Blue Jays’ Snider homers, drives in five runs

BOSTON — Tucked away behind a pole inside the cramped visitors’ clubhouse at Fenway Park, Toronto Blue Jays rookie Travis Snider sat at his temporary locker with a laptop in hand, unaware that a group of reporters was waiting to talk to him.

After Snider caught on that the assembled crowd wanted to interview him, he emerged from his hidden stall. As the young outfielder, who graduated from Jackson High School in 2006, prepped to take his first question, following Toronto’s 8-1 romp over Boston in the opener of a doubleheader on Saturday, Toronto pitcher A.J. Burnett squeezed past the group.

“Attaboy, hero,” said Burnett, forcing a smile from Snider.

The 20-year-old Snider continued to defy his age (or lack thereof) with yet another strong showing at the plate, matching a franchise rookie record by driving in five runs in the game. Pitching on short rest, Burnett cruised to his 18th win of the year behind six strong innings of work.

Boston won the second game of the doubleheader 7-5.

Snider was 2-for-4 with the five RBI — three on a fifth-inning home run and two on a sixth-inning double in the first game. At 20 years and 224 days, Snider became the youngest player to drive in five runs in a game for the Jays, and he is only the 10th rookie to do so in club history.

Snider was 1-for-2 in the second game, walking with the bases load to drive in a run and scored a run.

Since being promoted from Class AAA Syracuse on Aug. 29, Snider — currently the youngest player in the league — has hit .316 (12-for-38) with two homers, three doubles, seven runs scored and eight RBI over 12 games. That showing has come against sound competition from the Yankees, Rays, Twins, White Sox and Red Sox.

“He’s having success against teams that are in the running,” Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said. “He’s just not having success against teams that are out of it.

These guys here, they have a chance. He’s played well — just keep going.

“He has an idea of what he wants to do. He’s a kid that’s 20 years old, but he’s very mature.”

Snider, who began this season with Class A Dunedin, hasn’t displayed the kind of rookie jitters that affect many young players. Instead, the stocky left-handed hitter has made the transition from the minors to the majors look easy. Snider credits the time he spent in big league camp with the Jays during spring training.

“I think it was huge,” Snider said. “You get around a great group of guys, and you get into this atmosphere, and you kind of thrive off of that adrenaline. For me, I’m just happy to be here, and I’m happy I had that chance in spring training to get a taste of it, so I knew what to expect coming up here.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Archbishop Murphy’s Jevin Madison runs the ball while having his jersey pulled during the 2A semifinal game against Tumwater on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in Tumwater, Washington.  (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Archbishop Murphy’s run ends in state football semifinal

The Wildcats fall 42-0 to No. 1 Tumwater

Archbishop Murphy senior Jevin Madison, who has rushed for 1,668 yards this season, at football practice on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Archbishop Murphy gets its football groove back

Coach Joe Cronin, running back Jevin Madison lead the Wildcats’ resurgence.

Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates during a stop of the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field on Nov. 24, 2024 (Photo courtesy of Rod Mar / Seattle Seahawks)
Leonard Williams ‘dominant’ play stems from Seahawks changes

Coach Mike Macdonald giving teams different looks opened the door for the defensive end.

Kimberly Beard, the top-ranked high school hammer thrower in the country, prepares to release during a track and field event. (Photo courtesy of Donna Beard)
Mukilteo’s Kimberly Beard ranked as best prep hammer thrower

The King’s High School junior’s mark of 186 feet, 6 inches topped all competitors in U.S.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Nov. 16-23

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Nov. 17-23. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman runs away from the Weber State defense at Husky Stadium on August 31,2024. (Photography Courtesy of Scott Eklund / Red Box Pictures / Washington Athletics)
Jonah Coleman announces he will return to UW

The star running back has rushed for more than 1,000 yards this season for the Huskies.

Lake Stevens’ Laura Eichert leaps in the air to hit the ball during the 4A district semifinal game on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lake Stevens’ Laura Eichert named state volleyball tournament MVP

The junior outside hitter led the Vikings to the Class 4A state semifinals.

Amid WSU defense’s struggles, offense has done it part

Cougs quarterback John Mateer has been unable to overcome defense’s shortcomings.

Gonzaga withstands 25-point outing from former player

Indiana’s Oumar Ballo not enough in Bulldogs’ 16-point win.

Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field on Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks Mike Macdonald leads another defensive revival

Seattle’s head coach led a similar resurgence as Baltimore’s defensive coordinator.

Seahawks’ linebacker Boye Mafe (53) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) as defensive end Leonard Williams (99) collapses the pocket during Seattle’s 16-6 win at Lumen Field on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
If Leonard Williams keeps this up, Mike Macdonald will have Seahawks defense he demands

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound defensive end thrashed Arizona’s offense.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.