Chicago Cubs secure 11th-inning walk-off win against Toronto Blue Jays

By Liam Tremblay — 6 August 2026 — 3 min read

The Chicago Cubs secured a 3-2 walk-off victory against the Toronto Blue Jays in an 11-inning game that saw Pete Crow-Armstrong score the winning run on a throwing error. The game, rescheduled from a June rainout, concluded with a dramatic finish after the Blue Jays were one strike away from a win in the ninth inning.

Alex Bregman played a pivotal role in forcing extra innings, hitting a two-out, two-strike home run in the bottom of the ninth. This marked his 12th homer of the season. Bregman’s hit came off Blue Jays closer Louis Varland, who had been perfect in save situations this season, going 24 for 24 before Bregman’s game-tying blast.

Late-Game Drama Unfolds

The decisive moment arrived in the 11th inning. Crow-Armstrong led off with a single against Brendon Little. Although automatic runner Carson Kelly was thrown out at the plate, Crow-Armstrong then attempted to steal third base. Blue Jays catcher Brandon Valenzuela overthrew third baseman Josh Smith, allowing Crow-Armstrong to dash home for the winning run. He celebrated by removing his helmet before touching the plate and tossing it into the protective netting before being joined by teammates.

This victory marked the 11th walk-off win for Chicago this season. The Cubs are currently positioned for the first NL wild card spot and have moved to a 10-4 record during a stretch of 17 games in 17 days, following a sweep of the Dodgers.

Blue Jays’ Strong Pitching Performance

Despite the loss, the Blue Jays received a strong performance from starter Dylan Cease. Cease allowed only two hits and struck out 10 batters over seven innings. This outing was described as a brilliant performance by the pitcher, who was named the American League pitcher of the month for July.

Cease’s recent form has been notable, with this being the fourth time in his last six starts that he has allowed zero runs. Since Canada Day, the right-hander has maintained an ERA of 0.84, a 0.674 WHIP, and recorded 56 strikeouts in 43 innings of work. He noted feeling more versatile, mixing in a greater variety of pitches and hitting better spots, making him less predictable.

The Blue Jays scored their first run in the first inning due to a disengagement violation by Cubs’ starter David Peterson. With George Springer at first and Kazuma Okamoto at third, Peterson checked on Springer three times, resulting in a balk that allowed Okamoto to advance home.

Despite having runners on base throughout the game, Toronto struggled to capitalize, going 1 for 19 with runners in scoring position and stranding 13 baserunners. Alejandro Kirk contributed significantly with the bat, going 4 for 5 for the Blue Jays.

Injuries and Upcoming Games

Blue Jays second baseman Luis Urias exited the game midway through the fourth inning after appearing to injure himself while running out a double. The team will be monitoring his condition.

Looking ahead, the Blue Jays are scheduled to begin a three-game series in Philadelphia on Friday. Newly acquired pitcher José Soriano, who holds a 9-6 record and a 3.29 ERA, is slated to make his debut for the Blue Jays in the opener against RHP Zack Wheeler (10-2, 2.49 ERA). Meanwhile, former Blue Jay Kevin Gausman (5-10, 4.38 ERA) is set to make his Cubs debut in Kansas City on Friday.

The game also featured an impressive defensive play by Ernie Clement, who made a leaping, game-saving catch in the 10th inning to end the frame with the potential winning run on third base. Additionally, Myles Straw delivered a 99.5 miles per hour throw in the 11th, cutting down a potential winning run at the plate, though these efforts ultimately only delayed the Cubs’ walk-off win.

Source: tsn.ca