ALDS Game 2 recap: Blue Jays take a commanding 2-0 lead
The Toronto Blue Jays seized control of the series early, storming past the New York Yankees 13-7 in ALDS Game 2 to push their best-of-five showdown to the brink. After a 10-1 rout in Game 1, Toronto carried the momentum into the rematch and effectively put the game away in the second and fourth innings, building a 11-0 lead that left New York searching for answers.
Yesavage: a playoff debut for the ages
Rookie Trey Yesavage made his first career playoff start and promptly wrote his name in franchise history. He silenced the Yankees through 5 1/3 innings, allowing no hits and striking out 11 with just one walk. Yesavage’s unusual, high-release point and devastating splitter overwhelmed a Yankees lineup that managed only a hit until the sixth inning. His performance set a franchise postseason strikeout record and gave Toronto a commanding early edge that New York never fully recovered from.
Blue Jays’ barrage: Varsho, Guerrero, and Springer lead the way
Toronto’s hitters were unrelenting. Daulton Varsho hit a two-run homer in the second and later connected for a pair of extra-base hits, finishing with multiple hits on the day and driving in runs that extended the lead. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. delivered a pivotal grand slam in the fourth, turning a comfortable lead into a blowout. George Springer added to his storied playoff résumé, launching a 20th career playoff home run and later contributing with a run-scoring hit, as Toronto’s offense rolled in waves.
Springer’s milestone and Jays’ historic day
Springer’s 20th playoff homer tied him with Derek Jeter for fifth on the all-time list, underscoring his postseason prowess as he continues a late-career renaissance. The Jays also tied a franchise postseason record by scoring double-digit runs in back-to-back playoff games, a testament to the depth and resilience of their lineup even with Bo Bichette sidelined by injury.
Yankees’ night to forget and what’s next
New York’s mound work faltered early as Max Fried was touched up for seven runs on eight hits in just over three innings. The Yankees struck out 14 times and failed to muster a reliable rally until late in the game. Aaron Judge contributed a late rally with a single, and Cody Bellinger homered, but the hole was too deep to climb out of. The series now shifts to Yankee Stadium for Games 3 (and, if needed, Game 4), where New York will attempt to stave off elimination and extend the series.
What this means for the ALDS race
With Toronto seizing a 2-0 lead, the pressure shifts to the Yankees to respond at home. The Jays’ blend of veteran and breakout performers has unsettled New York’s rotation and lineup, casting doubt on whether the Yankees can prevent a sweep. If Toronto keeps riding Yesavage’s breakout performance and maintains offensive pressure, the series could tilt decisively toward the Blue Jays’ first ALCS since 2016.
Key performances to watch
- Trey Yesavage: Record-setting eight-base, no-hitter tease walked off by the end of five, but his 11 strikeouts redefine the Jays’ postseason plans.
- Daulton Varsho: Multiple hits and two-run/homer production, driving in crucial runs alongside Guerrero Jr.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: Grand slam and continued power in the playoffs.
- George Springer: 20th career playoff homer and continued leadership in the dugout and on the field.
Proceedings resume in New York as the series heads back to the Bronx, with Toronto aiming to clinch the series and reach the ALCS, while the Yankees look to force a decisive Game 5 and extend their season.
