Guerrero’s Homer Leads Blue Jays to Series Win Over Cubs

TORONTO, Ontario — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday.

Guerrero’s blast off Max Scherzer helped the Blue Jays secure the series win. It marked the All-Star slugger’s 20th home run of the season. Scherzer (3-2) pitched seven-plus innings, allowing one run on five hits and improving his career record against the Cubs to 6-2 in 12 starts.

The Cubs took a brief lead when Michael Busch hit a solo homer in the sixth inning. However, trouble struck in the seventh when Davis Schneider, who walked to open the inning, advanced on a sacrifice bunt. Guerrero then connected on an 0-2 pitch, sending it 402 feet to left-center to give Toronto the lead.

Although the Cubs had opportunities, they struggled with runners in scoring position, going 0-for-8. In the eighth inning, with runners on second and third and no outs, they failed to score after three consecutive strikeouts.

The pitching matchup between Scherzer and Cubs’ Matthew Boyd was tight; Boyd allowed two runs on just two hits over seven innings but walked Schneider, which proved costly. Both pitchers delivered impressive performances, with Scherzer’s experience ultimately sealing the deal.

The Cubs now have a 2-4 record on their recent road trip, scoring just six runs against the Blue Jays. They return home to face the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

“We’ve got to capitalize on chances when we have them,” Boyd said. “It’s frustrating to pitch well and not get any support.”