Teoscar Hernandez hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the sixth inning, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. scored twice and the Blue Jays beat the Detroit Tigers 5-3 on Saturday, Toronto’s 11th win in 14 games.
Guerrero remained in the game after being hit in the left wrist by a pitch from Detroit right-hander Derek Law in Toronto’s four-run sixth inning. Guerrero went down sore after being hit and remained on the ground while receiving treatment before taking first base.
Blue Jays right-hander Trevor Richards (3-1) got two outs for the win. Yimi Garcia pitched 1 2/3 innings and Jordan Romano finished for his AL-leading 23rd save in 26 chances, ending Javier Baez’s retirement with a deep fly ball to the warning track in left with a runner first.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. drove in Guerrero with an RBI single in the first, but Riley Green and Kody Clemens each drove in a run in the fifth and Jonathan Schoop added an RBI single in the sixth to put the Tigers up 3-1.
After George Springer beat the back of a double play in the bottom of the sixth, Law (0-1) hit Guerrero and Gurriel reached on a fielding error by Law. Bo Bichette hit a sacrifice fly and a wild pitch put both runners ahead before Hernandez hit his 14th homer, a 424-foot shot to center field.
Tigers right-hander Drew Hutchison allowed one run on two hits in five innings against his former team, but the bullpen couldn’t resist.
Law was making his season debut after being promoted from the taxi team before the game. He allowed four runs, none earned, in one inning.
Right-hander Ross Stripling started for Toronto, allowing two runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings.
Bichette returned to shortstop after being cut from the starting lineup Friday because of left shoulder soreness. Springer, who did not play Friday because of right elbow soreness, was the designated hitter.