Daulton Varsho’s third career grand slam and Ernie Clement’s two-run homer propelled the Toronto Blue Jays to a 7-6 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday. José Berríos pitched six innings to snap a four-start winless streak, and the Blue Jays took two of three from the AL Central leaders.
Varsho’s grand slam in the fifth inning was his second of the season, and he has a .319 career average with the bases loaded. Toronto is 27-3 when scoring five runs or more, including a 15-0 mark at home. Berríos allowed four runs and eight hits but won for the first time since May 20.
The Guardians’ Daniel Schneemann hit his first career home run, a two-run drive off Berríos in the sixth inning. Ben Lively allowed a season-high four runs and six hits in four-plus innings, losing for the first time since May 9.
The Blue Jays’ bullpen held on in the ninth, with Yimi García leaving due to a sore elbow and Nate Pearson earning his second save in three chances. Pearson retired Andrés Giménez to strand the tying run at third base, securing the win for Toronto.
The Blue Jays’ victory marked their seventh win in 11 games, while the Guardians’ loss snapped a 17-inning scoreless drought. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reached base four times and scored a run, and the Blue Jays’ offense was able to overcome a rough outing from Berríos.