Sanchez's two-run shot lifts Blue Jays to 4-2 win over Guardians in rubber match

Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) hits an RBI single against the Cleveland Guardians in first inning MLB baseball game action in Toronto on Sunday, April 26, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker

Jesus Sanchez’s two-run homer in the sixth inning and three-RBI game lifted the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-2 win in the rubber match of their three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led off the sixth with a double for his third hit of the game to set the table for Sanchez’s fourth of the season, which landed a few feet above where his teammate’s shot smacked off the right-field wall.

The Blue Jays (12-15) won their second series in a row, while the American League Central Division-leading Guardians (15-14) lost for the third time in four outings.

Sanchez’s game-winning smash came off Cleveland starter Slade Cecconi (0-4). He lasted 5 2/3 innings, giving up four runs on six hits with a walk and five strikeouts.

Toronto starter Patrick Corbin departed after yielding two runs in the fifth inning, giving way to reliever Braydon Fisher (1-0). Corbin tossed 84 pitches over 4 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on six hits with two walks and four strikeouts before 41,136 at Rogers Centre.

Blue Jays reliever Louis Varland earned his third save with a one-hit, two-strikeout ninth inning.

Guerrero singled in Ernie Clement, and Daulton Varsho scored on Sanchez’s sacrifice fly for a two-run opening inning.

Brayan Rocchio singled in the Guardians’ first run. Angel Martinez tied the game with a double to left field.

Takeaways

Blue Jays: Left-fielder Yohendrick Pinango made his Major League Baseball debut, knocking a single to centre for his first hit in his second at-bat. The 23-year-old Venezuelan was promoted from triple-A Buffalo after Nathan Lukes (left hamstring) was placed on the 10-day injured list.

Guardians: After going an MLB-best 13-1 against left-handed starters, Cleveland lost for just the second time against a southpaw since Sept. 3.

Key moment

Fisher loaded the bases in the fifth inning after back-to-back walks but then coaxed David Fry into a strikeout for the third out.

Key stat

Seven years ago to the day, Guerrero made his MLB debut, becoming the fifth youngest to play for the Blue Jays at 20 years 41 days. He marked the anniversary with two singles and a double.

Up next

Toronto righty Dylan Cease (1-0) will start the series opener at home against Boston Red Sox lefty Ranger Suarez (1-2) on Monday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 26, 2026.

Tim Wharnsby, The Canadian Press