In a demonstration of power and determination, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led the Toronto Blue Jays to a resounding victory over the Yankees in the first game of the American League Division Series. Guerrero Jr.’s performance was key to the triumph, demonstrating his value as a fundamental pillar of the team.
Guerrero Jr. Redeems Himself in the Playoffs
Before Saturday, Guerrero Jr.’s playoff trajectory didn’t reflect his status as the central figure of the franchise, valued at $500 million. With only three hits in 25 plate appearances and no home runs in six games, his postseason performance left much to be desired. Furthermore, the six games, spread over three postseasons, translated into defeats for the Blue Jays.
Everything changed in the game against the Yankees, a team Guerrero Jr. has openly expressed his aversion to. In front of a passionate crowd at the Rogers Centre, Guerrero Jr. delivered a complete performance, including a spectacular catch and three hits, driving the Blue Jays’ offense.In the plate, Guerrero Jr. hit his first playoff home run and finished with a 3-4 record, with two RBIs and one run scored, leading an offense that accumulated 14 hits, including three home runs and three doubles. On defense, his catch in the first inning, despite a piece of the bat that passed near him, started a double play that ended the inning. Catcher Alejandro Kirk also shined, connecting his first two postseason home runs. Nathan Lukes contributed two hits, including a two-run double, three RBIs, and a spectacular catch. Andrés Giménez went 2-for-4, while the Blue Jays forced the Yankees to use six pitchers after Luis Gil was pulled in the bottom of the third inning.He’s the face of our franchise and an important reason why we’re here. It was fantastic to see him have the night he had.
Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays pitcher
Guerrero Jr. didn’t take long to show his energy, connecting on a 90 mph changeup from Gil in the first inning to give the Blue Jays a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. He added singles in the second and eighth innings, as well as a sacrifice fly in the seventh, igniting the fans on a sunny day with the stadium roof open. The fact that this happened against the Yankees was significant. Guerrero Jr.’s aversion to the Yankees dates back to two incidents more than two decades ago: the withdrawal of a contract offer for his father, a Hall of Fame outfielder, in 2003, and the request by Yankee Stadium security that his father remove him from the field when he was a child.I think him starting the marker and the double kill in the first with McMahon was very good. It gives you an extra boost, because it’s Vlad and what he means to this team.
John Schneider, Blue Jays manager
The five-time All-Star has enjoyed facing the Yankees during his seven-year career. Before Saturday’s game, Guerrero Jr. was batting .302 with 22 home runs and an OPS of 0.918 in 102 games against the Yankees. Guerrero Jr. improved those impressive numbers on Saturday, adding another highlight to a year that began with his commitment to Toronto with a 14-year, $500 million contract extension in April and that he hopes will end with the franchise’s first championship since 1993.For me, I bring the same energy in every game, no matter who I play against, especially now in the playoffs. The only thing on my mind is to go out and play hard.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
My goal is always to win a World Series, to bring the World Series here. My father never had the opportunity to win a World Series. That is one of my goals, it has always been one of my goals, to do it for myself, for him.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
