Blue Jays: Notable player performances from the ALDS

Hitting was contagious for the Blue Jays

Also in the action was outfielder Daulton Varsho, who assisted in setting the tone early at home. Varsho didn’t reach Guerrero’s level when speaking on offensive contribution, but his clutch-type performance and ability stood out and caused fear in Yankees pitchers. 

Varsho slashed a .438/.471/1.000 with seven hits, seven runs, three doubles, two home runs, and four RBIs. Ernie Clement is on the same wave of slashes, finishing the series with .643/.625/.929. Clement made good use of 14 at-bats, recording nine hits, five runs, five RBIs, one double, and one home run. 

Alejandro Kirk was not only a staple behind the dish to support his pitching staff, but he also contributed in the batter’s box. Kirk recorded four hits, four runs, two home runs, three RBIs, and a double, also recording a .611 slugging percentage. This contribution was combined with efforts behind the dish, catching an entire staff and bullpen. The Jays also got some clutch hits from the likes of Nathan Lukes and Myles Straw, and the team produced over 34 runs across the four games. 

Pitching efforts locked down the Yankees’ bats when it mattered

The Yankees did not know what to do with the Blue Jays’ pitching for a good portion of the series. The Blue Jays went with their number one in game one, and he pitched an absolute gem. Kevin Gausman was dominant in his 5 and 2/3 innings of work, only allowing one earned run on four hits to the Yankees. 

His load management had him ready to go again in a possible game five, or to close game four, which was not needed. Following up a solid performance was a brilliant performance by Trey Yesavage, who carved the Bronx Bombers’ batting order. Yesavage worked a strong, dominant 5 and  1/3 innings, striking out 11 hitters, breaking internal postseason records. This performance silenced the Yankees’ bats before going to the bullpen. This kept big New York bats off balance. 

The Blue Jays’ bullpen was a collective effort, and each arm came out to do a job, usually executing. The arms battled a threatening lineup that had the potential to do damage, and although they did hit a few speed bumps, primarily in games two and three, they got the job done in Game 4, using over eight arms to find a way to keep New York out of the run column. 

Overall, this team played almost all of their pieces; everyone contributed to some degree, taking the team over the hump and into the American League Championship Series.