Toronto rode a dramatic playoff opener, unleashing an early Vladimir Guerrero Jr. blast and a decisive late surge sparked by Nathan Lukes. Lukes, after a decade in the minors and his first playoff game at 31, delivered a bases-loaded two-run double that broke the game open and helped Toronto cruise past the Yankees. Guerrero Jr. and Alejandro Kirk supplied power; Kevin Gausman worked five innings of dominant ball, and the club’s depth shone as rookie Trey Yesavage awaits Game 2.

Long-term fantasy takeaway centers on Toronto’s hot order (Springer, Vlad, Lukes) and a bullpen that held firm. The Jays have built a cohesive, opportunistic attack that thrives on putting balls in play and leveraging timely hits from unexpected sources. The vibe at Rogers Centre was electric, underscoring a season built on belief and breadth of contribution rather than a single star.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. opened ALDS Game 1 with a solo homer, setting the tone as the Blue Jays rolled to a 10-1 win over the Yankees.

Ate into New York’s mound with Kevin Gausman on full rest, Toronto got multi-hit nights from Guerrero and Alejandro Kirk, plus two solo blasts from Kirk and a three-RBI night from Nathan Lukes. Bo Bichette’s absence mattered, but the rest of the lineup answered, lifting Toronto’s postseason confidence and snapping a lengthy skid.

Earlier in the year, Guerrero and the Jays locked in a 14-year, $500 million extension, a rallying point for a club that surged down the stretch and reclaimed the AL East. The win underscored Toronto’s readiness for October, with the pitching edge and timely hitting carrying the day as the series shifts south to New York.