Ernie Clement’s clutch RBI single breaks 19-inning scoreless streak, Blue Jays win 2-0 over Marlins

Toronto’s offence this season has been so perplexing. Nothing proved it more than tonight’s outcome, as a lineup searching for answers and timely hits received one from an unlikely hero.

Ernie Clement, who was signed to a minor league deal with a spring training invite back in March, broke a scoreless tie in the 8th inning with an RBI single that contributed to a 2-0 Blue Jays win over the Marlins on Tuesday night. Clement’s hit also ended a 19-inning scoreless streak for an offence that was held scoreless last night and the first seven innings of tonight’s contest.

It was unfortunate that this guy didn’t earn the win, but Yusei Kikuchi was excellent tonight. Lengthy outings haven’t been Kikuchi’s most prolific trait this season, and that’s what Toronto needed from him after using a lot of bullpen arms during the last few days. Kikuchi went six innings without allowing a run on two hits, no walks, and six strikeouts. It was Kikuchi’s longest outing since May 7th against Pittsburgh, and he has quietly lowered his ERA to 3.97.

Miami’s offence isn’t the best that the MLB has to offer, but the Jays found out last night that they shouldn’t be taken lightly. Kikuchi mowed through their lineup, retiring the first nine batters he faced, including Luis Arraez (the first time he had recorded an out this series).

The Jays had their fair share of troubles against Marlins rookie Eury Perez, who threw six scoreless innings as well. He was removed from the game after 80 pitches which have been the standard amount that Skip Schumaker has allowed him to throw. Toronto stranded a one-out double from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the 7th inning, but they finally took the lead in the 8th.

John Schneider pushed the right buttons with his bench bats, utilizing his right-handed batters versus Tanner Scott, a lefty reliever. Santiago Espinal ripped a double with one out in the 8th, and was then followed by Clement who cashed him in with a bloop single to center field. 1-0 Toronto. Even the Blue Jays social media team, who usually has clever puns for posting videos of these guys, could only muster the caption “In Flight!” for his huge hit. He pitched last night and won the game tonight. What can’t he do?

George Springer drove Clement in with a broken-bat single shortly after, and Toronto finished the 2-0 score. Although outside of the scoring plays, Matt Chapman had a nice night at the plate going 2-for-3 with a double and a walk.

Tim Mayza and Jordan Romano collected five critical outs tonight. Mayza induced an inning-ending double play to end the 8th inning from Jesus Sanchez; Guerrero Jr. stretched as much as he could on the return throw from Clement, but he was able to make the play and get out of the inning. Romano got a couple of nice outfield plays from Daulton Varsho, but he earned his 21st save of the season.

What’s Next: Toronto is in the perfect position to win the series tomorrow afternoon with Kevin Gausman on the mound. They’ll be opposed by last season’s NL Cy Young in Sandy Alcantara.