MLB: Late surge allows Jays to defeat Rockies

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a home run, plus added a run-scoring single, to allow the Toronto Blue Jays to win 7-5 over the Colorado Rockies.

Guerrero struggled in the first two games of this series in Denver, even though he is known as a hitter’s paradise. The first baseman had just one hit in 10 at-bats against one of the worst pitching staffs in MLB.

He was used as a designated hitter for this matchup, and Guerrero wasted no time getting his stick to resonate powerfully. He hit a solo home run in the third inning to give the Jays a 1-0 lead.

The Rockies took the lead late in the third inning, but a long ball gave Toronto a helping hand again. Spencer Horowitz hit his first home run in the majors, with a long shot 442 feet from home plate.

After a break of about an hour, the Jays took advantage of a big fifth inning to regain control of the game. Guerrero tied the game with one goal, then Davis Schneider continued to wreak havoc with a double. Horowitz gave the Jays a two-run cushion with one out.

But the Jays’ 5-3 lead was short-lived. Hunter Goodman got both teams back to square one with a double.

Wyatt Merrifield stood up at the right time for Toronto. In the ninth, his single allowed the Jays to regain the lead again. Ernie Clement added a single to make it 7 to 5. Jordan Romano came in to close the books to record his 32nd save of the campaign.

Kevin Guzman was not involved in the decision. He struck out five batters in four innings of work, allowing six hits and three earned runs.