The Toronto Blue Jays have achieved a significant victory, winning 13-7 in Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees. This win marks the Blue Jays' second postseason victory against the Yankees in 2025, granting them a 2-0 series lead as they head to New York for Game 3 on Tuesday. The matchup took place at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on Sunday.
In a performance that captured fans' attention, rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage made a dominant playoff debut. Three pitches into the game, Yesavage stood firm against Trent Grisham, displaying confidence as he delivered a splitter that left Grisham flailing. The 22-year-old first-round pick of 2024, who made impressive strides in the minor leagues, asserted himself early in the game, indicating his readiness for the challenge ahead.
Yesavage's performance was nothing short of extraordinary, as he completed 5.1 innings without allowing a hit, achieving 11 strikeouts. The game's atmosphere was electric, with 44,764 passionate fans at Rogers Centre cheering him on as he exited after retiring Austin Wells, contributing significantly to the Blue Jays' 13-7 victory. His ability to maintain control of the game was evident, as he struck out six of the first nine batters and dominated with a total of 31 swings from Yankees hitters that resulted in 18 misses.
The Blue Jays started strong against Yankees ace Max Fried, with Daulton Varsho opening the second inning by hitting a double down the right-field line. After an error by Aaron Judge, Ernie Clement hit a home run to get the scoring started. The Blue Jays continued their offensive assault, scoring five runs in the third inning. Davis Schneider's walk set the stage for Guerrero's base hit, leading to runs from Alejandro Kirk and another double from Varsho. Clement’s single capped the inning at 5-0.
In a decisive fourth inning, the Blue Jays loaded the bases with no outs, forcing Fried out of the game. Following a strikeout of Schneider, Guerrero hit the team's first-ever postseason grand slam, further extending their lead. Varsho contributed another two-run homer shortly after, pushing the score to 11-0. The jubilant Toronto crowd joined in chants denigrating the Yankees, while George Springer added a solo homer to make it an even dozen runs through five innings.
As the game continued, the Yankees attempted to chip away at the Blue Jays' lead, but the damage caused in the earlier innings was insurmountable. They are now left facing elimination in Game 3, which will see Blue Jays' Shane Bieber on the mound. Yesavage’s postseason start will be remembered alongside significant Blue Jays pitching records, cementing his rapid rise within the organization.
The Blue Jays' strategy to manage Yesavage's innings paid off, allowing him to make impactful contributions in the postseason. His stellar performance highlighted the team’s developmental success and the organization’s confidence in his abilities. After warming up, Yesavage entered the game with poise, and by the end, he had ensured the Blue Jays a pivotal advantage in the series. This marks a notable moment in Blue Jays history, as the team inches closer to their first ALCS appearance since 2016.
With Game 3 approaching in New York, the Blue Jays remain focused on continuing their impressive playoff momentum.
