Jays’ Clement marks 500th milestone with memorable performance in 6-4 win

TORONTO — Ernie Clement made his 500th career game a memorable one.

He slammed a go-ahead, three-run homer in the third and tripled two innings later to score the Toronto Blue Jays’ (31-34) final run in their 6-4 win against the Baltimore Orioles (31-34) on Saturday.

To punctuate his outstanding afternoon, Clement made two fantastic defensive plays at second base in the final two innings.

“You’ve got to be locked in every day because when you’re not, the ball finds you,” Clement said. “So I try to just be ready to play every single day, and you know those games happen. It definitely goes the other way, too, sometimes. So just got to ride the wave, I guess.”

The wave at the plate has lasted 27 games. During this stretch, Clement has batted .343 with six doubles, a triple, five home runs, 16 RBIs, and 18 runs scored. He leads the American League in hits with 76 and doubles (19). His two-hit game on Saturday was his team-leading 20th multi-hit outing in 2026.

“Everyone knows he’s aggressive,” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “I think with a guy like him, I’m sure, pitchers are trying to get out of the zone. But they still make mistakes, and he’s capitalizing. It was a really good all-around game from him.”

Earlier in the week, Schneider moved Clement to fifth in the batting order. The second baseman likes the spot because he has opportunities to cash in at the top of the order.

Schneider also moved rookie catcher Brandon Valenzuela into the sixth spot, the highest he’s been this season. Valenzuela came through with two singles, a double and a sacrifice fly.

“I love the way he’s swinging the bat,” Clement said. “It looks like he’s looking to do damage every single swing. Unlike me, he has a lot of thump to the middle of the field.

“He’s been awesome behind the plate. We’re lucky to have him on our team. I think he’s got to be the most improved player in the big leagues this year. He’s gotten so much better over the last month or two.”

DEFENDING HOFFMAN

Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman allowed a two-run homer in the sixth inning to Baltimore’s Pete Alonso, the 277th of his career.

The sellout gathering of 41,868 at Rogers Centre was quick to jeer Hoffman, who surrendered the game-tying, ninth-inning homer to Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas in Game 7 of the World Series last year.

But Schneider and Clement have faith in the 33-year-old pitcher.

“I love our fans, and I get it that they want people to be great,” Schneider said. “But I’d rather them boo me than Jeff Hoffman. Jeff is one of the best teammates, one of the best dudes we have in that clubhouse. I think what matters to him is how the people around him feel, and that part is never going to change for me or from the guys in the clubhouse.”

Schneider called Hoffman’s season “weird” because he has a 6.26 ERA with four homers, yet has 47 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings.

“We trust Jeff and 100 per cent have his back,” Clement said. “He’s going to continue to get better. We love him and know he’s going to be just fine.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2026.