(Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images)
It was an Opening Day for the ages in St. Louis.
The Toronto Blue Jays, fresh off a productive offseason in which they acquired Daulton Varsho and Erik Swanson while also signing Kevin Kiermaier, Brandon Belt, and Chris Bassitt, served notice at Busch Stadium on Thursday.
In an offensive outburst from both sides, Toronto came out on top, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals by a final of 10-9.
Leading the way was outfielder George Springer, who picked up five hits and made a little Opening Day history.
The veteran slugger became the first player in American League history to have five hits and score four runs on Opening Day, as well as the first MLB player to accomplish that feat since Billy Herman did the honors for the Chicago Cubs in 1936.
George Springer made history on Opening Day. pic.twitter.com/HLnjMgGuHf
— theScore (@theScore) March 31, 2023
The Cardinals simply could not contain Springer on Thursday.
The slugger led the way for Toronto and helped spoil Opening Day in St. Louis, picking up starter Alek Manoah, who had an uncharacteristically rough outing.
The 33-year-old also drove in a run for Toronto, tying the game in the top of the ninth inning with a single off of All-Star closer Ryan Helsley.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. followed with a go-ahead sacrifice fly, which ultimately was the difference in the game.
Closer Jordan Romano came in to finish things off, and he made quick work of the Cardinals in the bottom of the ninth, securing an Opening Day win for the Blue Jays.
The two teams will be back at it on Saturday as Kevin Gausman and Jack Flaherty face off.
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