Joe Davis Sparks Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Breakout from Month-Long Home Run Slump

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Breaks Postseason Slump with Home Run in Blue Jays’ ALDS Opener

Guerrero’s Striking Comeback Shifts Toronto’s Postseason Momentum

In the opening game of the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the New York Yankees, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. surprised fans and commentators alike by hitting a home run for the Toronto Blue Jays. His performance came just after Fox broadcaster Joe Davis noted Guerrero’s extended dry spell, catalyzing what sports fans are calling another “Davis announcer jinx.”

Guerrero’s Postseason Struggles

Prior to this pivotal game, Guerrero Jr. hadn’t hit a home run in a month, and his batting average had plummeted in the final weeks of the regular season. He entered the ALDS with a postseason record of going 3-for-22, with zero home runs across six games in three playoff appearances, and his team had never won a playoff game during his career. However, his recent 3-for-4 performance with two RBIs and a sacrifice fly helped Toronto secure a decisive Game 1 victory, ending a seven-game postseason losing streak.

Broadcasting Highlights and Jinxes

The call by Joe Davis during the Fox broadcast added a layer of intrigue to the moment. Earlier, Davis humorously pointed out Guerrero’s lack of homers right before Guerrero silenced critics with a home run. This instance is one of many alleged announcer “jinxes” by Davis throughout the year, including a similar situation with Pittsburgh Steelers’ kicker Chris Boswell and New York Mets’ Francisco Lindor.

Toronto Blue Jays’ Explosive Offense

Toronto’s offense exploded for 10 runs in their win, bolstered by catcher Alejandro Kirk’s two solo home runs. The victory was essential for the Blue Jays, who had neared forfeiting their AL East lead to the Yankees in September as Guerrero struggled with a .592 OPS during that period.

Joe Davis’s Memorable Calls

Joe Davis, who has helmed Fox’s MLB broadcasts since 2022, is known for capturing pivotal baseball moments. The broadcaster famously called Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam in the previous World Series, adding Guerrero’s recent home run to his growing list of memorable highlights. Davis’s commentary continues to enrich baseball narratives, emphasizing key players like Guerrero in critical moments.