Blue Jays Blow 5-Run Lead Yankees Win 9-6 in ALDS Game 3

The Toronto Blue Jays were just a win away from a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees and a first trip to the American League Championship Series in nine years. Instead, a series of costly errors and timely homers by the Yankees turned the tide in a 9-6 Game 3 victory Tuesday night.

Toronto’s Strong Start

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got the Blue Jays off to a fast start, hitting a two-run homer off Carlos Rodón in the first inning. Guerrero finished 2-for-4, boosting his series numbers to an astonishing .693 with three home runs and eight RBIs. Toronto led 6-1 at one point, poised to return home to Rogers Centre for a matchup against Seattle or Detroit.

Errors Open the Door for Yankees

The comeback began in the bottom of the third when Isiah Kiner-Falefa, a former Gold Glove winner, misplayed a two-out grounder. The ball bounced off his chest and was inadvertently kicked, allowing Ben Rice to reach. Giancarlo Stanton followed with an RBI single, cutting the lead in half.

In the fourth inning, with Toronto ahead 6-3, Addison Barger misjudged a pop-up by Austin Wells. The wind carried the ball off his glove and into foul territory, allowing Wells to reach second and shifting momentum toward New York.

Aaron Judge Ties the Game

Reliever Louis Varland faced Aaron Judge with two outs in the fourth. Ahead 0-2, Varland threw a 99.7 mph fastball inside that Judge blasted high off the foul pole for a three-run homer, tying the game 6-6. This marked the first homer off a 99+ mph pitch 1.2 feet inside from the center of the zone since MLB Statcast tracking began in 2008.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. Puts Yankees Ahead

In the fifth, Varland left a 99.4 mph fastball low and inside for Chisholm Jr., who took full advantage, sending a no-doubt drive into the second deck for a 7-6 Yankees lead.

Toronto Struggles Continue

The Blue Jays’ misfortune extended in the sixth when Anthony Santander failed to field a liner off Cody Bellinger’s bat, resulting in a double. Toronto had led by five runs for the first time since September 3, 2024, against Philadelphia but was unable to hold onto the advantage.

Series Now 2-1, Game 4 Awaits

With the win, the Yankees cut Toronto’s ALDS series lead to 2-1. The Blue Jays must regroup for Wednesday night’s Game 4, facing the prospect of a must-win to avoid elimination.