Fans give a standing ovation as Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Trey Yesavage leaves the mound after being pulled during the sixth inning of Game2.
Rookie Trey Yesavage starred as the Toronto Blue Jays stormed past the New York Yankees 13-7 on Sunday. Yesavage struck out 11 batters in 5 1/3 no-hit innings, setting a new postseason record for the franchise. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. powered Toronto further with the first postseason grand slam in team history. The win gives the Blue Jays a 2-0 lead in the ALDS.
Varsho and Springer's Power Show
Daulton Varsho delivered a spectacular performance, going 4-for-5 with two doubles, scoring four runs, and driving in four RBIs. Guerrero added three hits and two runs, while Ernie Clement and George Springer each homered. Toronto reached double digits in hits (15) and runs for the second straight game.
The Blue Jays also dominated Saturday with a 10-1 victory, hitting three homers among 14 hits. Through two games, Toronto has eight home runs and seven strikeouts, showcasing their explosive offense.
Yesavage’s Historic Strikeout Feat
Yesavage, 22, was the No. 20 pick in last year’s amateur draft. He climbed through four minor league levels before joining Toronto, posting a 1-0 record in three September starts. He shattered the Blue Jays’ previous postseason strikeout record of eight, held by Dave Steib, David Price, and Juan Guzmán.
Known for his elite split-finger fastball, Yesavage struck out nine batters in his September 15 debut. On Sunday, eight of his 11 strikeouts came from the splitter, with the other three on fastballs reaching 96 mph.
Dominant Early Innings
Yesavage began by fanning Trent Grisham on a splitter. After walking Aaron Judge, he struck out Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice. Toronto’s rookie then retired six straight batters over the third and fourth innings, including Judge, Bellinger, and Rice, showcasing full control of the mound.
A streak of 12 consecutive outs ended when Jazz Chisholm Jr. reached on Guerrero’s fielding error. Yesavage quickly recovered, striking out Anthony Volpe for his 11th postseason K.
Curtain Call for the Rookie
Yesavage exited after 78 pitches, with 48 strikes, replaced by left-hander Justin Bruihl. Toronto led 12-0 at that point. The crowd of 44,756 erupted in cheers as Yesavage returned for a curtain call, raising his arms to acknowledge the fans’ ovation.
Bruihl retired Grisham on a grounder before Judge recorded the Yankees’ first hit. Bellinger followed with a home run, giving New York some offense late.
Yankees’ Struggles Continue
Yankees left-hander Max Fried struggled, allowing seven runs and eight hits in just over three innings. Fried had dominated in the regular season, going 11-1 with a 1.82 ERA in September starts after a loss, but Toronto proved too strong.
In previous road games against Toronto, Fried was 0-1 with a 6.35 ERA, giving up 10 runs, including two homers. Sunday’s outing reinforced the Blue Jays’ dominance at home. Toronto has now won eight of nine playoff games against New York at home, while holding a 2-4 record at Yankee Stadium.
Toronto in Control of ALDS
With a commanding lead in the series, the Blue Jays look poised to continue their postseason momentum. Yesavage’s record-setting performance, Guerrero’s grand slam, and the team’s relentless hitting signal a potential sweep. Game 3 shifts to Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night, where Toronto will try to maintain its advantage in the ALDS.
