Spanish
NEW YORK. — Throughout the winter, the Yankees and their fans will have nightmares with the name Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The Dominican slugger was the absolute protagonist of the American League Division Series, guiding the Toronto Blue Jays to a 5-2 victory in Game 4 played at Yankee Stadium, which sealed the Canadian team's pass to their first American League Championship Series since 2016.
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Guerrero, who in April signed a historic extension of 15 years and US$500 million, once again demonstrated why he is the heart and soul of Canadian baseball. Although in the decisive duel he went 1-for-4 with an RBI, it was his single in the first inning that ignited Toronto's offense against rookie Cam Schlittler. In the series against New York, Vlad Jr. batted .529 (17-9), with three home runs, nine RBIs, and five runs scored, becoming the first Blue Jays player to hit a home run in three consecutive postseason games. The Dominican also made family history by joining his father, Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr., as one of the few father-son duos with home runs in the playoffs. His dominance against the Yankees has been total: in 106 games against them (including postseason), Guerrero bats .312/.376/.572, with 25 home runs and 83 RBIs. Only in Yankee Stadium, his average rises to .311, with 17 home runs and 33 RBIs.The hitter confessed that he took advantage of the free days prior to the series to adjust the mechanics of his swing, a decision that proved key in his performance. His teammate, catcher Alejandro Kirk, praised Vlad Jr.'s performance:“This is something big. It feels good. I've had three playoff appearances and I had lost them all. We won this one and now we're going for the World Series,” Guerrero expressed, amidst champagne and celebration in the clubhouse.
The Blue Jays, who won just 74 games last season, transformed this year into the number one seed in the American League, defying all predictions. Now they wait in Toronto for the winner between the Tigers and Mariners, to play the Championship Series that will begin on Sunday. Guerrero sums it up with humility and faith:“Wow, we all know how incredible he is against this team. It was awesome to see him do that here, in this stadium.”
With his power and leadership, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has not only brought the Blue Jays back to the elite of baseball, but has also solidified his legacy as one of the greatest Dominican stars of the modern era.“For me, it's one pitch at a time, one hit at a time. When you believe in your teammates and believe in God, everything happens.”
