Apr 26, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. grounds out against the Oakland Athletics during the second inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
MLBBy Matt Clapp on

It’s rare that a walk-off homer isn’t the main story of a team’s victory, but that was the case in the Toronto Blue Jays’ 4-2 win over the Oakland Athletics on Friday night.

That’s because it was the debut of baseball’s top prospect (and one of the most highly regarded hitting prospects ever), Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

In Guerrero’s second plate appearance, it appeared he hit a home run, or at least with the way the Blue Jays’ camera guy tracked the flyball. But Oakland’s Chad Pinder made a leaping catch at the wall, robbing Guerrero of extra bases.

But Guerrero still had an extra-base hit to come in the game, and he picked the perfect time. Leading off the ninth in a 2-2 game, Vlad Jr. hit a groundball down the right field line for a double, and dad was very proud.

The Blue Jays pinch-ran for Vlad Jr., and with two outs in the inning, Brandon Drury hit an opposite field walk-off dinger.

So, Guerrero’s first career hit set up a Blue Jays victory, and the 20-year-old phenom will surely set up a lot of Toronto wins in the coming years.

After the game, Guerrero got the rookie treatment from his teammates.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

View all posts by Matt Clapp