Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smacked a homer and two run-producing doubles as the Toronto Blue Jays forged a doubleheader split, defeating the host Baltimore Orioles 8-4 in the nightcap on Monday.
Guerrero broke a fourth-inning tie with his first double of the night, and the Blue Jays led the rest of the way on a long day at the ballpark. The second game was delayed for about 90 minutes because of inclement weather.
Baltimore won the opener 11-5, but the Orioles haven’t swept a doubleheader in eight years. That’s a span of 26 twinbills without coming out with a sweep (13 times swept, 13 splits).
Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis (4-2) returned from Triple-A Buffalo and notched the victory. He worked 5 2/3 innings, giving up three runs on six hits. He walked one and struck out two.
Colton Cowser and Jordan Westburg homered for the Orioles, who were aiming to build a three-game winning streak. Cowser hit Francis’ third pitch of the game deep to right-center to draw Baltimore even at 1-1.
Orioles starter Cade Povich (1-5) lasted 4 1/3 innings and was charged with six runs (three earned) on seven hits and five walks. He fanned one.
Guerrero racked up four hits and Ernie Clement had three hits as the Blue Jays won for the fourth time in their past five games.
Leo Jimenez and Kevin Kiermaier both added two hits for the Blue Jays, while George Springer had an RBI single and three walks.
Cowser’s long ball was his 15th, and Westburg belted a two-run shot in the second inning, his 18th.
Orioles catcher James McCann, who stayed in Game 1 despite being hit in the face by a first-inning pitch, didn’t play in the nightcap.
Cowser’s seventh-inning single knocked in a run to pull the Orioles within 6-4.
Guerrero’s second homer of the day, off reliever Cole Irvin in the eighth, increased Toronto’s lead to 7-4. It was his 21st of the season.
Guerrero padded the lead with a ninth-inning double off Craig Kimbrel.