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 first one is always special! @VladdyJr27 | #LetsGoBlueJays pic.twitter.com/34w7sYxn2H
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 27, 2019
The Blue Jays pinch-ran for Vlad Jr., and with two outs in the inning, Brandon Drury hit an opposite field walk-off dinger.
BranDONE Drury. #WALKOFF pic.twitter.com/1nQwlRwoh5
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 27, 2019
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.
Welcome to The Show(er), @vladdyjr27! #LetsGoBlueJays pic.twitter.com/R1CYIn5oYg
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 27, 2019
