Max Scherzer & Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made history on July 12 as the Blue Jays beat the Athletics 7-6. See how Scherzer's first win & Vladdy's 1000th hit unfolded.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a day for milestones and vintage performances at the ballpark on Saturday. Max Scherzer turned back the clock with a dominant outing to claim his first win in a Blue Jays uniform, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. etched his name into the franchise record books. It all came together in a wild 7-6 victory over the Oakland Athletics that was part ballgame, part history lesson, and all heart-stopping drama.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled in the fifth inning for his 1,000th career MLB hit, a milestone moment in a season-defining hot streak for the Blue Jays.
For the first time since July of 2024, Max Scherzer is in the win column. The 40-year-old ace looked every bit the part of a future Hall of Famer, carving up the A's lineup for six innings. He scattered just five hits and punched out eight batters, commanding the zone with the fire and intensity that has defined his career. In securing the victory, Scherzer also became the first Blue Jays hurler aged 40 or older to record a win since knuckleballer R.A. Dickey did it back in 2015. It's exactly the kind of top-of-the-rotation performance Toronto envisioned when they signed him, providing a massive boost to a team already firing on all cylinders.
In the middle of the game's decisive inning, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stepped to the plate and delivered a moment fans have been waiting for. With a sharp single, Vladdy recorded his 1,000th career hit, a testament to his consistent excellence since debuting in 2019. It wasn't just a number; it was a key hit in a rally that broke the game open. For the cornerstone of the franchise, reaching this milestone amidst a torrid team winning streak makes it all the sweeter. It’s a significant personal achievement for Guerrero, but it also symbolizes the high-octane offense this team possesses.
The game turned on a dime in the bottom of the fifth. Toronto entered the inning trailing, but an error on a ball hit by George Springer opened the floodgates. The Blue Jays pounced, manufacturing runs with grit and smarts. The rally was punctuated by a daring double steal and, of course, Vladdy's milestone hit. When the dust settled, the Jays had hung six unearned runs on the board. It was a perfect example of this team's new identity: relentless, opportunistic, and capable of turning a small mistake into a game-changing rally.
The win wasn't without its challenges. The lineup had to be rejigged before first pitch when the hot-hitting Joey Loperfido was scratched with an illness, pressing Nathan Lukes and Myles Straw into more prominent roles. The bullpen, which recently saw Ryan Burr land on the 60-day IL in favor of newcomer Tommy Nance, was tested late. After building a 7-0 lead, the Jays saw the A's storm back, making the final innings a nail-biter. But a win is a win, and holding on for the 7-6 victory showed the team's resilience, even when things got tight.
This team just keeps finding ways to win. Whether it's a vintage performance from an ace, a historic knock from a superstar, or simply capitalizing on an opponent's mistake, the Blue Jays are playing their best baseball of the season. With 13 wins in their last 15 games, the confidence is soaring. Now, the focus shifts to securing the series win tomorrow and keeping this incredible momentum rolling. All eyes will be on the lineup card to see if Loperfido is ready to return, but no matter who is on the field, this team believes they can beat anyone.
