Ernie Clement shines with a perfect 4-for-4 night
Very few moments in Ernie Clement’s Major League Baseball journey encapsulate his spirit quite like the infield single he executed Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. The right-handed batter for the Toronto Blue Jays unleashed a fierce grounder to the backhand side of first baseman Ben Rice, who was stationed a considerable distance from the bag. Recognizing an opportunity, Clement sprinted towards first base with determination. His headfirst slide barely beat Rice’s foot to the base, a split-second decision that epitomized his hustle. Safe.
In a league increasingly dominated by power hitters, Clement stands apart. He isn’t the type to clear the fences regularly, but he showcases an exceptional talent for making contact—occasionally connecting for a home run, as seen in Game 2 of the ALDS against Max Fried. On this particular Tuesday night, despite the Blue Jays ultimately falling short, Clement’s performance commanded attention. He didn’t launch a home run, but he did achieve a remarkable 4-for-4 at the plate, including a double.
This marked Clement’s first career game with a perfect 4-for-4 record. While he has tallied impressive outings in the past, including a 5-for-6 and two 4-for-5 performances, this was the first time he managed to secure hits in all four of his at-bats in a major league game.
A player once overlooked by the Oakland Athletics and Cleveland Guardians, who doubted his potential, Clement found a new home with the Blue Jays a couple of seasons ago. More often than not, he has validated their faith in him. He embodies the essence of an old-school ballplayer, complete with high socks and an unwavering commitment to the game.
Clement’s winning mentality was forged early in his career when he clinched a college baseball national championship as a freshman at the University of Virginia. At this juncture, the Blue Jays find themselves in need of players who can deliver victories.
The concept of “winning plays” is frequently discussed in sports outside of baseball, but it’s equally relevant on the diamond. For instance, beating a ground ball to first base for an infield single? That’s the essence of a winning play, and that’s precisely what Clement brings to the table.
As the Blue Jays navigate the challenges of the season, Clement’s contributions continue to shine brightly, proving that determination and skill can indeed silence the doubters.
