Blue Jays Secure Victory Over Cubs

TORONTO: Max Scherzer delivered a stellar performance over seven innings, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s two-run homer propelled the Toronto Blue Jays to a 2-1 triumph against the Chicago Cubs at Rogers Centre on Thursday.

Scherzer conceded only a single run on five hits, issuing one walk and recording three strikeouts as the Blue Jays clinched the series win in the third game.

The seasoned right-hander managed to navigate through some solid early hits and escaped a challenging sixth inning after Michael Busch’s solo home run, marking his 24th of the season.

Toronto’s offense remained subdued until the seventh inning, save for Tyler Heineman’s single earlier in the third.

During the seventh, Davis Schneider earned a walk and advanced due to Ernie Clement’s sacrifice bunt, paving the way for Guerrero Jr., who launched his 20th home run of the season—a two-run shot off a curveball from Cubs starter Matthew Boyd (11-6).

Boyd pitched effectively, allowing just two hits and two runs, along with five strikeouts across his seven innings on the mound.

The Cubs mounted a threat in the eighth, positioning runners on second and third with no outs. However, relievers Brendon Little and Seranthony Domínguez responded by striking out the side, thus safeguarding the lead.

Jeff Hoffman sealed the victory in the ninth, earning his 27th save by striking out three while conceding a single and a stolen base.

Top Cubs prospect Owen Caissie debuted in MLB as the designated hitter but finished 0-for-4. Schneider’s diving catch denied the Burlington, Ontario native a hit during his initial at-bat.

Looking ahead, Colin Rea is scheduled to start Friday against Pirates right-hander Braxton Ashcraft, while Chris Bassitt is expected to face the Rangers’ Jacob deGrom.