George Springer smashed two home runs, including his 58th career leadoff shot, helping the Toronto Blue Jays avoid a sweep by defeating the Detroit Tigers 5-4 on Sunday.
Ernie Clement broke the tie with a single in the sixth inning, and Toronto outfielder Daulton Varsho made a spectacular leaping catch at the wall in the eighth to preserve the one-run lead.
“Just a game-changing play,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. “He’s made a lot of those in the outfield. We hit it to the wrong guy.”
Springer went 3 for 4 with three RBIs, and Clement reached base three times as the Blue Jays won for only the second time in seven games against Detroit this season.
Justyn-Henry Malloy hit his first career grand slam off Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman in the fifth, but the Tigers couldn’t extend their four-game winning streak.
Springer hit a home run off Keider Montero (1-3) in the first inning and later drove in Clement with another home run in the third. These were his 12th and 13th homers of the year.
“When George is on, having that power threat every time he steps up changes our lineup,” said Toronto manager John Schneider. “He definitely did that today.”
It was Springer’s second multi-homer game this season and the 23rd of his career. After a slow start, Springer has been batting .377 with six doubles, eight home runs, and 25 RBIs in his last 21 games.
“He’s a catalyst for us,” Gausman said.
Springer ranks second to Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson (81) on baseball’s all-time list for leadoff home runs. Since joining the Blue Jays before the 2021 season, he has hit 19 leadoff homers.
“I’m not trying to do it,” Springer said. “Hitting first, I understand it’s my responsibility to do a lot of things, to let guys see velocity, spin, all that stuff. It’s also my job to get on base. However I’m able to do it, I’ll take it.”
