Over the weekend, Ernie Clement of the Toronto Blue Jays made a significant mark in the team’s playoff history by setting a new record. Clement’s single hit in the second inning extended his post-season hit streak to 13 games, surpassing the previous record held by Pat Borders. This achievement also earned Clement the title of having the most singles in a single post-season in the franchise’s history. His impressive streak began during Game 2 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners.
As of Game 7 of the World Series, Clement boasts impressive statistics, with a slash line of .353/.358/.471, 18 hits, and five extra-base hits during his streak. Throughout the post-season, he has accumulated a total of 28 hits, only being held hitless during Game 1 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees and Game 1 against Seattle.
Pat Borders previously held the record with a 12-game streak in the 1992 post-season, earning the World Series MVP title during the Blue Jays’ historic championship victory. The overall MLB playoff hit streak record currently belongs to Ketel Marte, who achieved a 16-game streak during the 2023 post-season with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
In addition to Clement’s record-breaking performance, Blue Jays reliever Louis Varland also made history during Saturday’s game. Varland’s appearance in the fifth inning marked his 15th relief stint in the post-season, setting a new MLB record for the most playoff appearances. He surpassed the previous record held jointly by Brandon Morrow (2017, Dodgers) and Paul Assenmacher (1997, Cleveland), both of whom played crucial roles in their teams’ journeys to the World Series.
Varland was acquired by the Blue Jays from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline, along with infielder Ty France, in exchange for outfielder Alan Roden and pitching prospect Kendry Rojas. During his regular-season appearances with Toronto, the 27-year-old right-hander demonstrated his talent with a 4.94 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 23.2 innings.