Ernie Clement made history on Saturday night with a pivotal single in the second inning, securing his place in the Toronto Blue Jays playoff record books. This hit extended Clement’s remarkable post-season hit streak to 13 games, surpassing the previous record set by Pat Borders. Not only did this achievement make him the leader for most singles in a single post-season run for the franchise, but it also showcased his consistency and skill on the field.
Clement’s impressive streak began in Game 2 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners and has continued to captivate fans and analysts alike. As he stepped onto the field for Game 7 of the World Series, Clement boasted a stellar batting average of .353 with 18 hits, including five extra-base hits, throughout his phenomenal streak.
Throughout the entire post-season, Clement has accumulated a total of 28 hits, with only two games where he was unable to secure a hit. These standout performances have solidified his legacy in Blue Jays history and have drawn comparisons to past greats like Pat Borders, who achieved a 12-game hit streak in the 1992 post-season.
In addition to Clement’s historic moment, reliever Louis Varland also made headlines on Saturday. Varland entered his 15th relief appearance in the post-season, setting a new MLB record for the most playoff appearances. This accomplishment placed Varland among elite company, surpassing notable pitchers like Brandon Morrow and Paul Assenmacher.
Varland’s journey to this record-breaking moment began when the Blue Jays acquired him from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline, showcasing the team’s strategic moves to bolster their bullpen strength. Despite facing challenges during the regular season, Varland’s resilience and talent have shone through in the playoffs, cementing his status as a key player for the Blue Jays.
