Toronto Blue Jays: Michael Saunders Makes History In Blowout Win

With the Toronto Blue Jays offence firing on all cylinders, Michael Saunders has the best offensive game of his career while setting a record in the process

The Toronto Blue Jays offence has been unstoppable lately. Last night was the latest example, as they scored 13 runs against the Baltimore Orioles.

The 13-2 victory was the Blue Jays fourth win in a row. In particular, he night was marked by outfielder Michael Saunders, who had a historic game in the latest offensive outburst:

The Victoria B.C. native joined Joey Votto, Justin Morneau and Larry Walker as the only Canadians to hit three home runs in the game. His eight RBIs see him join a select group of Canadians, which includes Jason Bay, Larry Walker, and Georgie Selkirk.

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Saunders also set a Blue Jays record for most RBIs in a game by a Canadian. In addition, he was only one RBI away from equaling teammate Edwin Encarnacion for the team’s single game record.

Back in February, Saunders was almost traded for outfielder Jay Bruce and he has made it a point to prove management were wrong for wanting to move him. Luckily for the Blue Jays, his extra motivation has made him one of their best hitters.

The 29-year old has 15 home runs, 32 RBI, a .307 average and a .999 OPS. He has played in different spots in the lineup yet he continues to produce and fingers crossed, has avoided any serious injuries.

This could not have come at a better time for the Blue Jays, who now sit just one game back of the Orioles in the AL East. After winning three of four games earlier this month, they have carried the momentum with the help of Josh Donaldson, Encarnacion, Saunders and surprisingly, Kevin Pillar.

Pillar has hit .415 with 10 runs, five home runs and nine RBIs in his past 10 games. Donaldson had reached base safely 10 consecutive times with 10 hits in his last 15 at-bats, three homers, nine RBIs and 11 runs.

As a result, Donaldson has also raised his batting average to .280. Encarnacion has taken his game to another level, a stretch of games that has him with great some great company:

What is more impressive about the Blue Jays latest offensive outburst, is the fact it has not featured slugger Jose Bautista. Before landing on the DL, he has been dealing with his fair share of struggles at the plate.

Since May 1st, Bautista has hit only seven home runs, with a .219 and a .411 slugging percentage. It’s possible his struggles related to him being moved up to the leadoff spot.

However, it could also be a case of the injuries’ Bautista has been dealing with. Given that it has been a 40-game slump for him, moving to the leadoff spot seems to be the more likely reason.

Hopefully the Blue Jays can find a solution to the leadoff spot before Bautista returns, because getting him back on track will make this dangerous offence even more lethal, especially in the crucial months ahead. If Troy Tulowitzki can return to form and join Donaldson, Encarnacion and Saunders – along with Bautista – this lineup could start to look like the powerhouse it was expected to be before the season started.

Next: Blue Jays injury update

For now it is tough to say how long this offensive outburst can continue. However, it looks like it will not be slowing down anytime soon, which is exactly what the team needs in their push for the AL East crowd.