Ernie Clement Sets MLB Post-Season Record with 30 Hits for Blue Jays

Ernie Clement made history during the MLB World Series by setting a new post-season record. The Toronto Blue Jays infielder accomplished this feat with 30 hits in one post-season, surpassing the previous record of 29 hits held by Randy Arozarena.

Record-Breaking Performance in Game 7

During Game 7, which took place on Saturday night, Clement delivered three hits. He began with a single in the second inning and added another single in the sixth. His record-breaking moment came in the eighth inning when he hit a leadoff double against Dodgers reliever Emmet Sheehan.

Previous Records and Context

Randy Arozarena set his record in 2020 during the playoffs when he played with the Tampa Bay Rays. That year, Tampa Bay participated in 20 playoff games across four rounds. In contrast, the Blue Jays played 18 games in three post-season rounds but also faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Series.

Clement’s Impressive Stats

• Clement batted .411 with 30 hits in 73 at-bats.
• He recorded one home run and nine runs batted in during the playoffs.
• He extended his hitting streak to 13 games, a franchise record, surpassing Pat Borders’ record of 12 games from 1992.

Game 7 Details

Clement finished Game 7 with a 3-for-5 performance. Despite his contributions, the Blue Jays lost in an intense match that ended 5-4 after 11 innings. In a dramatic moment, Clement nearly clinched the title for Toronto with a long fly ball, but it was caught at the warning track, leaving the game tied at 4-4.

Emotional Aftermath

After the game, Clement expressed his emotional state, saying, “I’ve been crying for like probably for an hour. I thought I was done with the tears.”

Career Background

Drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in 2017, Clement faced challenges in his career. He was designated for assignment in September 2022 and later claimed by the Athletics, only to be released in spring 2023. He signed a minor league deal with Toronto, where he excelled in the regular season, playing 157 games and achieving a .277 batting average, complemented by nine home runs and 50 RBIs.

The 2024 season marked a high point for Clement as he set personal records with 12 home runs and 51 RBIs while playing for the Blue Jays.