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By Peter Chawaga
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Toronto Blue Jays built on a strong lead in the American League East division with a win over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, and it featured a clutch moment from the franchise star.
In the seventh inning, after the offense was unable to get anything going against their former teammate Matthew Boyd, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had a chance to take the lead. Facing an 0-and-2 count, he hit a curveball over the wall in left field for a go-ahead home run, and the Blue Jays maintained that lead to win the game.
It was particularly heroic for Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer, who left the game after giving up one run on a solo home run to Cubs' first baseman Michael Busch. From the dugout, though, he was optimistic that one of his teammates would come through.
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"Just kept telling myself we're not going to lose this game 1-0," Scherzer told The Athletic's Mitch Bannon. "I'm not losing this game on the solo shot. Somebody's going to come through for us. Just kept repeating that in my head."
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And, as Scherzer was focusing on that belief, Guerrero realized it.
"And, finally, Vladdy," the future Hall of Fame pitcher added, per Bannon.
While Guerrero played the hero on Thursday, Scherzer's performance might be even more encouraging for the Blue Jays as they look to turn their strong second half of the season into a deep playoff run.
After spending a significant amount of time on the injured list this year, Scherzer turned in a vintage performance against the Cubs. If he can maintain that form, the Blue Jays will have a strong playoff rotation with Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios and Chris Bassitt, plus trade deadline addition Shane Bieber waiting in the wings.
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