Instant Reaction: Blue Jays smash Rays 13-4 to become Division Champions

There was some fight left in the Rays, as they put up three runs in the top of the third, leading to Kevin Gausman leaving in the top of the fourth with the bases loaded. In came Mason Fluharty, who got the final out, which changed the complexion of the game.

In the bottom of the fourth, Andrés Giménez pinch-hit for Davis Schneider, hitting a sacrifice fly to make it 6-4. The game was won with one swing of the bat in the bottom of the fifth, as Kirk hit his second home run of the game, a two-run shot.

It wasn’t needed, but the Jays put up a five-spot in the bottom of the eighth. Kick-starting it was a two-run home run from Addison Barger , his 21st of the season. Shortly after, Myles Straw hit a triple to add another run.

Capping the regular season, it seemed fitting for the team MVP, George Springer, to hit his team-leading 32nd home run of the season to make it 13-4.

Takeaways…

Alejandro Kirk was a key piece to the Blue Jays’ success this season. On top of being the best defensive catcher in the league, he finally found the success with the bat that he’s been missing since 2022. His 15th home run of the season in this game set a new career high, and it was his best game by far.

Without George Springer’s comeback, the Jays probably don’t make the playoffs. He finished the season slashing .309/.399/.560 with 32 home runs in 586 plate appearances for a 166 wRC+. He’ll surely deserve MVP votes.

On top of Kirk and Springer’s three-hit games, Daulton Varsho and Addison Barger each had two-hit games. The latter hit a much-needed home run, and hopefully, this can be a turnaround for the Jays’ third baseman/outfielder.

Coming into Saturday’s game, the Game 1 starter was seemingly going to be Kevin Gausman. However, he had a pretty rough outing, giving up four earned runs in three and two-thirds innings pitched.

Gausman exited the game with the bases loaded and two outs: Enter Mason Fluharty. We’ve seen the left-handed relief rookie get outs in huge spots. He did the same today, striking out Jonathan Aranda to get out of the inning.

That seemed to be the nail in the coffin for the Rays. Fluharty pitched another clean inning, Louis Varland allowed a hit and a walk, but struck out two. Brendon Little struck out the side in his inning of work, while Braydon Fisher and Eric Lauer each pitched one clean inning with a strikeout.

Wow, what a season this was. From a 74-88 record in 2024 to an American League-leading 94-68 record in 2025, this was easily the most fun I’ve ever had writing about baseball, maybe even sports as a whole. This is a special, special team, and let’s hope they keep it rolling.

Next up, they’ll play on Saturday against either the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees. That will be determined this week.