The Toronto Blue Jays are on the brink of clinching their first playoff series win in nearly ten years, as they gear up for the opportunity to progress to the next stage on Tuesday evening in the Bronx following their commanding performances in two home games against the New York Yankees.
Game 3 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) is scheduled to commence shortly after 8 p.m. ET.
Jeffrey Mizen, a devoted Jays supporter hailing from Ontario but residing in New York state, is eagerly anticipating the matchup at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, optimistic about witnessing a memorable victory. “I have full confidence in their success,” he expressed to The Canadian Press. “Their performance has been exceptional.”
Back in Toronto, loyal fan Lesley Mak shares the sentiment of optimism, feeling “extremely positive” about the team’s prospects in the playoffs. “The feeling that this team is destined for greatness is undeniable,” Mak conveyed via email.
With a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five divisional series, the Blue Jays are just one win away from advancing to the American League Championship Series (ALCS), a feat they previously achieved in 2015 and 2016.
On the other side, the Yankees are facing a critical moment in Game 3 on Tuesday. Should they secure a victory against Toronto, they will confront a similar must-win situation in a potential Game 4 on Wednesday, also in the Bronx. If the series extends to a Game 5, it is slated to take place in Toronto on Friday.
The Blue Jays’ path to this pivotal juncture has been characterized by explosive offense, scoring a total of 23 runs in the first two games, coupled with stellar starting pitching performances. In Game 1 on Saturday, Toronto triumphed over New York with a resounding 10-1 victory, highlighted by notable contributions from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alejandro Kirk. Subsequently, in Game 2 on Sunday, the Blue Jays continued their offensive onslaught, securing a 13-7 win over the Yankees, with rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage delivering an impressive playoff debut.
Looking ahead to Game 3, former Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber will take the mound for Toronto, facing off against the Yankees’ Carlos Rodón, a seasoned veteran who won 18 regular-season games.
While a sweep remains a possibility, the Yankees, a formidable team with 94 regular-season wins, are not to be underestimated. However, Toronto’s division title and recent strong performances have positioned them as formidable contenders in the playoffs.
With history suggesting that teams holding a 2-0 series lead have a strong likelihood of advancing, the Blue Jays are poised for success. Nonetheless, the Yankees, equipped with experienced players and a resilient spirit, are determined to mount a comeback and challenge Toronto’s dominance in the series.
