BALTIMORE (AP)

— Vladimir Guerrero Jr. showcased his power in a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles, hitting home runs in both games and leading the Toronto Blue Jays to an 8-4 victory in the nightcap. Guerrero's impressive performance included a solo homer, three doubles, and three RBIs, bringing his total to seven hits and five RBIs across the two games. The Orioles struggled defensively, committing three errors in the second game, which contributed to three unearned runs for Toronto. In the first game, the Orioles secured an 11-5 win, buoyed by a strong pitching debut from Zach Eflin and Anthony Santander's milestone 30th home run. However, the Orioles' recent form has been concerning, as they have lost 11 of their last 17 games, narrowing their lead over the New York Yankees in the AL East to just half a game. The second game saw the Blue Jays take control early, with Guerrero's eighth-inning homer giving them a crucial lead. Toronto manager John Schneider praised the team's resilience, noting the importance of bouncing back after the first game's loss. Bowden Francis, making his first start since June, pitched effectively for the Blue Jays, allowing three runs over 5 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, Eflin expressed his excitement about playing in front of a lively crowd, contrasting it with his previous experience in Tampa. Despite a severe bloody nose that required treatment, Orioles catcher James McCann remained in the game, highlighting the competitive spirit of both teams in this tightly contested doubleheader.