Vladimir Guerrero Jr., left, and George Springer, right, celebrate the Toronto Blue Jays clinching a playoff berth at Kauffman Stadium on Sunday in Kansas City, Missouri.Ed Zurga/Getty Images
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Andres Gimenez drove in two runs apiece as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 Sunday and clinched a playoff berth.
Toronto is the first team in the American League to secure a spot in the playoffs, returning to the postseason for the first time since 2023, and improved its AL-best and AL East-leading record to 90-66.
The Blue Jays scored three runs in the second inning on run-scoring hits by Gimenez, Tyler Heineman and George Springer. Guerrero hit a two-run double in the fifth and Addison Barger followed with an RBI double to give Toronto a 6-2 lead.
After the Royals cut their deficit to 6-5, Ernie Clement and Gimenez had RBI hits in the eighth to extend Toronto’s lead to 8-5.
Toronto starter Trey Yesavage worked four innings, allowing four runs on five hits while walking three and striking out two. Seranthony Dominguez (4-4) pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win, and Jeff Hoffman recorded his 32nd save of the season.
Toronto's Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is caught stealing second by Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. during the 7th inning.Charlie Riedel/The Associated Press
Carter Jensen had a two-run double in the fourth inning, Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez hit consecutive run-scoring singles in the fifth and Randal Grichuk picked up an RBI in the sixth to complete Kansas City’s scoring.
Michael Wacha (9-13) gave up six earned runs on eight hits in five innings with one walk and four strikeouts.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider, centre, celebrates with players in the clubhouse after the game.Charlie Riedel/The Associated Press
Key moment
Gimenez’s triple in the eighth all but sealed the win, giving the Blue Jays a three-run lead.
Key stat
Toronto snapped a four-game skid. The Blue Jays still control their own destiny as far as their finish in the AL.
Up next
The Blue Jays send RHP Kevin Gausman (10-10, 3.38 ERA) against he visiting Boston Red Sox on Tuesday.
The Royals head to Los Angeles to face the Angels. Neither team has named a starter.