Barger’s Clutch Double Lifts Blue Jays Over Twins in 9-8 Comeback Victory

TORONTO (AP) — Addison Barger delivered a go-ahead two-run double in the eighth inning, capping a late rally as the Toronto Blue Jays edged the Minnesota Twins 9-8 on Wednesday night.

Trailing 8-6 entering the bottom of the eighth, the Blue Jays sparked their comeback against reliever Génesis Cabrera. Pinch-hitter Ty France launched his second home run of the season to cut the deficit to one. Alejandro Kirk followed with a pinch-hit single, and George Springer drew a walk from reliever Michael Tonkin (2-1) to set the stage for Barger’s decisive hit — a double off the right-field wall that brought in two runs.

Davis Schneider powered the offense earlier with a pair of home runs, his third career multihomer game, bringing his season total to 10. Andrés Giménez also homered for Toronto, which improved to 58-4 when scoring five or more runs.

Seranthony Domínguez (3-4) earned the win by recording two key outs in the eighth, while Jeff Hoffman secured his 29th save in 36 opportunities.

Minnesota was fueled by four solo home runs, including two from Byron Buxton, who hit his 26th and 27th of the year. Buxton opened the game with his 16th career leadoff homer and added another blast in the third — marking his 16th multihomer performance. Luke Keaschall and Brooks Lee also went deep for the Twins.

The Twins extended their franchise record by homering in 23 consecutive games in Toronto, dating back to August 26, 2017. They’ve now hit 45 total homers during that stretch at Rogers Centre.

Toronto’s Daulton Varsho contributed defensively with a highlight-reel leaping catch to rob Lee of a hit in the third inning.

Up Next
Twins: RHP Zebby Matthews (3-4, 5.30 ERA) is slated to start Friday night on the road against the San Diego Padres, who have yet to announce their starter.
Blue Jays: RHP Shane Bieber (1-0, 1.50 ERA) is expected to face Brewers ace Freddy Peralta (15-5, 2.68 ERA) Friday night at Rogers Centre.