Bronx, NY — The Toronto Blue Jays are heading back to the American League Championship Series for the first time in nearly a decade. Behind a relentless offensive approach and a masterful night from their bullpen, the Blue Jays defeated the New York Yankees 5–2 on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium to clinch the AL Division Series, three games to one.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer each drove in key runs, while Nathan Lukes delivered the knockout blow — a two-run single that capped Toronto’s steady offensive pressure. Addison Barger led the way with three hits as the Blue Jays methodically wore down Yankees pitching, fouling off tough pitches and turning every at-bat into a battle.
The win sends the AL East champions to the ALCS for the first time since 2016, where they’ll face either the Detroit Tigers or the Seattle Mariners. That series will begin Sunday in Toronto.
“Last night hurt, but this team doesn’t dwell on one loss,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “They came out aggressive, stayed disciplined, and showed exactly what kind of team they are.”
Toronto’s Deep Pitching Staff Shines
Toronto’s bullpen was the story of the night. Eight different pitchers combined to limit New York to just two runs and six hits, mixing power and precision to keep the Yankees off balance. The group retired 12 of the final 14 batters they faced, sealing the franchise’s long-awaited return to the ALCS.
“Everyone did their job,” said Schneider. “We trust every arm in that bullpen, and tonight proved why.”
Yankees’ Late Push Falls Short
Ryan McMahon provided New York’s lone highlight with a solo homer in the sixth inning, briefly cutting the deficit to 3–2. But any hopes of another Bronx comeback evaporated in the eighth when Lukes’ two-run single extended Toronto’s lead.
For the Yankees, it was a frustrating end to a postseason that had seen them survive three previous elimination games. Starter Nestor Cortes lasted just 3 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits.
Aaron Judge — who had been red-hot all series — went 1-for-4 in the finale, finishing the postseason with a .476 average, three home runs, and nine RBIs. Despite his heroics, New York’s offense couldn’t deliver enough timely hits to keep the season alive.
“We fought hard all October,” Judge said. “But we didn’t execute when it mattered most. That’s on us.”
Toronto Ends the Drought
The Blue Jays, who last reached the ALCS in 2016, have been on a steady climb back to contention with a mix of homegrown stars and experienced veterans. Wednesday’s win felt like validation for a team that’s battled through inconsistency and injuries all season.
“This one’s for the fans who’ve been waiting,” said Guerrero Jr. “We’re not done yet — we want the whole thing.”
What’s Next:
The Blue Jays will have a few days to rest and reset before hosting Game 1 of the ALCS on Sunday at Rogers Centre. Their opponent will be decided Friday when the Tigers and Mariners meet in a winner-take-all Game 5 in Seattle.
As for the Yankees, another offseason of questions begins — and their 15-year wait for a World Series title continues.
