Scherzer gives up three homers as Blue Jays fall to Guardians in series opener

The blast ended the night for Scherzer (1-3), who allowed six hits, three walks and seven earned runs. His earned-run average jumped to 9.64 from 7.16.

Jesus Sanchez and Kazuma Okamoto hit solo homers for Toronto (10-15) off Guardians starter Gavin Williams (4-1), who allowed six earned runs and seven hits over six innings.

Andres Gimenez hit a two-run single for the Blue Jays.

Hunter Gaddis threw a clean seventh inning for the Guardians (15-12) and Edmonton native Erik Sabrowski worked a 1-2-3 eighth.

Another Canadian, Vancouver native Cade Smith, gave up two singles before closing it out for his sixth save.

A sellout crowd of 41,671 took in the opener of the three-game series.

TAKEAWAYS

Blue Jays: Outfielder Nathan Lukes left the game after hitting a double in the first inning. He was removed due to left hamstring discomfort. Lukes was replaced by pinch-runner Davis Schneider, who played in left field with Sanchez moving to right.

Guardians: It was the first time in Schneemann’s career that he led off a game with a home run. It was his third homer of the season.

KEY MOMENT

In the third inning, Martinez fouled off seven pitches and drew three balls before turning on a Scherzer fastball for his fifth homer of the year.

KEY STAT

It was the 1,000th career game for Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

COMING UP

The three-game series continues Saturday with right-hander Kevin Gausman (1-1, 2.54 ERA) scheduled to start against Cleveland left-hander Joey Cantillo (1-0, 3.20).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 24, 2026.

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Scherzer gives up three homers as Blue Jays fall to Guardians in series opener

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