When Vladimir Guerrero Jr., designated hitter of the Toronto Blue Jays, stepped up in the bottom of the seventh, the crowd at Yankee Stadium knew the series was over. On October 8, 2025, the Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees 5‑2 in Game 4, sealing a 3‑1 victory in the American League Division Series (ALDS) and punching their ticket to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) for the first time since 2016.
Road to the ALDS: A season of parity
Both Toronto and New York finished the regular season at 94‑68, a rare tie that set the stage for a showdown between two evenly matched squads. The Blue Jays opened the postseason with a bang, routing the Yankees 10‑1 in Game 1 at the Rogers Centre. They followed that with an even more lopsided 13‑7 win in Game 2, becoming the first team in MLB history to tally 23 runs in its first two postseason games.
The Yankees fought back in Game 3, rallying from a 6‑1 deficit to post a 7‑6 win on their home turf. That victory kept the series alive, but the Blue Jays answered with a decisive performance in Game 4 that left New York’s hopes in tatters.
Game 4 Recap: How the Blue Jays closed it out
Pitcher Louis Varland took the ball on what the club called a "bullpen day," meaning the starter was a reliever thrust into a starting role. Varland kept the Yankees’ lineup honest early, allowing just two runs through five innings.
George Springer ignited the offense with an extra‑base hit down the line as the first batter, putting Toronto ahead 1‑0. Guerrero Jr. added a double in the third, and the Blue Jays built a 3‑1 lead by the end of the fifth.
The decisive blow came from rookie Nathan Lukes. In the eighth inning, after a defensive error gave the Yankees a fleeting chance, Lukes drove a deep drive that split the right‑field wall, making the score 5‑2. The Yankees managed a lone run in the ninth, but the damage was done.
Injury battle and depth: Playing through the cracks
The Blue Jays entered the series without several key pieces. Shortstop Bo Bichette missed the entire ALDS with a lower‑body injury, while starters Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer and José Berríos were sidelined. First baseman Ty France also sat out.
Despite those absences, the Jays leaned on a contact‑oriented approach that emphasized low strikeout numbers. That strategy paid off; they turned batted balls into runs with relentless pressure. "I see it all the time," Guerrero Jr. said after the game. "We believe in each other. When they say ‘this is going to be our bullpen,’ I tell the guys: one pitch at a time, one inning at a time."
The sentiment resonated with teammates. After the win, Guerrero Jr. laughed, "It feels amazing. I don't have words to explain how I feel right now," before joining the celebration in the clubhouse.
What's next: ALCS preview and potential opponent
Toronto now waits to learn which club will emerge from the fierce battle between the Detroit Tigers and the Seattle Mariners. That series has been a rollercoaster, stretched to a decisive Game 5 slated for Friday. The Tigers, who finished the regular season with a 4‑3 record against Toronto, have struggled to generate offense in the ALDS, relying on timely hits rather than power. The Mariners, on the other hand, bring a strong strikeout rate that could clash with the Jays’ contact‑first philosophy.
Should the Tigers advance, the Blue Jays will face a familiar foe—they split seven regular‑season meetings, with Toronto outscoring Detroit 35‑20. If Seattle wins, Toronto’s pitchers may have to adjust to a more aggressive, high‑velocity attack. Either way, the ALCS is set to begin on Sunday, and the Jays hope a few of their injured stars, especially Bichette and Bassitt, might be cleared for action.
Historical context: A franchise that survived the drought
The last time Toronto reached the ALCS was in 2016, when they fell to the Cleveland Indians in six games. Since then, the team has endured a revolving door of managers, front‑office changes, and a revolving cast of injuries. The 2025 campaign marked a resurgence, anchored by Guerrero Jr.’s 39 homers and 122 RBI, and Springer’s steady leadership in the middle of the lineup.
Reaching the ALCS after a nine‑year gap is more than a statistical comeback; it’s a cultural reset for a fan base that’s endured heart‑breaks in 2015, 2020 and the COVID‑shortened 2021 seasons. Ticket sales in Toronto skyrocketed after the early ALDS wins, and local bars reported record‑breaking viewership numbers. The city’s skyline seemed to glow brighter each night the Jays secured a victory.
Key facts
- Series result: Blue Jays win ALDS 3‑1.
- Game 4 score: Toronto 5, New York 2.
- Primary contributors: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, Louis Varland, Nathan Lukes.
- Injured stars missing: Bo Bichette, Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, José Berríos, Ty France.
- Next opponent: winner of Tigers‑Mariners series, ALCS starts Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the Blue Jays' injuries affect their ALCS chances?
Missing Bo Bichette and three frontline starters forces Toronto to rely on depth players and its bullpen. If the injured stars return, the lineup regains its power balance; otherwise, the Jays must continue leveraging contact hitting and clutch relief pitching, which proved effective in the ALDS.
Who is the likely ALCS opponent for Toronto?
The ALCS will feature either the Detroit Tigers or the Seattle Mariners. Detroit’s low‑run offense could play into Toronto’s contact‑oriented game plan, while Seattle’s high strikeout rate may test the Jays’ ability to put the ball in play.
What record did the Blue Jays set in the first two postseason games?
Toronto became the first MLB team to score 23 total runs in its opening two postseason games, racking up a 10‑1 win followed by a 13‑7 blowout over the Yankees.
What does the series say about the Blue Jays' bullpen?
The bullpen, highlighted by Louis Varland’s start, delivered three quality starts in four games, showcasing depth and resilience that compensated for the absence of ace starters.
When does the ALCS begin and where will the games be played?
The American League Championship Series kicks off on Sunday, October 12, 2025, with the first two games scheduled at Toronto’s Rogers Centre. The series will shift to the opponent’s venue for the remaining games.
Hello, my name is Theodore Kingswell and I am an expert in the field of education. With a background in teaching and educational research, I have dedicated my life to improving the quality of education for students of all ages. I am passionate about sharing my insights and experiences through my writing, as well as collaborating with others to create innovative solutions for the challenges facing education today. In my free time, I enjoy cycling, reading educational journals, and nature photography, alongside attending conferences and workshops to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the world of education.