Ernie Clement Sets Postseason Hits Record in Blue Jays’ World Series Heartbreak

TORONTO — As the Toronto Blue Jays’ World Series hopes faded late Saturday night, Ernie Clement still managed to etch his name into baseball history. The 29-year-old infielder collected three hits in Game 7, setting a new major league record for most hits in a single postseason with 30 — surpassing Randy Arozarena’s 2020 mark of 29.

Clement’s performance stood out in a tense and emotional finale that saw Toronto fall 5–4 to the Los Angeles Dodgers in extra innings. Though the loss ended the Blue Jays’ remarkable playoff run, Clement’s consistency throughout October became one of the defining stories of the postseason.

He reached the milestone with a leadoff double in the eighth inning off Dodgers reliever Emmet Sheehan, moments after singling earlier in the game and scoring in the sixth. That double — his third hit of the night — drew a loud ovation from the home crowd, who had watched his bat carry Toronto’s offense for weeks.

Clement also extended his hitting streak to 13 games, breaking the previous team postseason record held by 1992 World Series MVP Pat Borders. His final postseason batting line — .411 with a home run and nine RBIs — underscored one of the most remarkable playoff debuts in recent memory.

1. From Fringe Player to October Star

Clement’s rise to postseason prominence was far from guaranteed. Drafted by Cleveland in 2017, he spent several years as a utility player, bouncing between teams and struggling to find a long-term role. By 2022, his career appeared uncertain — designated for assignment by Cleveland and later released by Oakland before signing a minor league deal with Toronto. That signing would eventually reshape his career. Clement earned a roster spot in 2023 and gradually worked his way into an everyday role by 2024. Known for his steady defense and contact hitting, he played in a career-high 157 games this season, appearing across all four infield positions. His versatility became vital for a Blue Jays team that rebuilt its identity around resilience and depth. Clement rewarded that faith with a breakout year, hitting .277 with nine home runs and 50 RBIs — all personal bests at the time. He built on that success in 2024, setting new career highs with 12 home runs and 51 RBIs before delivering one of the best postseason performances in franchise history. For a player once viewed as a depth piece, Clement’s October heroics symbolized Toronto’s broader resurgence.

2. Inches Away from Glory

Clement’s record-setting night nearly ended in storybook fashion. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth and the score tied at 4, he launched a deep drive to left-center field that had the crowd on its feet — only to see it caught on the warning track. The near-miss would send Game 7 into extra innings, where the Dodgers ultimately prevailed. “Off the bat, I thought it might go,” one teammate said after the game. “That’s baseball — a game of inches.” Despite the heartbreak, Clement’s postseason established him as one of the sport’s most reliable contact hitters under pressure. His combination of patience, timing, and situational awareness allowed him to thrive even against elite playoff pitching. The Blue Jays’ season ended just short of a championship, but Clement’s emergence as a key contributor provides optimism for the future. His resilience — from waiver claim to postseason record-holder — captured the spirit of a team that transformed from last-place finishers to World Series contenders.

3. A Historic Run, and a Glimpse Ahead

Clement’s 30 postseason hits broke a record that once seemed untouchable. Unlike Arozarena’s 2020 run — which came during a shortened, four-round postseason — Clement accomplished his feat across 18 games and three rounds, adding context to an already historic achievement. In the process, he became a cornerstone of Toronto’s unexpected playoff surge, combining defensive steadiness with timely hitting. His streak of 13 consecutive postseason games with a hit now stands as a franchise record, a mark likely to be remembered long after the sting of Game 7 fades. As Toronto turns its attention to the offseason, Clement’s breakout campaign positions him as a key piece of the team’s core. His quiet leadership and relentless work ethic have earned praise from coaches and teammates alike, who see him as emblematic of the club’s renewed identity. While the Blue Jays’ championship dreams ended one swing short, Clement’s record-breaking postseason ensured their 2025 story will be remembered not just for heartbreak, but for history.