NEW YORK – Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer each drove in a run, and eight Toronto pitchers shut down the New York Yankees in a 5-2 victory Wednesday night that sent the Blue Jays to the American League Championship Series for the first time in nine years.
“It’s pretty fitting that it took everyone to win today,” said manager John Schneider, soaking in the bubbles of the clubhouse celebration at Yankee Stadium.
Nathan Lukes provided a two-run single and Addison Barger had three of Toronto’s 12 hits as the Blue Jays, fouling on tough pitches and constantly putting the ball in play, bounced back after blowing a five-run lead in Tuesday night’s loss at Yankee Stadium.
AL East champion Toronto won the division series 3-1 and will host Game 1 of the best-of-seven ALCS on Sunday against either the Detroit Tigers or Seattle Mariners.
These two teams are expected to decide their playoff series on Friday in Game 5 in Seattle.
“It’s great,” Guerrero said through a translator. “Everyone was together from day one. You could tell there was something special.”
Toronto’s only pennants came in 1992 and 1993, when the club won back-to-back World Series crowns.
“Maybe some people don’t believe in the team all year long, but I always remind everyone that we have a whole country behind us that believes in us, and I hope we can bring the World Series back to Canada,” Guerrero said.
Ryan McMahon scored for the wild-card Yankees, unable to avoid elimination for the fourth time in the postseason as they failed to repeat as AL champions.
Despite a tremendous postseason performance from Yankees star Aaron Judge following his previous October issues, the 33-year-old slugger remains without a World Series ring. New York is still chasing its 28th title and its first since 2009.
“We got beat here. Thanks to the Blue Jays,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “They brought it to us this series.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
