ALDS Game 2 recap: Blue Jays explode, Yankees overwhelmed
The Toronto Blue Jays surged to a commanding 13-7 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 2 of the ALDS, taking a 2-0 series lead. The score line was deceptive in its severity: Toronto built a 12-0 cushion before New York recorded a hit, with the Blue Jays keeping the pressure on throughout the game. The win kicks the series to Yankee Stadium with Toronto looking to close out the series in the best-of-five confrontation.
Historic performance from a rookie starter
Rookie right-hander Trey Yesavage authored one of the most memorable playoff debuts in Blue Jays history. Entering with just three MLB starts, Yesavage went 5 1/3 innings without yielding a hit, striking out 11 and walking one. His performance set a franchise postseason strikeout record and instantly calmed any concerns about the Toronto rotation in this series. The rookie’s rare mix of velocity, movement, and a devastating splitter helped stymie the Yankees’ lineup for most of the evening.
Blue Jays’ offensive onslaught
Toronto’s offense came alive early and kept punching throughout the night. Ernie Clement opened the scoring with a two-run homer in the second inning, after Daulton Varsho started the scene with a double. Varsho himself delivered a multi-hit performance, later homering twice and driving in multiple runs. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. joined the scoring party with a grand slam in the fourth inning, pushing the lead to 9-0 and signaling a near-insurmountable advantage.
George Springer also etched his name into the playoff record books, hitting his 20th career postseason home run to climb the all-time list. Varsho’s continued hot hitting added another blast, and the Jays did not let up, amassing double-digit runs in back-to-back playoff games — a notable feat in franchise history.
Yankees’ night to forget
Max Fried started for New York and was roughed up, allowing seven runs on eight hits through just over three innings. The Yankees struck out 14 times, and their first hit did not arrive until the sixth inning. While they fought back and did muster a late rally, including a Giancarlo Stanton two-RBI single and Cody Bellinger homer, the comeback never gained genuine traction as the deficit ballooned early and often.
The late scoring flurry yielded some relief for New York, but the game was essentially decided long before the final out. The series now shifts to Yankees Stadium for Game 3 with Toronto favored to push the series to a potential finishing game, barring a dramatic reversal.
What this means for the series
With a 2-0 lead, Toronto sits in strong position as ALDS play continues. The Blue Jays’ ability to manufacture offense with timely hits and to lean on a rookie starter who delivered a near-perfect performance on one of the biggest stages underscores their resilience. For New York, the challenge is real: rebounding quickly, tightening the bullpen, and finally breaking through against Toronto’s scoring pace. If the Yankees can keep games close and extend the series, they’ll need sustained improvements at the plate and improved defense to avoid the same early collapses that have haunted them thus far.
Looking ahead
Game 3 at Yankee Stadium will test Toronto’s momentum and New York’s resolve. The Blue Jays will look to clinch or at least seize momentum with their powerful offense and Yesavage’s historic start lingering in the memory of both clubs. Fans should expect a battle of nerves and a continued emphasis on timely hitting, bullpen management, and defensive plays that can turn the tides in a short playoff series.
