Latest news with #TorontoBlueJays
Hamilton Spectator
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
‘Do your thing:' Jays skipper says Barger showing confidence in the batter's box
TORONTO - There were many offensive stars for the Toronto Blue Jays in their four-game series sweep of the Athletics, but Addison Barger stood larger with his flair for the dramatic. Barger blasted a homer for the third consecutive game, igniting a six-run eighth inning with a three-run shot to give the Toronto Blue Jays an 8-4 comeback win on Sunday. Barger's heroics extended the Blue Jays win streak at home to seven games. In this stretch, the Blue Jays outscored the San Diego Padres and Athletics 63-24, touching home an average of nine times per game. They have a .337 team batting average with 85 hits, including 32 extra-base hits during this run. The 25-year-old Barger, of Bellevue, Wash., has contributed in each game during this streak. But his good vibrations stretch back to early May. In his last 24 games, Barger has hit .321 with eight doubles, five homers and 15 RBIs. Toronto manager John Schneider credits his hot slugger with being more athletic when at the plate. 'I think he got away from that a little bit last year in the batter's box,' Schneider said. 'He's a pretty dynamic player. So I think it's just go, do your thing.' Barger's blast to right centre off Athletics reliever Justin Sterner travelled 412 feet after smacking a 428-foot drive into the seats on Saturday and 406 feet shot on Friday. 'He's confident as ever,' Schneider said. 'It's cool to watch it unfold. You know he's talented, and then when it starts to click like this you get sucked into every at-bat, thinking he's going to do something.' Strange Springer Schneider reported George Springer was jumping up and down on third base when he was tagged out because he tweaked his ankle running from first to third base to end the fifth inning. Initially called safe, a video replay caught Springer off the bag. 'I saw the whole thing unfold,' Schneider said. 'He wasn't dancing. He wasn't doing anything crazy. He was testing his ankle out. 'It's the blessing and the curse of replay.' Swanson returns Reliever Erik Swanson (right forearm) returned after a 60-day stint on the injured list. He pitched a shaky eighth inning but registered the win in his first appearance. In the meantime, outfielder Daulton Varsho was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain he suffered running from second to third base on Saturday. Davis Schneider was recalled from triple-A Buffalo. Easton Lucas was optioned to Buffalo with the return of Swanson. Phillies next While the Athletics left town as the second-worst team in the American League, a much better challenge arrives in the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game set, beginning on Tuesday. The Phillies have won 17 road games, tied for the most in the National League with the Chicago Cubs. 'I think we've played good teams really well all year,' Schneider said. 'It'll be fun. 'I think we've always kind of played them tough.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘Do your thing:' Jays skipper says Barger showing confidence in the batter's box
TORONTO – There were many offensive stars for the Toronto Blue Jays in their four-game series sweep of the Athletics, but Addison Barger stood larger with his flair for the dramatic. Barger blasted a homer for the third consecutive game, igniting a six-run eighth inning with a three-run shot to give the Toronto Blue Jays an 8-4 comeback win on Sunday. Barger's heroics extended the Blue Jays win streak at home to seven games. In this stretch, the Blue Jays outscored the San Diego Padres and Athletics 63-24, touching home an average of nine times per game. They have a .337 team batting average with 85 hits, including 32 extra-base hits during this run. The 25-year-old Barger, of Bellevue, Wash., has contributed in each game during this streak. But his good vibrations stretch back to early May. In his last 24 games, Barger has hit .321 with eight doubles, five homers and 15 RBIs. Toronto manager John Schneider credits his hot slugger with being more athletic when at the plate. 'I think he got away from that a little bit last year in the batter's box,' Schneider said. 'He's a pretty dynamic player. So I think it's just go, do your thing.' Barger's blast to right centre off Athletics reliever Justin Sterner travelled 412 feet after smacking a 428-foot drive into the seats on Saturday and 406 feet shot on Friday. 'He's confident as ever,' Schneider said. 'It's cool to watch it unfold. You know he's talented, and then when it starts to click like this you get sucked into every at-bat, thinking he's going to do something.' Strange Springer Schneider reported George Springer was jumping up and down on third base when he was tagged out because he tweaked his ankle running from first to third base to end the fifth inning. Initially called safe, a video replay caught Springer off the bag. 'I saw the whole thing unfold,' Schneider said. 'He wasn't dancing. He wasn't doing anything crazy. He was testing his ankle out. 'It's the blessing and the curse of replay.' Swanson returns Reliever Erik Swanson (right forearm) returned after a 60-day stint on the injured list. He pitched a shaky eighth inning but registered the win in his first appearance. In the meantime, outfielder Daulton Varsho was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain he suffered running from second to third base on Saturday. Davis Schneider was recalled from triple-A Buffalo. Easton Lucas was optioned to Buffalo with the return of Swanson. Phillies next Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. While the Athletics left town as the second-worst team in the American League, a much better challenge arrives in the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game set, beginning on Tuesday. The Phillies have won 17 road games, tied for the most in the National League with the Chicago Cubs. 'I think we've played good teams really well all year,' Schneider said. 'It'll be fun. 'I think we've always kind of played them tough.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2025.
