KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) \u2014 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Andres Gimenez drove in two runs apiece as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 Sunday and clinched a playoff berth.<\/p>\n
Toronto is the first team in the American League to secure a spot in the playoffs, returning to the postseason for the first time since 2023, and improved its AL-best and AL East-leading record to 90-66.<\/p>\n
The Blue Jays scored three runs in the second inning on run-scoring hits by Gimenez, Tyler Heineman and George Springer. Guerrero hit a two-run double in the fifth and Addison Barger followed with an RBI double to give Toronto a 6-2 lead.<\/p>\n
After the Royals cut their deficit to 6-5, Ernie Clement and Gimenez had RBI hits in the eighth to extend Toronto\u2019s lead to 8-5.<\/p>\n
Toronto starter Trey Yesavage worked four innings, allowing four runs on five hits while walking three and striking out two. Seranthony Dominguez (4-4) pitched 1 1\/3 innings for the win, and Jeff Hoffman recorded his 32nd save of the season.<\/p>\n
Carter Jensen had a two-run double in the fourth inning, Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez hit consecutive run-scoring singles in the fifth and Randal Grichuk picked up an RBI in the sixth to complete Kansas City\u2019s scoring.<\/p>\n
Michael Wacha (9-13) gave up six earned runs on eight hits in five innings with one walk and four strikeouts.<\/p>\n
Key moment<\/p>\n
Gimenez\u2019s triple in the eighth all but sealed the win, giving the Blue Jays a three-run lead.<\/p>\n
Key stat<\/p>\n
Toronto snapped a four-game skid. The Blue Jays still control their own destiny as far as their finish in the AL.<\/p>\n
Up next<\/p>\n
The Blue Jays send RHP Kevin Gausman (10-10, 3.38 ERA) against Boston on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The Royals head to Los Angeles to face the Angels. Neither team has named a starter.<\/p>\n
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