UPDATE: In a thrilling Game 7 of the World Series on Saturday night, Ernie Clement of the Toronto Blue Jays made history by achieving a remarkable 30 hits in a single postseason, breaking the previous record held by Randy Arozarena. This record-breaking performance unfolded in front of an electrified crowd at the Rogers Centre, marking a pivotal moment in MLB history.
Clement’s historic achievement came as he recorded three hits during the decisive game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. With this, he surpasses Arozarena’s record of 29 hits set during the 2020 postseason as a rookie with the Tampa Bay Rays. Both teams faced the Dodgers in their respective World Series matchups, but Clement’s Blue Jays fought valiantly in an intense contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The 29-year-old infielder showcased his hitting prowess with a single in the second inning, followed by another single that scored a run in the sixth. He then broke the record with a leadoff double in the eighth, sending Dodgers reliever Emmet Sheehan to the bench. In addition to his record-breaking hits, Clement extended his postseason hitting streak to an impressive 13 games, surpassing the previous Blue Jays record held by Pat Borders since 1992.
Clement’s postseason batting average now stands at an astonishing .417, bolstered by three hits in just four at-bats during Game 7. His performance includes one home run and nine RBIs, showcasing his vital role in the Blue Jays’ playoff run.
Despite his individual success, the game ended in heartbreak for Clement and the Blue Jays. With the score tied at 4 in the bottom of the ninth, he nearly secured a win for Toronto. His powerful drive to left-center field, however, was caught on the warning track with the bases loaded, pushing the game into extra innings.
Clement’s journey to this record has not been without challenges. Drafted by Cleveland in 2017, he faced setbacks, including being designated for assignment in September 2022. After a brief stint with the Athletics, he found a new home with the Blue Jays, where he played a career-high 157 games during the regular season, hitting .277 with nine home runs and 50 RBIs.
As fans digest this historic achievement, the Blue Jays are left to reflect on an extraordinary postseason run. What lies ahead for Clement and the Blue Jays remains to be seen, but this record will undoubtedly cement his place in baseball history and ignite discussions about the future of this talented player.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
