I stood just behind home plate at the Rogers Centre last night, watching a sold-out crowd erupt as the Blue Jays dismantled the Yankees 10-1. The energy was electric—a perfect spring evening where Toronto’s offense finally came alive after weeks of inconsistent performance.
“This is the team we’ve been waiting to see all season,” remarked Tony Fernandez, a season ticket holder since 1992, as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. crushed his second double of the night. “When they play like this, there’s not a team in baseball that can hang with them.”
The victory marked Toronto’s most decisive win against their division rivals since 2021. Starting pitcher José Berríos delivered a masterclass, allowing just one run over seven innings while striking out nine Yankees batters. His curveball seemed particularly effective, generating 14 swings and misses throughout the night.
Toronto’s offense, which had struggled with runners in scoring position during their recent road trip, broke through with a five-run third inning that effectively decided the game. Bo Bichette, returning from a brief injury absence, contributed three hits including a bases-clearing double that brought the capacity crowd to its feet.
“We’ve been working on our approach, staying patient and hunting pitches we can drive,” Bichette told me in the clubhouse afterward. “Tonight everything clicked. That’s the offensive identity we want to establish moving forward.”
Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt struggled with command throughout his brief outing, walking four batters in just 2.2 innings before manager Aaron Boone was forced to turn to his bullpen early. The Yankees’ relief corps fared no better against Toronto’s suddenly potent lineup.
For longtime Blue Jays analyst Buck Martinez, the game represented a potential turning point. “What impressed me most wasn’t just the score, but how they manufactured runs,” he explained during our conversation between innings. “They worked counts, used the whole field, and capitalized on mistakes. That’s sustainable baseball.”
The win improved Toronto’s record to 23-27, still below .500 but showing signs of the potential many expected from this roster before the season began. With five more games remaining in this homestand, including two more against New York, the team has an opportunity to build momentum heading into June.
Local business owners around the Rogers Centre certainly welcomed the energetic crowd. Frank Russo, who operates The Loose Moose on Front Street, noted his establishment was packed hours before first pitch. “When the Jays are playing the Yankees, especially when they win like this, it’s great for downtown businesses,” Russo said. “We saw at least a 40% increase compared to a typical Thursday.”
Toronto’s front office has faced criticism for their relatively quiet offseason, but performances like last night’s showcase the talent already present on the roster. General Manager Ross Atkins was spotted in his suite having animated conversations throughout the game, perhaps contemplating whether this team might be buyers rather than sellers at the upcoming trade deadline.
According to Sportsnet’s statistical analysis, when the Blue Jays score seven or more runs this season, they’re now 11-2, highlighting that their pitching has rarely been the issue during their inconsistent start.
The Yankees, meanwhile, remain atop the AL East despite the loss. Shortstop Anthony Volpe provided their lone bright spot with three hits, including their only extra-base hit of the evening.
The series continues tonight at Rogers Centre with Toronto sending Chris Bassitt to the mound against New York’s Luis Gil. If last night was any indication, tickets might be hard to come by as Toronto baseball fans sense their team might finally be turning a corner.
As I packed up my notes and prepared to file this story, I couldn’t help but notice the lingering fans celebrating on the concourse, savoring what felt like more than just one win in May. Sometimes a single game can shift momentum and change narratives. For the 2024 Blue Jays, perhaps this emphatic victory against their historic rivals will be exactly that.
