UPDATE: In a thrilling climax to the World Series on October 28, 2023, Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement made history by setting a major league record with 30 playoff hits. His remarkable performance in Game 7 included three hits, surpassing the previous record of 29 hits held by Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays during the 2020 postseason.
Clement’s historic hits came in a nail-biting match against the Los Angeles Dodgers, which ended in a 4-4 tie before heading into extra innings. This record-breaking achievement is a testament to Clement’s extraordinary talent and perseverance, especially as he played a pivotal role in his first postseason.
During the game, Clement showcased his skills by getting a single in the second inning, another single that led to a run in the sixth, and finally, a leadoff double in the eighth that broke the record and chased Dodgers reliever Emmet Sheehan. This performance also extended Clement’s hitting streak to an impressive 13 games, breaking the previous Blue Jays postseason record held by catcher Pat Borders at 12 games in 1992.
As the game progressed, Clement’s efforts nearly clinched the World Series title for the Blue Jays. In a dramatic moment during the bottom of the ninth, his powerful drive to left-center field was caught at the warning track with the bases loaded, preventing a walk-off victory and sending the game into extra innings.
Clement’s journey to this historic moment has not been easy. Drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in 2017, he faced setbacks, including being designated for assignment in September 2022. Shortly after, he was claimed by the Athletics but was released the following spring. His resilience paid off when he signed a minor league deal with Toronto, where he played a career-high 157 games during the regular season, boasting a batting average of .277, nine home runs, and 50 RBIs.
In the postseason, Clement has elevated his batting average to an astonishing .417, contributing one home run and nine RBIs to the Blue Jays’ playoff campaign. His stellar performance has captivated fans and highlighted his potential as a rising star in Major League Baseball.
With the World Series title slipping away from the Blue Jays, the focus now shifts to the future. Fans and analysts alike will be watching Clement closely as he continues to develop his career in the MLB. This historic achievement not only marks a pivotal moment for Clement but also adds to the excitement surrounding the Blue Jays as they look to build on this season’s success.
For more updates on Ernie Clement and the Blue Jays, stay tuned as we continue to cover the latest developments in MLB.
