In a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster, the New York Yankees staged their largest comeback in an elimination game in franchise history, rallying from a 6-1 deficit to secure a 9-6 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the American League Division Series (ALDS). The win not only keeps the Yankees’ postseason dreams alive but also sets the stage for a dramatic Game 4 on Wednesday night, with the Yankees now facing another do-or-die situation.
The Yankees’ offense exploded in the middle innings, scoring eight unanswered runs to overcome a substantial early deficit. With the series now 2-1 in favor of Toronto, New York is looking to extend its playoff run behind rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler, who will take the mound for his second postseason start after a brilliant performance in the Wild Card Series win over the Boston Red Sox. Schlittler, who shut down the Red Sox in the deciding game of the Wild Card, will look to keep the Yankees’ momentum alive when they face elimination yet again on Wednesday.
A Slow Start for the Yankees
The Yankees entered Game 3 needing a strong performance to avoid being swept in the ALDS after being outscored 23-8 in the first two games. They knew they needed to strike early to shake off the momentum the Blue Jays had carried into New York, but things didn’t go according to plan.
Toronto quickly silenced the Yankee Stadium crowd when Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Blue Jays’ red-hot slugger, hammered a changeup from Yankees’ starter Carlos Rodón over the left-center-field fence in the top of the first inning. The blast put Toronto ahead 2-0, and the Yankees were on the back foot from the get-go.
New York responded in the bottom of the first inning with a clutch two-out single by Giancarlo Stanton, who drove in Anthony Volpe to cut the deficit to 2-1. However, the Blue Jays quickly regained control in the third inning, where they put up a four-spot to widen the gap. RBI singles from Daulton Varsho, Ernie Clement, and Anthony Santander helped Toronto push its lead to 6-1. This marked the end of Rodón’s night, as he was pulled after just three innings, much like Atlanta’s Max Fried in Game 2, who failed to make it through the third.
Despite the large deficit, the Yankees refused to fold. Their never-say-die attitude showed in the middle innings, where the offense began to chip away at the lead.
The Turning Point: A Judge Moment
With the Yankees still trailing 6-3 in the bottom of the third, they got an unexpected break when Blue Jays shortstop Addison Barger misplayed an easy pop-up from Austin Wells in left field. The error allowed Wells to reach second base and set the stage for a pivotal moment in the game. After a walk to Trent Grisham, Aaron Judge came to the plate with a chance to change the course of the series with one swing.
Judge, who had been heavily critiqued for his postseason struggles in previous years, had yet to deliver the kind of iconic postseason moment that fans have come to expect from him. However, in the most critical of situations, Judge proved why he is one of the game’s most feared hitters. Facing Blue Jays reliever Louis Varland, Judge swung at a 99.7 mph fastball off the plate inside and launched it down the left-field line. The ball ricocheted off the foul pole for a three-run home run, tying the game at 6-6 and sending the Yankee Stadium crowd into a frenzy.
It was a moment that embodied everything the Yankees had been waiting for—a signature postseason moment from their star player when it mattered most. Judge’s home run was a reminder of his power and clutch ability, something that had been questioned throughout the postseason but now served as a rallying point for a team looking to keep its season alive.
Chisholm Jr. Provides the Go-Ahead Blast
With the game tied, the Yankees could sense an opportunity to seize control. In the bottom of the fifth, Jazz Chisholm Jr. provided a timely spark with a mammoth solo home run to right field off Varland. The ball sailed into the second deck, giving the Yankees their first lead of the series and an 7-6 advantage. Chisholm’s homer was crucial, as it gave the Yankees the momentum they needed to keep pushing forward.
Wells then added some insurance with an RBI single to make it 8-6, increasing the Yankees’ lead to two runs. With the Yankees now in control, they needed strong pitching from their bullpen to close out the game.
Bullpen Excellence: Williams and Bednar Seal the Win
The bullpen, which had been shaky at times during the regular season, stepped up when it mattered most. Fernando Cruz, Camilo Doval, and Tim Hill were instrumental in keeping the Blue Jays’ offense in check while the Yankees chipped away at the deficit. However, with the lead now in their hands, it was up to the Yankees’ top two bullpen arms—Devin Williams and David Bednar—to finish the job.
Williams, who had been lights-out in the postseason thus far, came on to record four crucial outs, including two strikeouts. Bednar entered in the eighth inning with a two-run lead and delivered a dominant performance, retiring the side in order while striking out two batters to secure the final five outs without allowing a hit.
By the time Bednar struck out the final Blue Jays batter, the Yankees had completed their improbable comeback and held on for a 9-6 victory, stunning the Blue Jays and breathing new life into their postseason hopes. It was a victory that showcased not just the Yankees’ offensive firepower, but also the resilience of a team that refused to be counted out.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
With the win, the Yankees have now set up a dramatic Game 4 on Wednesday night. Schlittler, who was outstanding in his first postseason start during the Wild Card Series, will take the mound in another must-win game. The rookie will face a Blue Jays team that will likely turn to a bullpen game in an effort to cool off the Yankees’ suddenly red-hot lineup.
Toronto manager John Schneider has yet to announce his Game 4 starter, but the Blue Jays’ pitching staff is under intense pressure after seeing the Yankees come alive in Game 3. With the series now on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Game 4 is set to begin at 8:08 p.m. ET on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium, and fans will be on the edge of their seats as the Yankees fight for survival. A win would force a decisive Game 5, and with the way the Yankees have been playing, they are more than capable of pulling off another dramatic victory.
For now, the Yankees have shown that they are far from done, and with Judge and the rest of the lineup clicking, they may just have the firepower to turn this series around and continue their quest for a championship.
