Vladdy makes Toronto a walk-off winner

TORONTO — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was the walk-off hero for the second time in two weeks on Tuesday night, sending Rogers Centre into a frenzy with a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth.

Alejandro Kirk got the inning started by coming off the bench to lead off with a single before George Springer worked a walk and Bo Bichette tied things up with a single, all setting things up for Guerrero’s moment and the 6-5 win over the Red Sox.

Just two weeks ago, on June 15, Guerrero recorded his first career walk-off hit against the Orioles.

The Blue Jays held a small lead into the late innings after Ross Stripling gave them five innings of two-run ball, but the Red Sox got to Toronto’s bullpen when Trent Thornton and Tim Mayza were rolled out in high-leverage spots. The Blue Jays countered with an aggressive approach of their own, though.

Jordan Romano, the once-busy closer who hadn’t pitched in a week, was summoned to keep the 5-4 deficit just that in the top of the ninth. It’s been a light June for Romano, with just six appearances after he was one of MLB’s busiest pitchers through April and May, but the right-hander got the job done to set up the walk-off.