Blue Jays brimming with confidence ahead of ALCS
Global News
Blue Jays manager John Schneider rolled the dice for the American League Division Series against New York, and then pulled all the right strings.
BRONX – Blue Jays manager John Schneider rolled the dice for the American League Division Series against New York, and then pulled all the right strings.
Untested rookie Trey Yesavage landed on the roster ahead of veterans Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer. Eight relievers threw a bullpen game in the series-winning Game 4. And Nathan Lukes returned to the lineup for the clincher Wednesday night and had the key two-run hit in a 5-2 victory.
Unlike his last two trips to the post-season, Schneider’s moves all seemed to work out. This time the Blue Jays’ offence was in top form and the pitching staff delivered.
“I think it just speaks to the amount of feel that he has for the game,” said Blue Jays left-hander Eric Lauer. “And that’s something that’s unquantifiable in baseball.”
Toronto set the tone from the start of the ALDS against its East division rival and took advantage of its opportunities.
Game 1 starter Kevin Gausman was poised and the bats came through. Yesavage was dominant in Game 2 and Toronto reached a double-digit run total again.
New York pulled off a five-run comeback to win Game 3 but the Yankees showed little signs of life in Game 4. The Yankee Stadium crowd, delirious after superstar Aaron Judge’s performance on Tuesday night, was rather muted the next night.
The Blue Jays scored early and didn’t let the Yankees break through. Many of Toronto’s big names had strong performances and their teammates stepped up when needed.
