UPDATE: In a stunning playoff debut, rookie Trey Yesavage shattered records by striking out 11 batters in just 5 1/3 innings during the Toronto Blue Jays’ 13-7 triumph over the New York Yankees on Sunday. The win gives Toronto a commanding 2-0 lead in the AL Division Series (ALDS).
This game marks a pivotal moment for the Blue Jays as they chase postseason glory. Yesavage’s performance is already being hailed as legendary; he became the first pitcher in Blue Jays history to achieve such a feat in a playoff game, surpassing the previous record of 8 strikeouts held by Dave Stieb, David Price, and Juan Guzman.
Toronto’s offensive power was on full display, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting the franchise’s first postseason grand slam, contributing to a total of 15 hits for the game. The Blue Jays have now hit eight home runs across the first two games of the series, matching their strikeout total of seven, showcasing their potent offense.
Daulton Varsho was particularly impressive, going 4 for 5 with two home runs, four runs scored, and four RBIs. Ernie Clement and George Springer also added to the scoreboard with homers, proving Toronto’s depth in their batting lineup. The Blue Jays have outscored the Yankees 23-8 in the two games played thus far.
“It’s obviously a big stage,” said Toronto manager John Schneider during an in-game interview. “A 22-year-old kid, he’s throwing strikes and really commanding everything really well.”
Yesavage, the No. 20 pick in last year’s amateur draft, has made a rapid ascent to the major leagues. After a stellar minor league season, he arrived in Toronto and made a significant impact in September, finishing the regular season with a perfect 1-0 record in three starts.
His dominance was evident as he opened the game by striking out Trent Grisham and then proceeded to strike out six consecutive batters. The Yankees struggled to make contact with his elite split-finger fastball, which accounted for eight of his strikeouts. New York manager Aaron Boone commented on Yesavage’s performance, stating, “That split is unlike most of the stuff you’d ever run into. He had it going. We just didn’t have an answer for that split.”
The Yankees’ pitching woes continued with left-hander Max Fried allowing seven runs on eight hits in just over three innings, further compounding New York’s struggles in this series. Fried has now allowed 10 runs in two road starts against the Blue Jays this season.
As the series shifts to Yankee Stadium for Game 3 on Tuesday night, the Blue Jays are poised to continue their dominance. Toronto’s ace, Shane Bieber, the 2020 AL Cy Young winner, is scheduled to face the Yankees’ Carlos Rodon.
With the Blue Jays riding high on momentum and confidence, all eyes will be on Yankee Stadium as they look to secure a victory and possibly sweep the series. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Toronto can maintain their blistering performance and advance further in the playoffs.
