The Toronto Blue Jays’ bats finally came alive in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series.
Toronto was struggling at the plate, with just four runs in the first two games of the series in Toronto and down 2-0 to the Seattle Mariners heading into Wednesday action.
After giving up a two-run homer to Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez in the first inning, the Blue Jays got on the board in the third when Andres Gimenez hit a two-run home run to tie the game.
The Blue Jays were able to load the bases later in the inning when Nathan Lukes was able to score on a George Kirby wild pitch to give the Blue Jays their first lead of the game.
Daulton Varsho then came to the plate and hit a two-run double to extend the Blue Jays’ lead.
Toronto added to their lead in the fourth inning when George Springer hit a solo shot to give the Blue Jays a 6-2 cushion. The homer was Springer’s 22nd career postseason home run, which ties him with New York Yankees legend Bernie Williams for the fourth most in MLB history.
Springer is now one homer behind Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber for third and seven behind Boston Red Sox legend Manny Ramirez for the most.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. then made his presence felt in the fifth inning, opening it up with a solo home run to give Toronto a five-run lead. It was Guerrero’s fourth home run of the playoffs and first of the ALCS.
The first baseman is 4-for-4 in the game and is a triple shy of the cycle.
Ernie Clement finished off the fifth inning, hitting a single with runners on first and second, which allowed Anthony Santander to score. However, Alejandro Kirk was then thrown out trying to go from first to third, ending the frame.
With runners on second and third in the sixth inning, Gimenez scored again after Nathan Lukes grounded into a fielder’s choice with nobody out.
Kirk then stepped up to the plate and smashed a three-run shot, giving the Blue Jays a 10-run lead. The homer was Kirk’s third homer of the postseason and his seventh RBI.
Addison Barger capped off the Blue Jays’ scoring, hitting a solo shot in the ninth inning to give Toronto a 13-4 lead.
