MLB Playoffs: Rookie Magic and Grand Slams Shake Up ALDS

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Game 2 of the American League Division Series proved to be a night of decisive victories and series-tying moments, highlighted by two thrilling matchups. In Toronto, the Blue Jays crushed the New York Yankees 13-7 to take a commanding 2-0 series lead, powered by a record-setting 11-strikeout performance from rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage and a grand slam from Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Meanwhile, across the continent, the Seattle Mariners edged the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in a tense battle that saw Julio Rodríguez deliver a go-ahead RBI double in the eighth inning, evening that series at one game apiece.

Here is a look at the major action from Sunday’s Division Series matchups:

ALDS Game 2: Toronto Blue Jays 13, New York Yankees 7

Blue Jays take a commanding 2-0 series lead

The Yankees’ nightmare trip north of the border continued in Game 2, as the Toronto Blue Jays’ offense exploded behind a historic performance from an unlikely ace.

Rookie Dominance and a Grand Statement. The story of the afternoon was rookie right-hander Trey Yesavage, who made his postseason debut with a stunning performance. The 22-year-old carved up the vaunted Yankees lineup, striking out 11 batters over 5 1/3 hitless innings to put New York on the defensive from the first pitch.

With Yesavage locking down the mound, the Blue Jays’ offense went to work. The early spark came from Ernie Clement, whose two-run home run in the second inning opened the scoring. But the game was irrevocably broken open in the fourth when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. launched a towering grand slam, turning a manageable deficit into a blowout.

The Blue Jays built a massive 12-0 lead through five innings, a torrent of offense that included two home runs from Daulton Varsho, who finished with a career day, going 4-for-5. The Yankees managed to plate seven runs late against the Toronto bullpen, but the damage was already done. Toronto’s combined 23 runs in Games 1 and 2 is a new record for the first two games of a Division Series, leaving the Yankees facing a daunting 0-2 deficit heading back to the Bronx.

ALDS Game 2: Seattle Mariners 3, Detroit Tigers 2

Series tied 1-1

In the American League’s late-night affair, the Seattle Mariners finally gave their long-suffering fans a reason to erupt, securing their first home postseason victory since 2001 to tie the series against the Detroit Tigers.

After dropping a tough 11-inning battle in Game 1, the Mariners turned to their best to get back in the series. The Tigers brought their own heat, with ace Tarik Skubal on the mound. The game was a tense, classic playoff pitching duel, with runs coming at a premium.

While full details on the key hits of Game 2 are still emerging, the home crowd was able to celebrate a clutch 3-2 victory. The win breaks a 24-year drought for postseason wins in Seattle and means the best-of-five series will now shift to Detroit, knotted at one game apiece, setting the stage for a dramatic Game 3.