Blue Jays beat Cardinals 5-4 in a June 2025 thriller! Jonatan Clase's 9th-inning HR and Alejandro Kirk's heroics sealed the extra-inning comeback win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
What a difference a day makes. Fresh off a thrilling 5-4 extra-inning victory, the red-hot Toronto Blue Jays (36-30) are flying high as they prepare for their second game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Last night's win, sealed by the heroics of Alejandro Kirk and a stunning ninth-inning blast from Jonatan Clase, was the team's 10th in their last 12 games, proving this club has found a new gear.
I think it's a combination of, A, having a really good player still -- I know he's getting a little bit older -- but [also], I think being convicted in what he's trying to do.
Monday night's game was an instant classic. Down to their final outs, the Jays turned to an unlikely hero in Jonatan Clase, who blasted his first homer of the season off dominant Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley to tie the game at four. The dugout erupted, and the momentum carried into extras where Alejandro Kirk, already having a monster night, laced the go-ahead double in the 10th. Kirk finished the game 4-for-5 with two doubles and a home run, cementing his status as the game's MVP, while Jeff Hoffman locked down his 16th save.
While Kirk provided the fireworks Monday, George Springer has been the team's offensive engine for weeks. The veteran DH is in the midst of a massive turnaround, hitting 5 homers and driving in 9 runs over his last 9 games. His OPS has surged to .854, a staggering 180-point jump from last season's career-low .674. Manager John Schneider credits the resurgence to conviction and hard work with hitting coach David Popkins, reminding everyone that a healthy and confident Springer is still an elite offensive force.
The Jays will look to keep the streak alive tonight at 4:45 PM with Chris Bassitt (6-3, 3.56 ERA) on the mound against the Cardinals' Miles Mikolas (4-2, 3.96 ERA). The lineup features some intriguing young talent, with rookie Alan Roden getting the start in left field. Roden, recently praised in Baseball America's prospect rankings, will look to make an impact. He's joined by Addison Barger at third base, while the red-hot Alejandro Kirk handles catching duties and Bo Bichette leads things off.
The success of rookies like Roden, Clase, and Barger is a testament to a farm system that Baseball America recently noted is 'on the upswing.' Fueled by a strong 2024 draft and trade acquisitions, the system's depth is growing. Shortstop Arjun Nimmala is quickly becoming a Top 50 prospect in all of baseball, while right-hander Trey Yesavage is earning rave reviews as the organization's top pitching prospect after a dominant start to his pro career. The future pipeline is beginning to look much brighter for Toronto.
The Blue Jays are playing their most exciting baseball of the season, blending veteran resurgence with clutch hitting from unexpected sources. All eyes will be on Busch Stadium tonight to see if Chris Bassitt can keep the good times rolling and secure another series win. If the last 12 games are any indication, Toronto has found its swagger, and it's must-watch TV.
