George Springer's 7th-inning grand slam powered the Blue Jays to a 9-4 Canada Day victory over the Yankees on July 1, 2025. Read how the Jays held on.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
What's better than a win on Canada Day? A win over the New York Yankees, sealed with a grand slam in front of a roaring home crowd. The Toronto Blue Jays gave the fans at Rogers Centre a true holiday spectacle on Tuesday, defeating their AL East rivals 9-4 thanks to a massive blast from George Springer that blew the game wide open.
With one swing in the bottom of the seventh, George Springer sent 45,000 fans into a frenzy and put the game decisively out of reach.
It was a tense affair for most of the evening, with the Yankees constantly threatening. But time and again, the Blue Jays' pitching staff bent without breaking, masterfully working out of jams to strand 10 New York runners on base. The game felt destined for a dramatic finish, and in the bottom of the seventh, it got one. With the bases loaded, George Springer stepped to the plate and launched a missile off reliever Luke Weaver for a grand slam. The stadium erupted as the ball cleared the fence, extending Toronto's lead and securing a crucial victory that improves their record to 47-38.
While the on-field action provided the fireworks, the front office made a strategic move earlier in the day. The team recalled shortstop Leo Jiménez from the minors, adding some much-needed infield depth to the big-league club. To make room on the 40-man roster, speedy outfielder Jonatan Clase was optioned to Triple-A. It's a move that signals the team's focus on shoring up its defensive versatility as they navigate the tough middle stretch of the season.
This was more than just one win; it was a statement. Beating a division rival like the Yankees on a national holiday provides a massive jolt of momentum. Now, the Blue Jays have a chance to win the series and continue climbing the AL East standings. All eyes will be on the mound tomorrow to see if they can keep this Canada Day energy rolling.
