Blue Jays Power Past Cubs 5-1: Clement, Varsho Homer as Toronto Reaches 70 Wins – Game Recap & Highlights (Aug. 12, 2025)

Tuesday, August 12th, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays Defeat Chicago Cubs 5-1, Reach 70 Wins

The Toronto Blue Jays secured their 70th victory of the season with a 5-1 win over the Chicago Cubs, becoming the first American League team to reach that mark. Homers by Ernie Clement and Daulton Varsho powered the Blue Jays, while strong pitching and timely hitting defined the game at Rogers Centre.

Blue Jays Offense Ignites Early

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led the way with three hits, helping the AL East-leading Blue Jays improve their record against National League opponents to 23-11. Alejandro Kirk contributed as well, driving in a run with an RBI single in the first inning as Toronto put together three hits to grab an early advantage.

Ernie Clement and Daulton Varsho Go Deep

In the fourth inning, Ernie Clement broke the game open with a three-run home run, capitalizing after Daulton Varsho led off the inning with a single and Ty France was hit by a pitch. Varsho added to the lead in the eighth, launching his 12th homer of the season with a solo shot that extended Toronto's advantage.

José Berríos Deals Against the Cubs

José Berríos delivered a strong performance before a season-high crowd of 43,003, allowing just two singles in 5 1/3 scoreless innings. The right-hander struck out three and walked four, securing his fourth consecutive winning decision. Over his last ten starts, Berríos is 7-1 with a 3.62 ERA.

Javier Assad Returns for the Cubs

Javier Assad made his first start since September 2024 after returning from a 60-day injured list stint with an oblique injury. Assad gave up four runs on eight hits over four innings, taking the loss as Chicago continued a difficult stretch, falling for the fifth time in seven games. In those defeats, the Cubs have managed just six runs total.

Cubs' Offense Struggles to Break Through

Chicago finally broke the shutout in the seventh inning when Michael Busch hit an RBI single off Tommy Nance. Brendon Little entered in relief and struck out Pete Crow-Armstrong with runners in scoring position, ending the Cubs’ hopes at a larger rally.

Andrés Giménez Returns for Toronto

Blue Jays infielder Andrés Giménez made his return from a sprained left ankle, going 1-for-3 with a walk. It was his first appearance since July 4.

Key Moment

The game’s turning point came in the fourth when Daulton Varsho singled, Ty France was hit by a pitch, and Ernie Clement crushed a first-pitch home run to left field, giving Toronto a commanding lead.

Key Stat

Toronto continues to dominate at home with a 39-19 record, while posting a 31-31 mark on the road.

Up Next

The Blue Jays will send right-hander Kevin Gausman (8-8, 3.85 ERA) to the mound for the next game of the series. The Cubs are set to start right-hander Cade Horton (6-3, 3.18 ERA).

In summary

The Toronto Blue Jays showcased power hitting and effective pitching to defeat the Chicago Cubs 5-1 and become the first AL team to 70 wins. Key home runs from Ernie Clement and Daulton Varsho, a strong outing from José Berríos, and clutch defense helped Toronto maintain their position atop the AL East. The Cubs continue to search for answers offensively, while both teams look ahead to the next matchup in the series.

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