Addison Barger’s clutch double powers Toronto Blue Jays to a dramatic 9-8 comeback win over the Minnesota Twins at Rogers Centre.
Comeback Sparks Home Crowd
The Toronto Blue Jays pulled off yet another late-inning rally on Wednesday night, defeating the Minnesota Twins 9-8 at Rogers Centre. Addison Barger’s two-run double in the eighth inning sealed Toronto’s American League-best 40th comeback win of the season.
Turning Point in the Eighth
Pinch-hitter Ty France sparked the rally with a solo home run before Barger broke out of a slump with a line drive off the right-field wall, scoring Alejandro Kirk and George Springer. The clutch hit turned a deficit into the Jays’ first lead of the night, electrifying the home crowd.
Players Step Up Under Pressure
Barger’s hit came after a 2-for-30 skid, but the 23-year-old has consistently excelled late in games. He’s hitting .389 with runners in scoring position from the seventh inning onward this season. Manager John Schneider praised his poise, noting, “Addy’s got talent… he’s navigating the ups and downs of a long season well.”
Pitching Holds in Final Frames
Seranthony Dominguez earned the win with two key outs in the eighth, while closer Jeff Hoffman bounced back from a blown save the night before to record his 29th of the year. “It’s like a quarterback throwing an interception,” Schneider said. “You’ve got to move on to the next thing.”
Power on Display
The slugfest featured eight solo home runs, four from each team. Davis Schneider hit two for Toronto, while Andres Gimenez added another. Minnesota’s Byron Buxton responded with two of his own, while Luke Keaschall and Brooks Lee also went deep. Despite shaky outings from both starters, the bullpens delivered high drama late.
Impact on the Standings
The victory improved Toronto’s record to 78-56, maintaining their four-game lead over Boston in the American League East. The Blue Jays also extended their MLB-best home record to 44-22. Only the Los Angeles Dodgers, with 41 comeback wins, have staged more late-game rallies this season.
What’s Next for Toronto
The Blue Jays continue their homestand Friday against the MLB-leading Milwaukee Brewers. Newly acquired ace Shane Bieber is scheduled to start, bringing a 1-0 record and 1.50 ERA into the matchup. With October approaching, Toronto’s resilience and clutch hitting continue to define their playoff push.
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