Toronto aims to punch ALCS ticket as Yankees try to force a Game 5 — first pitch Wednesday night

NEW YORK – SPORTS PREVIEW – Buckle up, baseball fans!  After getting out to a 6-1 lead, the champagne was on ice for lots of Jays fans. However the Yankees showed that they have not rolled over, yet.

The Toronto Blue Jays are one win away from advancing to their first American League Championship Series since 2016 — but standing in their way are the surging New York Yankees, fresh off that explosive Game 3 comeback that has breathed new life into the Bronx.

Game 4 of the ALDS goes down Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Where We Stand

• Series Score: Toronto leads 2-1

• Game 4: Wednesday, 7:07 p.m. ET

• Location: Yankee Stadium, New York

• Watch: Sportsnet / MLB Network

Probable Starters

• Blue Jays: Eric Lauer, LHP

• Yankees: Clarke Schmidt, RHP

Lauer, acquired mid-season to add playoff depth, will be making his post-season debut for Toronto. The southpaw has playoff experience with Milwaukee and is known for being cool under pressure — he’ll need every bit of that composure in front of a hostile Yankee crowd.

Schmidt gets the nod for the Yankees after the Jays roughed up New York starters in all three previous games. The righty will look to contain a Toronto lineup that already has 29 runs in the series — but is also coming off a cold stretch late in Game 3.

Key Storylines to Watch

Can the Jays Shake Off the Collapse?

After blowing a 6-1 lead in Game 3, the big question is mental toughness. Toronto’s defence faltered, the bats dried up, and the bullpen couldn’t stop the bleeding. How they respond tonight will speak volumes about their championship potential.

Will the Bronx Bombers Keep Swinging?

Aaron Judge’s game-tying homer in Game 3 was vintage Yankees — and it swung momentum hard. With the crowd behind them and the bats heating up, New York will try to force a winner-take-all Game 5.

Who Steps Up for Toronto?

Aside from Ernie Clement’s 4-hit night, the Jays’ offence went silent after Judge’s blast. All eyes will be on Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and George Springer to re-ignite the fire and set the tone early.

Bullpen Battle

The Jays didn’t use their top arms in Game 3 — Jeff Hoffman, Seranthony Domínguez, and Yimi García are rested and ready. Expect quick hooks and high-leverage matchups from the 5th inning on. Every out will matter.

Thunder Bay Angle

With the series shifting gears, fans across Northwestern Ontario are tuning in — and with Toronto just one win away from a potential ALCS matchup against the Houston Astros or Seattle Mariners, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch.

Whether you’re watching from your couch in Westfort, your camp on Lake Nipigon, or the bar on Red River Road this is October baseball at its finest.

What’s At Stake

• Blue Jays: A win punches their ticket to the ALCS

• Yankees: A win forces a decisive Game 5 in Toronto

Prediction?

Expect a gritty, tension-filled battle. If Lauer can keep it close through five, and Toronto’s bats wake up early, the Jays could seal the deal. But if the Yankees strike first? Buckle up for Game 5 fireworks.