TORONTO – Whit Merrifield’s RBI single in the 13th inning on Saturday proved to be a game-changer for the Blue Jays. The swing-bunt allowed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to score, securing a much-needed 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox and keeping Toronto’s playoff hopes alive. Merrifield compared the significance of this hit to his previous walk-off victory in the College World Series for South Carolina in 2010. The win propelled the Blue Jays into the American League’s third wild-card spot, just half a game ahead of the Seattle Mariners. The team is now in pursuit of a playoff berth and hopes the momentum from this game will carry over into the next.
Chris Bassitt delivered a strong performance on the mound, allowing only two runs over seven innings. The Blue Jays bullpen, consisting of Tim Mayza, Erik Swanson, Jordan Romano, Jordan Hicks, and Chad Green, also played a crucial role in securing the win. Bassitt emphasized the importance of pitching and defense in the game, stating that having both gives a team a real chance at success. Fangraphs.com projected an increase in Toronto’s chances of making the postseason after this win.
In terms of individual achievements, Rafael Devers hit a two-run homer for the Red Sox, while Guerrero had a solo home run for the Blue Jays. Bassitt reached a new milestone for innings pitched in a season and was pleased with the team’s overall victory. He recognized Guerrero’s strong performance at the plate and praised his ability to make solid contact with the ball.
The game remained scoreless until the sixth inning when Devers broke the deadlock with his 32nd home run of the season. Guerrero’s home run in the seventh cut into the Red Sox’s lead, igniting excitement among the crowd. The game became even more intense in the ninth when pinch-hitter Cavan Biggio drove in a run with a triple, tying the game 2-2.
After two scoreless innings, Pablo Reyes came through for the Red Sox with a single to regain the lead. However, Bichette answered back in the bottom of the 12th with a sacrifice fly, prolonging the game. Finally, in the 13th inning, Merrifield sealed the victory for the Blue Jays with his clutch RBI single.
The Blue Jays will conclude their series against the Red Sox with left-handed pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu taking the mound for Toronto. The Red Sox are set to start Nick Pivetta.
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