Rookie catcher Brandon Valenzuela hit a walk-off single in the ninth inning on Tuesday, lifting the Toronto Blue Jays to a 3-2 comeback win over the Philadelphia Phillies at Rogers Centre.
The hit capped a two-run rally against Phillies reliever Jhoan Duran, who blew his first save opportunity after converting his first 16 chances this season.
The rally began when Jesus Sanchez reached on an infield single and was replaced by pinch-runner Myles Straw.
Straw scored the tying run on a wild pitch by Duran, and Daulton Varsho advanced to third on the same pitch.
Varsho then scored the winning run when Valenzuela lined the next pitch into left field in front of 41,079 fans.
Valenzuela's Offensive Turnaround
Valenzuela's game-winning hit continues an impressive stretch.
He shifted from a leg kick to a rocking swing trigger in late April after advice from hitting coaches David Popkins, Lou Iannotti, and Cody Atkinson.
"It clicked right away," Valenzuela said. "I started seeing the ball better.
I feel like I have better ABs and I'm giving the team a chance with my ABs."
The adjustment sparked a turnaround. After starting his major-league career with a .
147 average, Valenzuela entered Tuesday batting . 301 with six home runs and 14 RBIs over his previous 30 games.
His surge creates a roster dilemma for the Blue Jays as primary catcher Alejandro Kirk prepares to return from a broken thumb as early as Friday's series against the New York Yankees.
Valenzuela has minor-league options remaining, while backup Tyler Heineman is out of options, meaning Toronto could risk losing Heineman on waivers if they demote him.
"Kirky and Heinie worked really well last year," manager John Schneider said.
He acknowledged the team lacks depth behind Valenzuela but noted Kirk will need to build up his workload upon returning.
Valenzuela has also earned praise from the pitching staff for his improved defense and pitch framing.
"He's getting close to Kirky's level where you think you're throwing way more strikes than maybe you are," pitcher Kevin Gausman said.
Gausman commended Valenzuela's pitch-calling and receiving, especially on fastballs in on lefties.
Infielder Ernie Clement lauded Valenzuela's power and development after the catcher recorded three hits on Saturday against the Orioles.
"He's got to be the most improved player in the big-leagues this year," Clement said.
"When he's being aggressive and swinging the bat like he has, even when he swings and misses, you hear it in the dugout, everybody's like, 'Ooh.'
That's what you want to hear."
Game Highlights and What's Next
The game also featured the return of Toronto starter Dylan Cease from a left hamstring strain. He struck out 11 batters and allowed one run over six innings.
Philadelphia starter Zack Wheeler pitched six innings, allowing one run on six hits while striking out five.
Jesus Sanchez scored Toronto's first run on a sixth-inning homer off Wheeler.
Louis Varland earned the win in relief for Toronto after giving up a tiebreaking RBI double to Bryson Stott in the top of the ninth.
Duran took the loss for Philadelphia.
Up next, Toronto will start right-hander Max Scherzer as he returns from the injured list on Wednesday against Philadelphia left-hander Jesus Luzardo.
