Toronto’s first postseason win since 2016 features two homers from Alejandro Kirk, a Vladdy blast, and Kevin Gausman dealing; series resumes Sunday in Toronto
Statement Win to Open October
The Toronto Blue Jays detonated the New York Yankees 10–1 in ALDS Game 1 at Rogers Centre, delivering Toronto’s first postseason victory since 2016 and seizing a 1–0 series lead.
Catcher Alejandro Kirk powered the offense with two home runs, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added a long ball of his own as Toronto piled on late to blow the game open. Starter Kevin Gausman set the tone, holding New York to a single run over 5⅔ innings before the bullpen slammed the door.
How It Happened
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Early jolt: Kirk opened the scoring with a solo shot in the second; Toronto led 2–0 as Yankees starter Luis Gil exited before completing three innings.
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Yanks’ big chance fizzles: New York loaded the bases with none out in the sixth but came away with just one run; Gausman escaped further damage.
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Blue wave in the late innings: Toronto erupted in the seventh and eighth, featuring Nathan Lukes’ two-run double, Guerrero Jr.’s sac fly, Andrés Giménez run-scoring hits, and Kirk’s second homer to put it out of reach.
Final: Blue Jays 10, Yankees 1.
Pitching Picture
Kevin Gausman was efficient and in command through 5⅔ IP (1 ER) before handing off to a rested relief corps that kept Aaron Judge & Co. quiet the rest of the way. On the other side, Luis Gil’s short outing forced the Yankees into their bullpen early, and the dam finally broke late.
Game 2 — What’s Next
The series stays at Rogers Centre for Game 2 on Sunday, Oct. 5 (4:08 p.m. ET). The Yankees are expected to turn to ace Max Fried to even the series before it shifts to New York; Toronto’s starter had not been officially announced at time of writing.
Thunder Bay Angle
Perfect late-afternoon first pitch for Northwestern Ontario fans: catch Game 2 at 4:08 p.m. ET. With momentum breaking Toronto’s way, the Jays have a chance to put the Yankees on the ropes before the series heads to the Bronx.
NetNewsLedger will update with confirmed Game 2 starters and any roster moves as they’re announced.
