Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches to the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Rogers Centre. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Veteran returns to mound, rookie debuts as Blue Jays win in extras

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 12:33 AM ET

Continuing to show they aren't going away, the Toronto Blue Jays won again on Saturday. Toronto, now 9-1 in their last 10 games, beat the Angels 4-3 for the second consecutive day to take another series.

As Max Scherzer took the mound for only the fourth time this season, the Blue Jays' bats did just enough to extend the team's hot streak, granted they needed extra innings to get the job done.

Scherzer, a 40-year-old three-time Cy Young winner, who was recovering from a thumb and forearm injury, was only allowed to go four innings. He allowed a couple of runs and five hits while walking three and striking out four batters.

On the other end of the spectrum, Lázaro Estrada made his MLB debut in relief of Scherzer. Estrada gave up only two hits and struck out in his four innings towards the middle of the game.

Lazaro Estrada’s @MLB Debut:

4 IP | 4 Ks | 2 H

The 12th pitcher in franchise history to throw 4 relief innings in his first game! https://t.co/2oCSEHAyxx pic.twitter.com/iIMU7Whmkw
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 6, 2025

But in addition to Scherzer's return and Estrada's debut, the headline from the game happened in its final moment.

Addison Barger won the game with a walk-off single in the bottom of the 11th inning. Furthering his reputation as a clutch player, Barger has a .922 OPS in late-and-close situations so far in his 65 games played.

Barger is now hitting .270 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs in his sophomore season.

CLUTCH ADD:

Barger has a .922 OPS in late-and-close situations this season! #WALKOFF pic.twitter.com/6eORmk3y8u
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 6, 2025

Most importantly, the Blue Jays have propelled themselves to at top of the American League East standings. Thanks in part to a recent four-game sweep of the Yankees, Toronto has a three-game lead over New York and Tampa Bay and sits 6.5 spots ahead of Boston.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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