After 39 games for the Toronto Blue Jays this season, outfielder Daulton Varsho is hitting a pedestrian .214/.308/.444. However, he became the primary factor in his team’s 3-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles yesterday, May 13.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, Varsho robbed a home run from first baseman Ryan O'Hearn after catching the ball in front of the wall bordering the Orioles' bullpen. That fantastic play preserved the Orioles' 1-0 lead.
4th Inning: Daulton Varsho robs homer
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 14, 2024
8th Inning: @DaultonVarsho25 CRUSHES homer pic.twitter.com/J3Mj4Z2Oyw
Four innings later, he connected on a solo home run off a 2-1 pitch by Yennier Cano. That blast to right field tied the game at 2-2.
Varsho's impact was felt once more in the top of the tenth inning. Despite his groundout, the game was on a knife's edge as Cavan Biggio safely crossed home plate for the go-ahead run while Ernie Clement moved to second base. This thrilling moment sealed the final score as the Orioles failed to add to their total.
The victory improved the Blue Jays' record to 19-22. But what's more impressive is that they pulled off the win against one of the best teams in MLB despite barely having enough healthy players to cover all defensive positions on the field.
The flu struck some Blue Jays players, depleting their roster. However, Varsho's heroics helped the team regain its fight against its rivals in the American League East.
-Lance Fernandez