The Toronto Blue Jays secured a 4-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox in a unique and historic fashion on Monday, completing a game that was originally suspended on June 26. This game will be remembered not just for the Blue Jays’ win but also for a milestone in Major League Baseball history.
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Danny Jansen’s Unprecedented Feat
Danny Jansen, the Boston catcher, became the first player in MLB history to appear for both teams in the same game. Originally a Toronto player, Jansen was at the plate facing an 0-1 count when the game was suspended due to rain on June 26. On July 27, he was traded to the Red Sox for three prospects, making his return to the game on August 26 in a different uniform. When the game resumed, Daulton Varsho pinch-hit for Jansen in the second inning, and Jansen took up his new position behind the plate for Boston.
Springer’s Clutch Home Run Breaks the Deadlock
The game remained scoreless until the seventh inning when George Springer stepped up and delivered a towering one-out solo home run to left field, breaking the deadlock and giving the Blue Jays a crucial lead. Springer’s homer came off Boston’s Nick Pivetta, who, despite recording 10 strikeouts over six innings of relief, was tagged with the loss, dropping his record to 4-5 on the season.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Adds Insurance Runs
Later in the game, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added two more runs with a crucial double, ensuring the Blue Jays maintained their lead. Toronto’s Zach Pop (1-2) earned the win, while Boston’s Jarren Duran provided a lone bright spot for the Red Sox with a solo home run.
Cubs Dominate Pirates in High-Scoring Opener
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, the Chicago Cubs unleashed a historic offensive display, crushing the Pirates 18-8 in the opening game of a three-game series. Dansby Swanson hit a grand slam, and Pete Crow-Armstrong highlighted a night of aggressive base running with three stolen bases, contributing to Chicago’s eight steals—their most in a game since 1913.
Yankees Edge Nationals Behind Cortes’ Strong Start
The New York Yankees also found success on Monday, defeating the Washington Nationals 5-2 thanks to a strong outing from Nestor Cortes. Cortes pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on four hits to secure his third straight win. Gleyber Torres, Austin Wells, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. each homered to power the Yankees to their fifth win in six games.
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Royals Take Doubleheader Opener Against Guardians
In Cleveland, Bobby Witt Jr. hit a go-ahead solo home run in the eighth inning to lift the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in the first game of a split doubleheader. The Royals’ bullpen held strong, with John Schreiber (4-3) picking up the win and Lucas Erceg notching his eighth save.
Bryce Harper’s Walk-Off Single Lifts Phillies Over Astros
In Philadelphia, Bryce Harper played the hero, delivering a walk-off single in the 10th inning to give the Phillies a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros. Harper’s hit capped off a dramatic extra-inning win for the Phillies, who continue to battle for postseason positioning.
Royals Sweep Doubleheader with Guardians Behind Perez’s Power
The Kansas City Royals completed a sweep of their doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians with a 9-4 win in the nightcap, thanks in large part to Salvador Perez’s two home runs, including a grand slam. Perez’s six RBIs powered the Royals to victory, bringing them within one game of the American League Central-leading Guardians.
Springer Shines Again as Blue Jays Sweep Red Sox in Doubleheader
The Blue Jays continued their winning ways in the second game of their doubleheader against the Red Sox, with George Springer once again leading the charge. Springer’s three-run homer highlighted a five-run fifth inning, helping Toronto to a 7-3 win and a sweep of the day’s games.
Braves Power Past Twins in Rain-Soaked Battle
In Minneapolis, the Atlanta Braves pulled away from the Minnesota Twins in a rain-soaked 10-6 victory. Matt Olson led the Braves’ offense with two doubles, a home run, and five RBIs, while Whit Merrifield went 5-for-5 to help secure the win.
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Machado Leads Padres Over Cardinals
Finally, in St. Louis, Manny Machado powered the San Diego Padres to a 7-4 win over the Cardinals with a two-run homer and an RBI double. The Padres’ win was bolstered by a solid start from Randy Vasquez, who allowed just two runs over six innings.