Global News
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Global News
Bashing Barger bringing in runs for Blue Jays
TORONTO – There were many offensive stars for the Toronto Blue Jays in their four-game series sweep of the Athletics, but Addison Barger stood larger with his flair for the dramatic. Barger blasted a homer for the third consecutive game, igniting a six-run eighth inning with a three-run shot to give the Toronto Blue Jays an 8-4 comeback win on Sunday. Barger's heroics extended the Blue Jays win streak at home to seven games. In this stretch, the Blue Jays outscored the San Diego Padres and Athletics 63-24, touching home an average of nine times per game. They have a .337 team batting average with 85 hits, including 32 extra-base hits during this run. The 25-year-old Barger, of Bellevue, Wash., has contributed in each game during this streak. But his good vibrations stretch back to early May. Story continues below advertisement In his last 24 games, Barger has hit .321 with eight doubles, five homers and 15 RBIs. Toronto manager John Schneider credits his hot slugger with being more athletic when at the plate. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'I think he got away from that a little bit last year in the batter's box,' Schneider said. 'He's a pretty dynamic player. So I think it's just go, do your thing.' Barger's blast to right centre off Athletics reliever Justin Sterner travelled 412 feet after smacking a 428-foot drive into the seats on Saturday and 406 feet shot on Friday. 'He's confident as ever,' Schneider said. 'It's cool to watch it unfold. You know he's talented, and then when it starts to click like this you get sucked into every at-bat, thinking he's going to do something.' Story continues below advertisement Strange Springer Schneider reported George Springer was jumping up and down on third base when he was tagged out because he tweaked his ankle running from first to third base to end the fifth inning. Initially called safe, a video replay caught Springer off the bag. 'I saw the whole thing unfold,' Schneider said. 'He wasn't dancing. He wasn't doing anything crazy. He was testing his ankle out. 'It's the blessing and the curse of replay.' Swanson returns Reliever Erik Swanson (right forearm) returned after a 60-day stint on the injured list. He pitched a shaky eighth inning but registered the win in his first appearance. In the meantime, outfielder Daulton Varsho was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain he suffered running from second to third base on Saturday. Davis Schneider was recalled from triple-A Buffalo. Easton Lucas was optioned to Buffalo with the return of Swanson. Phillies next While the Athletics left town as the second-worst team in the American League, a much better challenge arrives in the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game set, beginning on Tuesday. Story continues below advertisement The Phillies have won 17 road games, tied for the most in the National League with the Chicago Cubs. 'I think we've played good teams really well all year,' Schneider said. 'It'll be fun. 'I think we've always kind of played them tough.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2025.
