Vladimir Guerrero Jr. explodes in October and the Blue Jays smell like Championship Series

TORONTO.- The Dominican roar shook October again. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a monumental grand slam that shook the Rogers Centre and led the Toronto Blue Jays to a resounding 13-7 victory over the New York Yankees, putting them one win away from the American League Championship Series (ALCS).

You may be interested in:Luis Gil will be the Game 1 starter for the Yankees in the Divisional Series against the Blue Jays

Guerrero’s hit — his second postseason home run— was the spark that ignited the blue offense and consolidated their spectacular performance in this Divisional Series:
7-6 | 2 HR | 3 R | 6 RBI | 2.047 OPS During the regular season, the Dominican also punished the Yankees with elite numbers:
22 HR | 74 RBI | .302 AVG | .918 OPS

“I focused on staying calm and finding my release,” Guerrero commented after the game. “When I heard the fans screaming, I knew that swing had changed everything.”

With that grand slam, Guerrero Jr. became the first player in Blue Jays history to hit a grand slam in a Division Series. But the night wasn’t just about batting. On the mound, Trey Yesavage, the 22-year-old rookie sensation, delivered a performance that is already part of Toronto’s history.

VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.

A SIGNATURE MOMENT IN BLUE JAYS HISTORY 🔥

🎥 @MLB pic.twitter.com/5u7yO31OPv

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 5, 2025

The right-hander dazzled with 11 strikeouts in 5.1 innings without allowing any hits, setting a new postseason record for the franchise. His absolute dominance disarmed a Yankees offense that led the Majors in scoring this season.

“This has to be glory,” Yesavage said excitedly. “I couldn’t imagine a better feeling than this.”

Manager John Schneider praised his maturity and stage presence:

“He’s been through a lot with this organization, but this was the best. What Trey did tonight was special”.

---

Yesavage’s Historical Figures

• 11 strikeouts, new franchise postseason record (surpassed David Price, Juan Guzmán, and Dave Stieb’s 8).
• At 22 years and 69 days, he is the second-youngest pitcher with a double-digit strikeout game in the playoffs (only behind John Candelaria in 1975).
• His 10 strikeouts in four innings tied the most in modern postseason history.

Your confidence was clear even before the game, when you said:

“I am built for this”.

And did he ever prove it.

---

Toronto on the verge of history

The victory puts the Blue Jays 2-0 up in the Divisional Series, just one win away from advancing to the Championship Series. With an offense led by Guerrero Jr. and a pitching gem by Yesavage, the team looks more dangerous than ever.

“He is made for this,” Guerrero declared about his young teammate. “I am very proud of him. He is hungry to win, and we all feel that way in this clubhouse.”

The Dominican power, the youth, and the energy of Toronto combined to give a memorable postseason night.
The Blue Jays are on fire, and October is watching them fly high.

---

Next game:
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Yankee Stadium, New York Probable starters: Kevin Gausman (TOR) vs. Carlos Rodón (NYY)

---