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Blue Jays Sweep Rangers with 7-3 Victory
TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays showcased their prowess with a 7-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on Sunday, completing a three-game sweep of the defending World Series champions. Daulton Varsho and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. played pivotal roles, contributing key home runs to secure the win.
Varsho’s impressive two-run home run, marking his 13th of the season, sailed into the Rangers’ bullpen during a prolific three-run first inning. Guerrero followed suit, launching his team-leading 19th homer to right field as part of another three-run rally in the third inning, bolstering the Blue Jays’ offensive efforts.
With this win, the Blue Jays improved their record to 49-56, marking a successful stretch where they won five out of nine games following the all-star break. Conversely, the Rangers fell to 51-55, suffering their third consecutive loss after entering the series on a five-game winning streak.
Toronto’s starting pitcher, Jose Berrios, was effective, allowing only one run on six hits over seven innings, with five strikeouts and no walks, earning his ninth win of the season.
Injury Strikes Rangers Early
The game took an unfortunate turn for the Rangers when starter Jon Gray aggravated a right groin injury during warm-ups. He was replaced by Jonathan Hernandez (3-1) before the game had even officially begun for the Texas lineup.
The Rangers’ pitching staff was already facing challenges after Saturday’s starter Michael Lorenzen could not pitch beyond the first inning. Lorenzen returned to the mound later, completing four innings in an attempt to stabilize the bullpen.
Scoring Summary
Before Varsho’s homer, Guerrero had already put the Blue Jays on the scoreboard with a sacrifice fly, driving in Ernie Clement. Guerrero continued to shine in the third inning, hitting a home run with one out before Addison Barger drove in both Justin Turner and Varsho with a subsequent double.
The Rangers finally got on the board in the sixth inning with Nathaniel Lowe’s run-scoring single off Berrios. However, the Blue Jays responded quickly, with Leo Jimenez’s sacrifice fly driving in Alejandro Kirk.
Genesis Cabrera replaced Berrios in the eighth inning but faced challenges, giving up a two-run homer to Josh Smith, which marked another highlight for the Rangers despite their overall loss. Barger and Turner proved productive at the plate, each contributing two hits in front of a crowd of 40,092 at Rogers Centre.
Roster Changes and Upcoming Matches
In a notable roster move, the Blue Jays traded catcher Danny Jansen to the Boston Red Sox on Saturday and subsequently recalled Brian Serven from Triple-A Buffalo. Serven had previously appeared in five games with the Blue Jays earlier this season.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays are set to begin a four-game series with a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles on Monday. With the trade deadline approaching on Tuesday at 6 p.m., speculation surrounds Yusei Kikuchi, as his three-year contract nears its end this season.
This comprehensive victory not only elevates the Blue Jays’ standing but also sets the stage for an exciting finish to the season.
Source
globalnews.ca