Toronto Sun
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Barger's three-run bash lifts Blue Jays to series sweep of Athletics
Davis Schneider of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a single against the Athletics in the second inning in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Toronto. Photo by Mark Blinch / Getty Images Through the first three games against an inferior A's team, the Blue Jays pushed across 31 runs, while launching 10 home runs. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Suffice to say, three wins would be produced. In Sunday's series finale of the four-game set, the script flipped until the Jays found their hitting stroke by scoring two runs in the fifth inning, which featured the strangest of inning-ending outs when video review overturned a George Springer safe call at third base en route to an 8-4 victory. Springer appeared to be favouring his left ankle, prompting him to hop on the bag for some odd reason because the play was still alive. Nonetheless, it was game on with the A's leading 3-2. The Jays were fortunate to even be in the game, the beneficiaries of an opponent that left too many runners in scoring position. Another break was provided on a catcher's interference call that would set the stage for Addison Barger's late-game heroics. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The kid continues to emerge and excel, providing more evidence why he should be in the lineup every day. His latest burst, an eighth-inning three-run homer, would give the Jays the win. A four-game series sweep would be completed — Toronto's seventh straight home win and fifth overall — while the A's lost for the 18th time in their last 19 games. Here are three takeaways on an afternoon that highlighted how well Alejandro Kirk has been raking and a day when reliever Erik Swanson made his season debut, an appearance that would see the righty give up a hit, while hitting a batter in yielding one run after the A's executed a double steal. Kevin Gausman of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Athletics in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Toronto. Photo by Mark Blinch / Getty Images 1. D outing for Gausman In his previous four starts, Kevin Gausman allowed zero walks. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Right from the hop, it was obvious this start would feature its share of oddities. It began when Gausman issued a leadoff walk, which led to the Athletics getting on the scoreboard. Entering the day, Gausman had given up one run in his past two starts, which encompassed 15 solid innings of eight-hit ball, by far his best stretch of the season. Gausman escaped the second without giving up a run, but through two innings his pitch count had increased to 45. Yet another hit to begin an inning would play out in the third. When Gausman struck out Tyler Soderstrom looking, the A's lost their cleanup hitter after Soderstrom was ejected for questioning the call. It was a quick hook by Tom Hanahan, a bad look for the home-plate ump. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Gausman walked the next batter, the first time since that infamous outing in the Bronx that the right-hander had yielded two free passes in a game. In the fourth inning, Pickering's Denzel Clarke reached base on a hit and stole his first major-league base. By no means was this a vintage Gausman outing. In fact, the 4 2/3-inning outing was his shortest of the season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates a double against the Athletics in the first inning in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Toronto. Photo by Mark Blinch / Getty Images 2. Streaking Vlad For the record, Vlad Guerrero Jr. extended his career-high and MLB-best on-base streak to 32 games when he doubled in his first at-bat. But the precise significance of the feat is open to debate. Getting on base by any means is always preferred, whether a walk gets issued or a hit is recorded. In the case of Guerrero, who served as designated hitter Sunday, he has to provide that thump factor in the lineup, especially with Daulton Varsho joining Anthony Santander on the injured list. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Guerrero isn't going anywhere after signing a 14-year deal that kicks in next season. What he has to do is go yard more often. Six of his eight homers have been produced during this on-base streak, yet more is expected from someone whose expectations are high and will only get higher next season. His two-run double capped off a six-run eighth inning. Athletics centre-fielder Denzel Clarke, right, dives safely back into first base ahead of a tag by Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Ernie Clement (22) in fourth inning MLB baseball action in Toronto on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Photo by Jon Blacker / THE CANADIAN PRESS 3. Earnest Ernie Ernie Clement isn't exempt from criticism, but it's hard to knock him when he's willing to play any position and has often come through in clutch moments. One of the most understated moments from Saturday's win was the diving catch he made at second base. Clement has produced walk-off wins at the plate, but this was a first when he executed a walk-off out that saved Jeff Hoffman from potentially blowing another game. