“Broke my heart watching this” - Fans react as Ernie Clement owns up to loss while giving heartfelt shoutout to Shane Bieber and Jeff Hoffman

Ernie Clement came to the defense of the Toronto Blue Jays' pitchers after 5-4 loss in Game 7 of the World Series on Saturday. The hitter vehemently opposed shifting any blame to Jeff Hoffman and Shane Bieber, who gave up solo homers in the ninth and eleventh innings.

After the game in the clubhouse, an emotional Clement defended his teammates in an outpouring of raw emotion.

"Yeah, it's a grind. It took a lot out of us, but I feel for the guys," Clement said. "I feel for everybody in here, like we grinded so hard, we went through so much all year, and. I’d go to war with Jeff Hoffman every day of the week. I want him on the mound. I want [Shane Bieber] on the mound. Those are guys who I would take a bullet for."

The third baseman's gesture moved fans, who took to X to express their solidarity. Here are a few reactions.

"Broke my heart watching this live on Sportsnet," a fan wrote. "This guy is the glue that holds the wood house together," a fan said about Clement. "Geez, I feel for everyone of these guys!" a fan commented. "The way he turned it around on himself is.. heartbreaking. I hope none of these players feel the loss is because of their play," a fan stated. "Every player had a role with this teams chemistry but you can tell Ernie is the kind of guy that amplifies that situation with his presence. What a stud," a fan added. "That’s leadership and integrity and I hope he never plays for anyone else," a fan pleaded.

The Blue Jays had the finishing line in sight in the ninth inning when closer Jeff Hoffman came to the mound. After one out, Dodgers' Miguel Rojas hit a solo home run into left field to tie the game at 4-4.

In extra innings, with the game still on a knife-edge, starter Shane Bieber took the mound in relief. Dodgers catcher Will Smith struck a similar fly ball to left field that went into the stands, giving Los Angeles the lead.

Ernie Clement grateful to the Blue Jays for giving him opportunity

Ernie Clement set a postseason record with 30 hits over three rounds. The infielder batted .411 that included 7 extra-base hits, including a home run, and 9 RBIs. The 29-year-old thanked the organization for taking a chance with him.

“I’m really grateful that the Blue Jays have believed in me and given me a good chance," Clement said during his postgame presser. "The least I can do is get a couple hits in the playoffs for them, for him for giving me such a cool opportunity.”

Clement, completing his second year of arbitration, has turned out to be immensely productive for Toronto. He has shown versatility playing all over the diamond while recording a .276 average since signing with the Blue Jays in 2023.

Edited by R. Nikhil Parshy