The Toronto Blue Jays secured a crucial win Sunday, defeating the New York Yankees 13-7 in Game 2 of the American League Division Series to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five matchup.
Toronto’s offense once again led the charge, scoring in double digits for the second straight game after plating 10 runs in Game 1. The Blue Jays blasted five home runs in the win, including four off Yankees right-hander Will Warren.
But even with the offensive outburst, it was rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage who stole the spotlight early. Making his postseason debut, the 22-year-old right-hander was nearly untouchable, throwing 5 1/3 hitless innings, allowing just one walk and striking out 11. The bullpen later surrendered seven runs, but Toronto’s early lead proved more than enough.
After the game, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. praised the young starter’s poise on the mound.
“He’s built for this,” Guerrero said. “I feel very proud of him. He’s a young kid, he’s hungry to win, and I feel very proud of what he did today.”
Guerrero made history of his own, going 3-for-5 with four RBIs, including a grand slam — the first postseason grand slam in Blue Jays history. Dualton Varsho supplied the power as well, with four hits including two home runs.
The series now shifts to Yankee Stadium for Game 3, where right-hander Shane Bieber will start for Toronto against Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón. A victory would send the Blue Jays to their first American League Championship Series since 2016, when they fell to Cleveland in five games.
