Addison Barger's late Game 3 home run meant more than you thought for the Blue Jays

"In Game 3 of the ALCS, the Toronto Blue Jays' bats exploded and Shane Bieber dealt on the mound, resulting in a lopsided 13-4 win. After being held to only four combined runs in the first two games the offense finally reignited. This team has been a far cry from the team that put up 39 runs in the ALDS. Included in the five home run game was Addison Barger's ninth-inning blast."

"Barger has had an up-and-down season and has struggled in the ALCS. He went 0-for-6 with two walks in Game 1. After going 0-for-4 in Game 3, he faced a 1-1 count, then crushed an inside fastball from Luke Jackson to deep right for his first postseason home run, making it 13-4, the fifth Blue Jays homer. Andrés Giménez, George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Alejandro Kirk also homered, matching the team's Game 2 ALDS total."

"Barger's home run meant more with family and friends watching. Born in Bellevue, Washington, he lived near T-Mobile Park for six years before moving to Florida. Rounding the bases in his hometown was special, especially since he's had a tough first full MLB season, hitting .223/.284/.395 in the second half of the season and moving down the lineup. Despite his ups and downs, Barger has excelled in his hometown."

The Toronto Blue Jays erupted for a 13-4 victory in Game 3 of the ALCS as their offense finally reignited after being held to four combined runs in the first two games. Shane Bieber pitched effectively while the lineup produced five home runs from Andrés Giménez, George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk, and Addison Barger. Barger hit his first postseason home run in the ninth inning, providing a symbolic spark. Born in Bellevue, Washington, Barger rounded the bases in front of family and friends despite a difficult season. The Blue Jays hope the blast energizes their push for a World Series trip since 1993.

Read at Jays Journal