The Toronto Blue Jays pounded the New York Yankees for the second straight game in their 2025 ALDS series at Rogers Center on Sunday.
The Jays notched another double-digit run total, scoring 13 runs. The 13-7 victory came on the strength of five Blue Jays homers. But there was one home run that changed the game’s complexity.
With one out in the bottom of the fourth, Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stepped to the plate and launched a rocket into the second deck to clear the bases.
Here’s a look at the blast:
Guerrero Jr. is certainly living up to his 14-year, $500 million contract signed earlier this year. The unbelievable blast was the first-ever postseason grand slam for the Blue Jays franchise. It’s surprising when considering the Blue Jays have had their share of memorable postseason home runs.
There was Jose Bautista’s infamous bat flip in the 2015 ALDS. Also, fans remember Roberto Alomar’s home run off Dennis Eckersley in the 1992 ALCS. And, of course, Joe Carter’s walk-off dinger in the 1993 World Series.
But none of those home runs were grand slams. Now, the Jays have achieved another postseason milestone. Most importantly, the victory put Toronto up 2-0 in the series heading into the Bronx for Game 3 on Tuesday.
Another Jays win will secure their pass to the ALCS against either the Detroit Tigers or Seattle Mariners.
Blue Jays-Yankees a Series of Firsts
It’s also worth noting that this Blue Jays-Yankees postseason clash is the first time the two clubs have met in the postseason.
Ever since the Blue Jays entered the league in 1977, the two clubs have never crossed paths in the postseason. The Yankees failed to make the postseason during Toronto’s heyday in the late 80s and early 90s.
By the time the Yankees were a powerhouse in the late 90s, the Blue Jays fell out of contention. When Toronto returned to the postseason in 2015 and 2016, they ran into other division rivals like the Baltimore Orioles, but not the Yankees.
The last time the Jays made the postseason was in the shortened 2020 campaign. They lost to another division rival, the Tampa Bay Rays, in two games.
A victory in the ALDS would give the Blue Jays bragging rights over their division rivals. The Jays also won the season series in 2025, allowing them to claim the AL East title despite ending in a first-place tie with New York.
Jays Rookie Pitcher Set Club Record in Game 2
Another Blue Jays player set a club milestone on Sunday. Rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage struck out 11 batters to set a record for most postseason strikeouts in a game by a Toronto hurler.
The record is certainly interesting considering the Blue Jays‘ postseason history. The feat came on Yesavage’s fourth Major League start.
The previous record was shared by three pitchers, Juan Guzman, David Price, and Dave Stieb, fanning eight batters apiece.
If the Blue Jays advance, Yesavage would likely get another postseason start in the ALCS. It remains to be seen if the 22-year-old righty could see another start before a potential World Series appearance.
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