Sun Oct 05 21:30:00 UTC 2025: **Blue Jays Crush Yankees in ALDS Game 1, Guerrero Jr. Breaks Playoff Slump**

**TORONTO -** Vladimir Guerrero Jr. delivered a performance worthy of his $500 million contract on Saturday, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to a dominant 10-1 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the American League Division Series. The win marks Toronto’s first playoff victory since 2016.

Guerrero, who had struggled mightily in previous playoff appearances, exploded at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and a run scored. His first-inning home run off Yankees starter Luis Gil set the tone for the Blue Jays’ offensive outburst, which included 14 hits, three home runs and three doubles.

“He’s the face of our franchise and a big reason why we go, a big part of why we’re here,” said Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman.

Guerrero’s impact wasn’t limited to offense. In the second inning, he made a spectacular diving catch at first base, turning a lineout into an inning-ending double play. Alejandro Kirk added two home runs, and Nathan Lukes drove in three runs with two hits, including a two-run double.

Manager John Schneider credited Guerrero’s early energy for sparking the team. “I think having him get the scoring going, the double play at first with McMahon, it’s nice,” Schneider said. “It gives you a little bit of a jolt because it’s Vlad and what he means to this team.”

Adding to the significance of the victory was the opponent: the New York Yankees, a team Guerrero has openly disliked since childhood. He has a history of success against the Yankees, batting .302 with 22 home runs in his career against them.

Guerrero, who signed a 14-year contract extension with Toronto earlier this year, is focused on one goal: bringing a World Series title to Toronto. “For me, my goal always is to win a World Series, to bring the World Series here,” Guerrero said. “My father, he never had the chance to win a World Series. That’s one of my goals, always been one of my goals, to do that for me, for him.”

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