With walk-off hit, Martin recaptures winning feeling

TORONTO — When Russell Martin walked into his postgame scrum after a 4-3 walk-off victory over the Rangers on Wednesday night, there was a sense of relief in the air. It had been a long time coming, but the veteran catcher finally had something to celebrate.

“It’s about time I talked to you guys after doing something good,” said Martin, who sent the Blue Jays to their second consecutive walk-off win over Texas with a bases-loaded single in the ninth inning.

It has been that kind of season for Martin, who entered the game hitting .149 with one extra-base hit in 23 games. There hasn’t been a whole lot to smile about, but that changed Wednesday night when he picked up the eighth walk-off hit of his career.

Martin stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and one out against right-hander Tony Barnette. He lifted a deep fly ball to the warning track in right field that dropped for a long single and gave Toronto its third win in the last four games. For at least one night, the monkey was off Martin’s back.

“My strength throughout my career, when I’ve been really good, I’ve been …

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