Blue Jays’ Ernie Clement Sends Message After Series Win

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Segun Ajayi | Last updated Jun 8, 2026 9:27 AM ET

Toronto Blue Jays’ Ernie Clement has sent a message after a 6-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, as he delivered a key offensive and defensive performance that helped swing the game in Toronto’s favor. After the win, Clement spoke about the team’s mindset and belief in their progress.

Clement said the Blue Jays see themselves as a strong group that can grow into a top team if they continue to improve small details and define their identity over the course of the season.

According to Sportsnet reporter Ben Nicholson-Smith, Clement also emphasized confidence in the group’s direction, saying the team believes it can reach a higher level as the season continues.

The Blue Jays opened the game with early pressure at the plate and built momentum behind timely hitting. Clement drove that push when he hit a three-run home run that gave Toronto control of the scoreboard. He finished the game 2-for-4 with a triple, two runs scored, and three RBIs.

Ernie Clement after today's Blue Jays win:

“We’re a really good team. We have a chance to be a great team."
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) June 7, 2026

Brandon Valenzuela added to the offense with three hits and one RBI, while Toronto continued to cash in on key chances with runners on base. Baltimore fought back with power hitting as Pete Alonso hit a two-run home run, while Colton Cowser and Blaze Alexander each added solo shots.

Gunnar Henderson also collected three hits, but the Orioles still finished with only six hits as a team. That total ended their run of 11 straight games with at least seven hits.

However, Spencer Miles (3-1) earned the win for Toronto, allowing two runs on two hits over 4 1/3 innings. He walked one batter and struck out five. Louis Varland closed the game with a perfect ninth inning to earn his 10th save in 10 chances.

Toronto improved to 19-7 when scoring at least five runs this season. The turning point came in the sixth inning when Valenzuela hit into what looked like a double play, but an umpire ruled him safe at first. Clement then avoided a tag attempt from Gunnar Henderson, and Henderson threw to first instead of completing the double play.

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Ernie Clement (22) © Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Orioles players and manager Craig Albernaz strongly protested the call, arguing that Clement left the baseline during the play. Pete Alonso reacted in frustration and threw a ball into foul territory during the dispute.

The call stood after review, and the Blue Jays used the moment to break the game open. They scored five runs after the controversial play and turned a close game into a 6-4 lead that held until the end. The Blue Jays improved their record to 32-34 with the win, staying within reach of a Wild Card position in the American League standings.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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