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Sunday, Clement found himself starting at first. In the first inning, Gausman nearly overcame a no-out situation with runners on the corner when he induced a grounder. Clement fielded it, placed his fist on the bag and then made an off-balanced throw to second. A run would cross home plate. The options were many for Clement, whether the right play was to throw to second first to keep the force on, step on the bag at first and then try to get the runner at home plate. The whole sequence revealed how Toronto's depth will be tested in the wake of the injury bug that has hit the team. It will also test manager John Schneider's ability to juggle the lineup. Up next Once the Blue Jays dispense of Monday's off day, they'll be back at it Tuesday when the Phillies come to town for a three-game set; the series will mark the return of Markham's Jordan Romano, whose time with the Jays ended unceremoniously when the team did not tender the closer a contract; Tuesday may also see the return of Bryce Harper, who absorbed a 95-m.p.h. fastball from Atlanta's Spencer Strider in the first inning last week. Editorial Cartoons Sports Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA Canada
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Springer hits 2 HRs as Blue Jays beat Athletics 8-7
Athletics starting pitcher Gunnar Hoglund (53) throws to a Toronto Blue Jays batter in the first inning of a baseball game in Toronto, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Jon Blacker/The Canadian Press via AP) Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger, right, celebrates with Vladimir Guerrero Jr (27) after hitting a two-run home run against the Athletics in the first inning of a baseball game in Toronto, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Jon Blacker/The Canadian Press via AP) Toronto Blue Jays' Daulton Varsho (5) is injured coming into third base around Athletics third baseman Max Schuemann (12) after hitting a triple during third inning of a baseball game in Toronto, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Jon Blacker/The Canadian Press via AP) Toronto Blue Jays' Bo Bichette (11) hits a solo hime run against the Athletics during ssecond inning of a baseball game in Toronto, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Jon Blacker/The Canadian Press via AP) Toronto Blue Jays' Bo Bichette (11) hits a solo hime run against the Athletics during ssecond inning of a baseball game in Toronto, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Jon Blacker/The Canadian Press via AP) Athletics starting pitcher Gunnar Hoglund (53) throws to a Toronto Blue Jays batter in the first inning of a baseball game in Toronto, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Jon Blacker/The Canadian Press via AP) Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger, right, celebrates with Vladimir Guerrero Jr (27) after hitting a two-run home run against the Athletics in the first inning of a baseball game in Toronto, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Jon Blacker/The Canadian Press via AP) Toronto Blue Jays' Daulton Varsho (5) is injured coming into third base around Athletics third baseman Max Schuemann (12) after hitting a triple during third inning of a baseball game in Toronto, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Jon Blacker/The Canadian Press via AP) Toronto Blue Jays' Bo Bichette (11) hits a solo hime run against the Athletics during ssecond inning of a baseball game in Toronto, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Jon Blacker/The Canadian Press via AP) TORONTO (AP) — George Springer hit two of Toronto's four home runs and the Blue Jays held on to beat the Athletics 8-7 on Saturday for their fourth straight win. Springer had a solo shot in the third inning off right-hander Gunnar Hoglund and added another in the fifth. Advertisement Addison Barger hit a two-run homer in Toronto's four-run first inning and Bo Bichette added a solo shot in the second. Toronto closer Jeff Hoffman gave up a two-run homer to Brent Rooker in the ninth inning before nailing down his 13th save. With a runner in scoring position, second baseman Ernie Clement made a diving catch on a line drive hit by Shea Langeliers with the tying run on second to preserve the win. Nathan Lukes had two RBIs for Toronto and Clement chipped in with two hits and a run scored. Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho left the game in the third inning due to left hamstring discomfort. Hoglund (1-3) gave up all eight runs and 10 hits with one strikeout and two walks in six innings. Advertisement Tyler Soderstrom hit a three-run homer off Toronto opener Braydon Fisher in the first inning and rookie Denzel Clarke added a two-run shot for his first career home run in the second. The Blue Jays extended their home winning streak to six games and have won eight of their last 12 overall. Toronto has scored 31 runs over the first three games of the four-game series. The Athletics have lost five in a row, 16 of their last 17, and 10 straight road games. Easton Lucas (3-2) came on in relief of Fisher after Clarke's homer and threw 4 2/3 shutout innings to get the win. Key moment Clement doubled to left field leading off the sixth inning, advanced to third on a ground out and scored on Hoglund's wild pitch to push the Blue Jays' lead to 8-5. Advertisement Key stat Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled in the first inning to extend his career-high on-base streak to 31 games. It's the longest active streak in the major leagues. Up next Blue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman (5-4, 3.68 ERA) will start against Athletics LHP JP Sears (4-5, 5.18) in the series finale on Sunday. ___ AP MLB:
