When Vladimir Guerrero Jr., shortstop of the Toronto Blue Jays and teammate George Springer drove in runs on October 8, 2025, at Yankee Stadium, the Jays clinched the ALDS 3‑1 and booked their first American League Championship Series berth since 2016. The win snapped a nine‑year playoff drought and put Toronto back on the map as a legitimate contender.
How the Game Unfolded
The decisive Game 4 was a masterclass in bullpen management. Toronto swung the bat early, loading the bases with a two‑run single from Nathan Lukes. He later ripped a second two‑run hit, giving the Jays a 4‑0 cushion by the fourth inning. The Yankees answered with a lone solo homer by Ryan McMahon, but the gap never truly closed.
Toronto’s eight‑pitcher rotation limited New York to just two runs. Jeff Hoffman, the Yankees’ left‑handed reliever, earned the final out by striking out Cody Bellinger with two outs in the ninth, sealing the 5‑2 scoreline.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Beyond the big hits, the Jays’ offense was relentless. Addison Barger collected three of Toronto’s twelve hits, showcasing a knack for finding gaps. Meanwhile, veteran Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ captain, delivered a clutch RBI single in the ninth to make it 5‑2, but it arrived too late to spark a comeback.
Pitching depth told the story. The combined effort of the Jays’ bullpen logged three scoreless innings after the fifth, stifling any momentum the Yankees tried to generate. The strategic "bullpen day" called by manager John Schneider paid dividends, allowing the squad to keep fresh arms in the game’s critical late stages.

Reactions from Managers and Players
John Schneider, who guided Toronto through a roller‑coaster series, said, "I think we more than showed what we can do in this series – the pitching, the defense, everything. The guys know what we're capable of, and we don't care what anyone else thinks." His confidence was mirrored by the dugout, where players celebrated with a unison bounce near the mound.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone, ever the sports‑man, admitted, "We got beat here. Credit to the Blue Jays. They took it to us this series." The loss marks the fourth postseason elimination for New York under Boone’s tenure.
What the Win Means for Toronto and the AL East
Toronto finished the regular season tied with New York at 94‑68, but a head‑to‑head tiebreaker handed the Jays the AL East crown. The victory solidifies their reputation as a resilient club capable of weathering high‑pressure moments. It also flips the narrative of the season – the Yankees went 1‑8 in Toronto, while the Jays owned the overall series 11‑6.
The Jays’ consistency in scoring five runs per game throughout the ALDS (34 runs over four games) underscores a balanced attack that blends power, contact hitting, and timely baserunning. Their ability to bounce back after a blown five‑run lead in Game 3 demonstrates a championship mindset that many fans feared was missing.

Looking Ahead: ALCS Preview
Sunday’s ALCS opener will be hosted at Rogers Centre, where Toronto will face either the Detroit Tigers or the Seattle Mariners – the winner of their Game 5 showdown scheduled for Friday at T-Mobile Park. Both potential opponents bring distinct challenges: Detroit’s rotation features a young ace in Jack Flaherty, while Seattle’s bullpen is among the league’s best.
For the Blue Jays, the next step is to leverage home‑field advantage and maintain the offensive rhythm that carried them this far. If Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer continue to produce in the middle of the lineup, Toronto could very well rewrite the script that has kept them from the World Series since 1993.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect the Blue Jays' chances in the ALCS?
The win gives Toronto momentum and a home‑field edge for Game 1. Their balanced offense, which averaged five runs per ALDS game, and a deep bullpen should help them press the advantage against either Detroit or Seattle.
What were the key statistical takeaways from Game 4?
Toronto recorded 12 hits, three walks, and zero errors, while limiting New York to two runs on five hits. Nathan Lukes’ two‑run single accounted for 40% of the Jays’ runs, and the bullpen logged three scoreless innings after the fifth.
Who were the standout performers for the Yankees despite the loss?
Aaron Judge’s ninth‑inning RBI single kept the game within reach, and Ryan McMahon’s solo homer provided early offense. Reliever Jeff Hoffman secured the final out, showcasing his strike‑out ability under pressure.
What does this series tell us about the rivalry between Toronto and New York in 2025?
The 2025 season highlighted Toronto’s dominance; the Jays won the season series 11‑6 and swept the ALDS. New York’s inability to win at Yankee Stadium (1‑8) underscored a shift in power within the AL East.
When and where will the ALCS Game 1 take place?
Game 1 of the ALCS is scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Rogers Centre in Toronto. The exact kickoff time is 7:05 p.m. ET.