The Toronto Blue Jays opened their three-game series against the Seattle Mariners with a 6-3 victory on Friday night, propelled by a standout performance from Addison Barger. Barger, hailing from nearby Bellevue, Washington, delivered three doubles and two RBIs, including a crucial two-run double in the first inning that set the tone for Toronto's early 5-0 lead.
Nathan Lukes added a solo home run in the third, while starter Kevin Gausman pitched 5.1 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits to secure his third win of the season.
Despite a late-game rally by the Mariners, highlighted by a bases-loaded threat in the eighth inning, the Blue Jays' defense remained steadfast. Key defensive plays by Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. helped preserve the lead, culminating in Jeff Hoffman's eighth save of the season.
However, the game's most electrifying moment came in the 5th inning when center fielder Daulton Varsho made a spectacular leaping catch at the wall, robbing the Mariners of a home run. The play quickly went viral on social media, as fans were left stunned at Varsho's exceptional play.
Despite the baseball world being in awe, Varsho had an unexpected message after the game, saying this was one of his easier plays.
DAULTON VARSHO, YOU ARE INCREDIBLE pic.twitter.com/gdvYsA4kQf
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 10, 2025
“It’s one of those balls that’s up in the air for a while, so I’m able to get underneath it and find a wall," the 28-year-old sensation said. "It’s kind of one of the easier ones, to be honest, just because it’s high." (via MLB.com's Keegan Matheson)
This is not the first time Varsho has delivered highlight-reel defense this season. In a recent game against the Red Sox, he made an incredible catch after stumbling, managing to secure the ball while on one knee with his back to home plate.
The Blue Jays will look to continue their momentum in Saturday's game, with Barger aiming to build on his impressive performance. The team hopes to secure another win and clinch the series against the Mariners.
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