Kirk Delivers Walkoff Hit to Edge Phillies 2-1 in Blue Jays' Thrilling Win Over Former Teammate Romano

Even though it was their first career meeting, Alejandro Kirk leveraged his extensive familiarity with Jordan Romano’s pitching style to deliver a dramatic finish for the fans at Rogers Centre on Wednesday night. Kirk, who spent several seasons working alongside Romano as Blue Jays teammates, faced the Phillies’ new closer in a pressure-packed situation and emerged victorious, driving in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a walkoff double that sealed a 2-1 win for Toronto over Philadelphia.

The game-winning moment came after an intense at-bat in which Kirk fouled off three tough pitches before launching a 97-m.p.h. fastball off the right-centre field wall. His decisive swing allowed Guerrero—who had previously singled and stolen second—to coast home with the winning run, setting off jubilant celebrations among Toronto players and fans alike.

“What an at-bat from Kirky there to really spoil some tough pitches,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “Jordy kind of turned it up from 95 to 98 there, fouled off a couple of sliders, a couple heaters, and then just a really good swing on a fastball.” Schneider highlighted the challenge of facing Romano’s unique fastball, noting, “It’s a guy we’re really familiar with and he’s had a ton of success. I think it probably helped Kirk out there a little bit.”

The victory not only marked Toronto’s fourth walkoff triumph this season but also kept their momentum rolling at home, where they have now won eight of their last nine contests. For the Blue Jays (32-29), it was another crucial boost as they seek to climb the standings, having won six of their last seven games overall.

Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman (5-2)—himself a former Phillie—recorded the final out in the top of the ninth and was credited with the win. The game remained tense throughout, with both starting pitchers performing admirably. Phillies’ rookie right-hander Mick Abel retired the first eight Toronto batters before Andres Gimenez broke through with a single in the third inning. Toronto starter Jose Berrios surrendered only one earned run—a solo home run to Nick Castellanos in the second inning—and worked through six innings with five strikeouts, allowing four hits.

Philadelphia (37-24), meanwhile, continued to struggle, dropping their fifth game in their last six outings. Despite Abel’s composed debut on the road, the Phillies could not find any offensive rhythm beyond Castellanos' blast. They briefly threatened in the fifth inning, loading the bases, but Berrios managed to escape unscathed as Bryson Stott popped up and Trea Turner flied out.

In the pivotal bottom of the ninth, Phillies backup catcher Rafael Marchan was forced into action after starting catcher J.T. Realmuto exited following a painful foul tip. Guerrero then capitalized by swiping second base, setting the stage for Kirk’s heroics against Romano, who signed with Philadelphia in the offseason after six years as Toronto’s closer.

The electrifying finish was witnessed by a crowd of 25,716, with the game wrapping up in a brisk two hours and twenty-five minutes. The series will now be decided in the afternoon rubber match on Thursday, with both clubs eager to gain an upper hand as the season heats up.