal role in the game, hitting a two-run home run, his fifth in as many games, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contributed significantly with three hits. This win follows another nail-biting 4-3 triumph for the Blue Jays against the Angels on Friday, also decided in extra innings.
Barger’s game-winning hit came against Angels right-hander Ryan Zeferjahn and marked a comeback moment, as earlier in the game he had expressed frustration after striking out against Kenley Jansen. Toronto’s Braydon Fisher secured the win by pitching two shutout innings, improving his record to 3-0.
The match featured several lead changes. The Angels started strong, with Jo Adell earning a bases-loaded walk in the first inning, but the inning concluded dramatically when Barger caught a fly ball, preventing a run by throwing out Mike Trout at home plate. Adell later restored the Angels’ lead with a sacrifice fly in the third, but Springer’s home run swung momentum back to the Blue Jays.
Notably, Max Scherzer had a mixed outing, allowing two runs and five hits over four innings—the shortest of his three starts since returning from the injured list. However, he showcased his striking ability by striking out three batters in succession on just nine pitches after a shaky start to the inning.
The Blue Jays are set to continue their series against the Angels, with right-hander Kevin Gausman expected to start the finale on Sunday against Tyler Anderson.
This winning streak is an optimistic sign for the Blue Jays as they aim to leverage their current momentum heading into the season’s latter stages.