(Denver) Whit Merrifield hit the big hit after two outs in the ninth on Sunday, guiding the Toronto Blue Jays to a 7-5 win over the Colorado Rockies.
The 34-year-old veteran singled outfield to break the 5-5 deadlock, pushing Mason McCoy home.
McCoy was pinch runner for Santiago Espinal, who opened the inning with a single.
Merrifield lodged the ball to the right side of the infield, when second baseman Brendan Rodgers was set up far right of his usual spot.
It was Merrifield’s first hit of the game in five at bats.
McCoy was at second base after Spencer Horwitz walked a base after two outs.
Merrifield followed up with the timely hit, at the expense of Justin Lawrence (4-7).
Ernie Clement added a one-run single, also to the opposite field.
Horwitz was recalled from Buffalo to the AAA on Saturday for a second stint with the Blue Jays this year.
He hit his first major league homer in the fourth, a solo hit that tied the odds 2-2.
“It was surreal,” Horwitz said. I was lucky because my brother was there to share that moment with me. I will always remember that. »
Horwitz and Clement each had three hits, among the dozen collected by the visitors.
“It’s starting to click for the team,” said Horwitz, whose club has lost just once in four games.
“The attack was on point. Pitchers, they’ve been doing the job since the start of the season. That’s exciting. »
The win went to reliever Chad Green (1-0), while Jordan Romano had a 32nd save.
Toronto, Houston and Texas are in a very tight fight for the last two playoff spots in the American.
The Jays will host the Rangers Sept. 11-14.
Until then, the Canadian club will play in Oakland before hosting the Royals.
Hunter Goodman drove in three runs with two doubles for the Rockies.
Since August 15, Lawrence has allowed 12 earned runs in six innings, spread over seven games.
He has an average of 18.00 during this period.
“He lacked accuracy on the first at-bats,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. He had to work a little harder with each batter. He must take the lead and remain aggressive. »
