Trey Yesavage showcased his readiness for the big stage with an impressive performance on Sunday. The Toronto newcomer dazzled in his fourth major league start, holding the New York Yankees hitless for 5 1/3 innings while his team continued their offensive onslaught from the previous day.
The Blue Jays secured a commanding 13-7 victory in Game 2 of the American League Division Series, putting them on the brink of a three-game sweep as the series moves to the Bronx on Tuesday night.
“Yesavage expressed his elation, stating, “This has got to be cloud nine. I couldn’t imagine a better feeling right now.”
The offensive fireworks were led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who delivered a grand slam, Daulton Varsho with two home runs, and George Springer and Ernie Clement also contributing homers. Toronto surged to a 12-0 lead after five innings, following their 10-1 win in Game 1.
The Blue Jays set a new MLB record with 23 runs scored in the first two games of a postseason series. Myles Straw of Toronto emphasized the importance of early leads in playoff games, attributing the team’s success to the momentum gained from their strong start.
Yesavage, a first-round pick in the previous year’s draft, excelled in the minors before earning his call-up to the majors. The rookie’s impressive regular-season performances earned him a spot in the playoff rotation, where he set a franchise record with 11 strikeouts in his Game 2 outing.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone commended Yesavage’s pitching, particularly highlighting his effective splitter. The rookie left the field to a standing ovation after being replaced following his 78th pitch.
The Blue Jays’ combined no-hit bid was broken when the Yankees’ Aaron Judge secured an infield single off reliever Justin Bruihl, followed by a two-run homer from Cody Bellinger. The Yankees attempted a late comeback with five runs in the seventh inning.
Guerrero’s historic grand slam, coupled with Varsho’s two doubles, contributed to the Blue Jays’ offensive showcase. Guerrero, in top form, received a curtain call from the ecstatic crowd.
With Toronto’s strong performance at home, the series now shifts to Yankee Stadium, where the Blue Jays aim to secure a sweep. Despite the challenging environment, the odds favor Toronto, as teams winning the first two games in a best-of-five series historically have an 89% chance of advancing.
Boone acknowledged the pressure on his team but remained optimistic about their chances to turn the series around in Game 3. The potential clinching Game 4 would take place in New York, with Game 5 scheduled in Toronto if needed.
In other playoff action, the Detroit Tigers and the L.A. Dodgers claimed early leads in their division series with victories over the Seattle Mariners and Philadelphia Phillies, respectively.
