Sat Sep 14 02:35:56 UTC 2024: ## Kirk’s Walk-Off Single Propels Blue Jays to Victory Over Cardinals

**TORONTO** – The Toronto Blue Jays secured a thrilling series-opening win against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night, thanks to Alejandro Kirk’s first career walk-off single in a dramatic 11-inning contest.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th, Kirk launched a long single off reliever Ryan Fernandez, sending the 30,380 fans at Rogers Centre into a frenzy. The hit capped off a two-hit, two-RBI performance for Kirk, who was playing his 11th inning behind the plate.

“You’re back there as a catcher for 11 innings, and you’re grinding,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “It’s great for him. (Fernandez is) a tough pitcher, good slider, good stinker, good approach. So it’s always nice when you’re battling like that and you’re mentally locked in and probably exhausted, that you’re the guy to win it.”

The Blue Jays had loaded the bases after an intentional walk to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and a bunt single from Leo Jimenez. Will Wagner, who had just battled through a 10-pitch at-bat, grounded out to second before Kirk stepped to the plate.

“I saw (Fernandez’s) entire repertoire,” said Kirk through his interpreter. “I was looking for something up in the zone. I got a slider up.”

Guerrero also played a crucial role in the victory. His double in the fourth inning drove in his 95th run of the season and he made four outstanding defensive plays, including a highlight-reel tag at third base on a grounder by Paul Goldschmidt in the seventh.

Erik Swanson pitched a perfect 11th inning to earn the win, while Kevin Gausman started for the Blue Jays and pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on nine hits and two walks.

The Cardinals had taken an early lead with four straight singles in the first inning, but the Blue Jays rallied to take the lead in the fourth thanks to Guerrero’s double and Spencer Horwitz’s sacrifice fly.

The game was tied in the eighth inning when Thomas Saggese hit a solo home run off reliever Genesis Cabrera.

The Blue Jays will look to continue their winning ways on Saturday as Jose Berrios takes the mound against Kyle Gibson of the Cardinals.

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