Toronto offence takes flight in rout of Athletics

Ernie Clement and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit homers in Toronto's eight-run second inning to help power the Blue Jays to a 12-0 rout of the Athletics on Thursday night at Rogers Centre.

TORONTO – Ernie Clement and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit homers in Toronto’s eight-run second inning to help power the Blue Jays to a 12-0 rout of the Athletics on Thursday night at Rogers Centre.

Clement smacked a three-run shot and added a two-run double later in the frame as the Blue Jays batted around. Guerrero hit a two-run rainbow blast that left him tied for the team lead with eight homers this season.

Athletics starter Jacob Lopez (0-3) was chased after recording just five outs. He gave up six hits, a walk and seven earned runs.

Toronto piled on in the third inning as Bo Bichette and George Springer went deep off reliever Anthony Maldonado.

The Blue Jays’ 18-hit outburst was a welcome development for a team that managed six total runs and was 4-for-45 with runners in scoring position over its recent six-game road trip.

Bichette scored twice and drove in three runs. Clement and Alejandro Kirk had three hits apiece.

Toronto’s fourth straight home win lifted the team back to the .500 mark at 28-28. The Athletics (23-34) have dropped eight straight road games.

Blue Jays starter Jose Berrios (2-2) was in full control over his six-inning appearance. He allowed two hits, two walks and had nine strikeouts.