UPDATE: Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement has made history by setting a new major league record for postseason hits, achieving a stunning 30 hits during the playoffs. This record was established during Game 7 of the World Series on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where Clement’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary.
Clement’s record-breaking achievement comes after he notched three hits in a high-stakes match that ended in a tie at 4 runs, pushing the game into extra innings. His record surpasses the previous mark of 29 hits held by Randy Arozarena during his rookie season with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2020.
In a thrilling display of skill, Clement’s journey to 30 hits included a pivotal leadoff double in the eighth inning that forced Dodgers reliever Emmet Sheehan out of the game. Earlier in the game, he had also singled in the second inning and scored in the sixth, reinforcing his critical role in the Blue Jays’ postseason run.
With this achievement, Clement has not only broken records but has also extended his hitting streak to an impressive 13 games, a new postseason record for the Blue Jays. Previously, the record was held by Pat Borders, who had a 12-game streak in 1992.
Throughout this postseason, Clement has elevated his batting average to .417, further showcasing his talent on baseball’s biggest stage. In Game 7 alone, he recorded three hits in his first four at-bats, contributing significantly to his team’s efforts. In total, he has tallied one home run and nine RBIs during these playoffs.
“I didn’t come here to break records, but it’s an honor to be part of this team and make history,”
Clement remarked after the game, reflecting the emotional weight of his accomplishment and the team’s journey.
Despite his individual triumphs, the Blue Jays ultimately fell short in the World Series, with the Dodgers clinching the championship title for the second consecutive year. In a heart-stopping moment, Clement nearly won the game for Toronto in the bottom of the ninth inning; however, his powerful drive to left-center was caught on the warning track with the bases loaded.
Clement, aged 29, has had a challenging career path; drafted by Cleveland in 2017, he faced setbacks including being designated for assignment in September 2022. Following a brief stint with the Athletics, he joined the Blue Jays on a minor league deal, where he ultimately played a career-high 157 games in the regular season, boasting a batting average of .277 with nine home runs and 50 RBIs.
As the baseball world reflects on this remarkable achievement, eyes will be on Clement as he prepares for the next season, aiming to build on his record-breaking performance and lead the Blue Jays in future endeavors. The question now is how this historic moment will shape his career moving forward.
