The wait is finally over: the Blue Jays are back in Toronto and got a win in the first game of the new season.
The club beat the Athletics 3-2 on Friday night as they opened their 50th season at Rogers Centre in front of the home crowd.
FULL BLUE JAYS COVERAGE This Toronto Blue Jays fan has been to 37 home openers.
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Andrés Giménez drove in all of the Jays’ runs tonight, including the walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Before the game, the Blue Jays unfurled their American League Championship banner.
Here are some of the highlights from Friday’s festivities and game: 10:08 p.m.: Game 1 of 162 in the books The Blue Jays are off to a winning start with a 3-2 walk-off victory over the Athletics.
With runners in scoring position, Andrés Giménez hit a two-out single in the bottom of the ninth inning to end the game.
The boys in blue are back again tomorrow afternoon with Dylan Cease on the mound.
The Athletics look to bounce back and will give the ball to Jeffrey Springs.
On Sunday, Eric Lauer will be the Blue Jays’ starting pitcher, while the Athletics will start Luis Morales.
- Langeliers ties game Shea Langeliers hit his second solo homerun of the night to tie the game in the top of the ninth inning.
- Jays use pitch challenge Alejandro Kirk successfully challenged a pitch that was called a ball to record the first out in the top of the ninth inning.
This was the first time the Blue Jays used the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) System in a regular-season game.
- Okamoto singles for first MLB hit Kazuma Okamoto, who signed with the Blue Jays during the off-season, has recorded his first Major League Baseball hit with a single in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Okamoto, who is playing third base tonight, spent his entire 11-year career with Japan’s Yomiuri Giants.
- Gausman done after 6 A strong first outing for Kevin Gausman, who struck out 11 batters and only gave up one run in six innings.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider now turns to his bullpen to keep the lead.
Louis Varland is on the mound in the top of the seventh inning.
- Jays take the lead The Blue Jays scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, thanks to Andrés Giménez’s one-out triple.
- A’s open scoring Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers hit a one-out home run to left field in the top of the fourth inning to give his team a 1-0 lead over the Blue Jays.
- Former Blue Jays throw first pitch Five former members of the Toronto Blue Jays threw the ceremonial first pitch.
They were Ernie Whitt, George Bell, Pat Hentgen, Vernon Wells and Jose Bautista.
– AL pennant banner unveiled The Blue Jays have added a new banner at Rogers Centre for the 2025 American League pennant.
Springer and Guerrero both thanked the fans for their support last season and asked them to show up again this season, saying, “We need you.” “We love you,” they told the fans.
- Jays fans thank players in video Before the Blue Jays players take the field, a video is played featuring last season’s best moments.
The players then watch on as another video, this time of fans thanking them for their playoff run, is played on the Jumbotron.
- Blue Jays begin season with special ceremony The Blue Jays have kicked off their 50th season with a video tribute that was projected on the field.
Family members of the Jays organization walk to the field and help unfurl and hold a huge banner celebrating the club’s AL pennant and 50th season.
– Schneider on why Barger is batting cleanup Blue Jays manager John Schneider says he slotted Barger into the cleanup spot for tonight’s game because “I like the threat that he can hit the ball out of the ballpark.” “I like that fact that he can work an at-bat and get on base for guys behind him,” Schneider said in his pre-game availability.
The Canadian Press 5:14 p.m.
- Long lines as first pitch nears Long lines have formed outside Rogers Centre, hours before the first pitch.
The gates have opened and fans are pouring into the ballpark.
Fans are receiving a Blue Jays AL Champions pennant flag as they step inside the building.
After the game, attendees will receive a Blue Jays schedule magnet.
- Jays players in the building Blue Jays players have arrived at Rogers Centre for tonight’s home opener.
The team shared photos and videos of the players’ arrival.
All of them are all smiles as they walk into the facility.
- Jays fans brave cold and start lining up Some Blue Jays fans have started lining up outside Rogers Centre amid below-freezing temperatures.
Many tell CP24 that they are excited to see the Blue Jays back in action following a memorable season last year.
They are also looking forward to witnessing the raising of the American League Championship banner.
Gates usually open two....
