Alejandro Kirk hit a homer, drove in two clutch runs, and stole his first career base as the Blue Jays rallied to beat Texas 6-5 at Rogers Centre.
Toronto’s Rogers Centre Erupts in Applause
A sold-out Rogers Centre crowd of 42,260 witnessed a memorable performance Friday night as catcher Alejandro Kirk powered the Toronto Blue Jays to a 6–5 comeback win over the Texas Rangers. Kirk earned three ovations — for a home run, a game-winning single, and his first career stolen base.
Key Plays That Turned the Game
Kirk’s opposite-field two-run homer in the seventh inning cut into the Rangers’ lead. In the eighth, his bases-loaded single brought home both the tying and winning runs. Moments later, Kirk delivered the night’s biggest surprise by stealing second base — a career first that left teammates and fans in awe.
Reaction From the Diamond
“I didn’t know what was going on,” Kirk said through an interpreter. “Then I turned around and saw myself on the scoreboard at second base.” First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. uprooted the bag as a keepsake, while manager John Schneider joked about “authenticating” the souvenir.
How Coaching Sparked the Steal
The unexpected play came on the advice of first-base coach Mark Budzinski. “I looked around and said, ‘Are you serious?’” Kirk recalled. Budzinski was serious — and Kirk executed flawlessly, holding onto the base even during his post-game interview.
Teammates and Manager Weigh In
Pitcher Chris Bassitt, who allowed a three-run homer in a shaky start, praised his catcher’s late-game heroics. “Kirk, the hitter, is pretty hard to face,” he said. Schneider credited the team’s 39th comeback win of the season to experience in pressure moments: “It’s not luck. The more you do it, the better you get.”
Why It Matters in the Standings
The win cemented Toronto’s place atop the American League East and marked their second consecutive comeback victory. It follows Guerrero’s game-winning homer the night before against the Cubs, underscoring the Blue Jays’ resilience as they push deeper into the season.
Looking Ahead: Reinforcements Coming
Outfielder George Springer homered during a rehab game with Triple-A Buffalo and could rejoin the Blue Jays lineup Saturday. Newly acquired right-hander Shane Bieber threw seven scoreless innings in Buffalo and is expected to debut next week, likely against the Miami Marlins.
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