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Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. launches early bomb vs. Yankees
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- Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. launches early bomb vs. Yankees
The post Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. launches early bomb vs. Yankees appeared first on ClutchPoints .
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. no longer spouts vitriol when he discusses the New York Yankees , but everyone knows how much he enjoys facing the legendary franchise. Despite lacking power in 2025, the five-time All-Star still feasted on the Yanks this season, going 13-for-23 with four RBIs in his last five games against the club, per StatMuse. He is putting everything together in Game 1 of the American League Division Series.
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Guerrero galvanized the boisterous home crowd in Rogers Centre on Saturday afternoon, hitting a solo home run off 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil in the first inning. Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk kept the momentum going , launching the ball 392 feet to give his team a 2-0 lead in the second. Veteran starting pitcher Kevin Gausman dominated the Yankees through five innings before running into some trouble. Toronto is still narrowly on top.
Though, even with a strong pitching performance, the Bo Bichette-less Blue Jays must find ways to manufacture runs. Much of the pressure falls on the highest-paid player in franchise history. Like a true centerpiece, Guerrero set the tone in a highly anticipated playoff series. He also recorded a single in the third inning.
If Toronto is going to advance to the AL Championship Series and contend for a championship, the 26-year-old may have to slug closer to his .497 career output rather than the respectable yet non-elite .467 slugging percentage he posted in the 2025 regular season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. looks ready for the challenge. The organization signed him to a 14-year, $500 million contract extension , hopeful that he could produce an abundance of wonderful memories for the team and city.
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He is definitely bringing the thrills in Game 1. But the Blue Jays could use another blast to give themselves a little more insurance against a tough Yankees squad. Toronto is up 2-1 in the seventh inning at time of print.
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