Springer Homers Twice as Blue Jays Beat Athletics; Varsho Out with Leg Injury

George Springer provided a powerful boost to Toronto’s offense, launching two of the team’s four home runs in a dramatic 8-7 victory over the Athletics on Saturday afternoon at Rogers Centre. Springer, serving as the designated hitter, delivered a solo homer off right-hander Gunnar Hoglund in the third inning, then struck again with another shot in the fifth, reinforcing his presence at the plate.

The Blue Jays’ bats ignited early, with Addison Barger smacking a two-run blast as part of a four-run outburst in the first inning. Bo Bichette joined the long-ball parade with a solo homer in the second, helping Toronto (30-28) secure their fourth consecutive win. The team’s offensive surge has been impressive, tallying an astounding 31 runs across the first three games of this four-game series.

Nathan Lukes contributed two RBIs while Ernie Clement added a pair of hits and crossed the plate once. However, the win was not without concern—centre-fielder Daulton Varsho left the game in the third inning suffering from left hamstring discomfort and did not return, raising questions about his availability in the coming days.

The closing moments were tense for the home crowd of 38,017, as Brent Rooker connected for a two-run homer off closer Jeff Hoffman in the ninth. With the Athletics threatening to rally, Clement came through with a clutch diving catch to secure Hoffman’s 13th save and preserve the narrow victory.

The Athletics (23-36) showed resilience at the plate as well. Tyler Soderstrom launched a three-run homer in the opening frame, and Canadian Denzel Clarke thrilled the local supporters with his first career home run, a two-run shot that chased Toronto starter Braydon Fisher from the game. Easton Lucas stepped up in relief, delivering 4 2/3 shutout innings to keep Toronto’s bullpen steady.

Toronto extended its home win streak to six games and has now won eight of its last 12 overall, building momentum in front of energized fans. On the other side, Oakland’s struggles continued as they dropped their fifth straight contest, marking 16 losses in the past 17 games and a tenth consecutive road defeat.

Adding to the highlights, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended his career-high on-base streak to 31 games with a single in the first inning—the longest active streak in the major leagues, underscoring his consistent contribution to the Blue Jays' attack.

In pre-game roster moves, the Blue Jays recalled Easton Lucas from Triple-A Buffalo and designated right-hander Jose Ureña for assignment, fortifying their bullpen depth for the stretch ahead. The club also celebrated its third annual Cricket Day at the Park, welcoming members of the Canadian cricket team to Rogers Centre.

Looking ahead, right-hander Kevin Gausman (5-4, 3.68 ERA) is set to start for the Blue Jays in Sunday’s series finale, while JP Sears (4-5, 5.18 ERA) will take the mound for the Athletics. Toronto aims to keep its hot streak alive as the homestand continues.