Blue Jays DH, Edwin Encarnacion, hit a walk off three run home run to end a thriller, and start the 2016 playoffs with a bang.

The regular season was a showcase of power for both teams. The Orioles had the most team home runs in the American League and the Blue Jays ranked third according to espn.com. So it is no surprise 6 of the 7 runs were scored off of a home run.   

Jose Bautista struck first with a towering solo home run in the 2nd inning, giving the Jays an early lead. However, the MLB leader in home runs, Mark Trumbo answered, back with a two run shot in the fourth. The Jays tied it up quickly after a single by Ezequiel Carrera, scoring Michael Saunders.

From here in turned into a pitcher’s duel with 5 ½ innings of scoreless baseball. In a crucial win or go home game going into the bottom of the 11th inning Encarnacion saw his time to strike.

He got up with one out, runners on first and third, and made the best out the fastball Ubaldo Jimenez threw him. He launched it 433 feet to left field, giving the Blue Jays the win as he rounded the bases waiting to celebrate with his teammates at home plate.

Blue Jays closer Jason Grilli said after the game “It was complete jubilation, man. It’s a good feeling. I think everybody felt the same way. The place erupted. Just that slow anticipation, that slow build, it looked like it was setup to happen.” (via sportsnet)

This win did in fact set up a much anticipated rematch of the 2015 Division series between the Blue Jays and Rangers. Last year the Jays came back from a 2-0 series deficit to win the very heated series.

Then earlier this season tension grew as Rangers second baseman, Rougned Odor and Blue Jays outfielder, Jose Bautista got into a fight on the field resulting in an 8 game suspension for Odor (only ended up serving 7 games) and a single game suspension for Bautista (sbnation.com). Now it is time to see who will prevail this year.