The Toronto Blue Jays are back at it, showcasing their knack for clutch hitting that nearly took them to a World Series title last year. This team knows how to put the ball in play, and no one exemplified that better during the 2025 playoffs than the record-breaking Ernie Clement. At 30, Clement is continuing his impressive run, driving his team to another thrilling victory.
In a nail-biter against the Athletics, Clement delivered an RBI single to left center in the bottom of the 11th inning, sealing the Blue Jays' second consecutive walk-off win. Down 6-2 in the seventh, the American League champions clawed their way back, leaving Rogers Centre with a wild 8-7 triumph.
Losing Bo Bichette to the New York Mets in free agency seemed like a potential blow to the lineup's identity. Yet, it's crucial to recall that Bichette missed much of the postseason, and during that stretch, Toronto's offense was as potent as ever. Clement, with his contact-hitting prowess, played a significant role in that success.
Drafted in the fourth round back in 2017, Clement set a new single playoffs record with 30 hits, closely followed by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s 29. His October explosion was pivotal in the Blue Jays' best season in three decades, easing the transition after Bichette's departure.
No longer just a postseason standout, Clement is poised to be a key player as the Blue Jays aim for another deep run in 2026. The Rochester, New York native is handling his increased responsibilities with aplomb, going 4-for-10 with two doubles and a crucial RBI in the first two games of the season.
Ernie Clement with a WALK-OFF base hit in the 11th!
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 28, 2026
Blue Jays get another tight win to start the season 🔥
pic.twitter.com/BGn7w2T9UQ
As Toronto wraps up its season-opening series against the Athletics on Sunday, Clement will look to keep his hot streak alive, continuing to be a cornerstone of this formidable lineup.