Baseball

Brewers beat Cubs 3-1 in Game 5 of NL Division Series to advance to NLCS matchup with Dodgers

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 9:58 PM CDT

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Andrew Vaughn hit a tiebreaking homer in the fourth inning and William Contreras and Brice Turang also went deep as the Milwaukee Brewers shook off their recent history of playoff frustration by beating the Chicago Cubs 3-1 in the decisive fifth game of their NL Division Series on Saturday.

The Brewers, making their seventh playoff appearance in the last eight years, earned their first postseason series win since sweeping Colorado in the 2018 NLDS. The Brewers were on the verge of their second World Series appearance in franchise history that year before losing Game 7 of the National League Championship Series at home to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Now they get another NLCS matchup with the Dodgers, who beat the Philadelphia Phillies in four games in the other NL Division Series. Game 1 is Monday at Milwaukee.

Milwaukee won with an all-hands-on-deck pitching approach in the final game against Chicago. Trevor Megill, Jacob Misiorowski, Aaron Ashby, Chad Patrick and Abner Uribe combined on a four-hitter.

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Right-hander Kevin Gausman gets Game 1 start for Blue Jays in ALCS against Mariners

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Right-hander Kevin Gausman gets Game 1 start for Blue Jays in ALCS against Mariners

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 7:06 PM CDT

TORONTO - It has become a familiar routine for the Toronto Blue Jays since securing the top seed in the American League on the final day of the season: rest, prepare and perform.

It worked like a charm against the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series. The Blue Jays, who have had a three-day break between games, are hoping for an encore showing in the AL Championship Series against Seattle.

"I think we're going to be ready to roll," said Toronto outfielder Myles Straw. "I feel like that was the perfect amount of time to miss and still be locked in."

The division title gave Toronto home-field advantage and a bye past the wild-card round. The Yankees went the distance in that best-of-three series against Boston and were worse for it against the Blue Jays.

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Updated: Yesterday at 7:06 PM CDT

Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) reacts to a flyout during the fifth inning of Game 1 in Major League Baseball's American League Division Series action against the New York Yankees in Toronto on Oct. 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) reacts to a flyout during the fifth inning of Game 1 in Major League Baseball's American League Division Series action against the New York Yankees in Toronto on Oct. 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Polanco hits winning single in the 15th inning as the Mariners beat the Tigers to advance to ALCS

Luke Olson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Polanco hits winning single in the 15th inning as the Mariners beat the Tigers to advance to ALCS

Luke Olson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 12:47 AM CDT

SEATTLE (AP) — Jorge Polanco hit a game-ending single in the 15th inning, and the Seattle Mariners advanced to the AL Championship Series by outlasting the Detroit Tigers for a 3-2 victory Friday night in the longest winner-take-all postseason game in baseball history.

With one out and the bases loaded, Polanco drove in J.P. Crawford with a liner to right off Tommy Kahnle. Crawford hit a leadoff single, Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch and Julio Rodríguez was intentionally walked before Polanco's big swing on the 472nd pitch of an epic Game 5 in a tightly contested Division Series.

The Mariners left 12 runners on base and still managed to advance to the ALCS for the first time since 2001. Next up is a matchup with the AL East champion Blue Jays, beginning on Sunday night at Toronto.

“We never give up. We just keep fighting. It doesn’t matter how many innings we play,” Polanco said. “We just stay ready and wait for the moment. It’s going to come. It was my time.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 12:47 AM CDT

Seattle Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco reacts after hitting an RBI-single for shortstop J.P. Crawford to score the game-winning run during the 15th inning in Game 5 of baseball's American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco reacts after hitting an RBI-single for shortstop J.P. Crawford to score the game-winning run during the 15th inning in Game 5 of baseball's American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Jays rookie Yesavage’s splitter is his not-so-secret weapon. But why is it so good?

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Jays rookie Yesavage’s splitter is his not-so-secret weapon. But why is it so good?

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Oct. 10, 2025

Trey Yesavage's devastating splitter turned heads as he mowed down the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series and the Blue Jays' rookie pitcher will likely be Toronto's starter when it hosts Game 2 of the AL Championship Series on Monday.

But why is his splitter so good? After all, many current Major League Baseball pitchers — including teammate Kevin Gausman — have a splitter in their arsenal, and the pitch has been around for decades.

"I think the fact that he's got the high release point in the high arm slot," said Blue Jays legend Pat Hentgen, who's now a special assistant in Toronto's pitching department. "It reminds you a little bit of Juan Guzman, a guy that I played with, had a higher arm slot than most guys created, like a gyro slider that literally went straight down, and the league thought he threw a split finger, but it was actually his breaking ball.

"I think it was because of his high release point and Trey's got that unique high release point."

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Friday, Oct. 10, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage (39) gets a sports drink shower from teammate Myles Straw after their 13-7 win over the New York Yankees, after MLB American League Division Series baseball action in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage (39) gets a sports drink shower from teammate Myles Straw after their 13-7 win over the New York Yankees, after MLB American League Division Series baseball action in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Oddsmakers upgrade Toronto Blue Jays to second best chance of winning World Series

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Oddsmakers upgrade Toronto Blue Jays to second best chance of winning World Series

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Friday, Oct. 10, 2025

The Toronto Blue Jays now have the second-best odds of winning the World Series.

Oddsmakers for several bettors made the adjustment on Friday morning.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are still the favourites to repeat as Major League Baseball's champions.

Toronto's offensive output in their four-game victory over the New York Yankees in their best-of-five American League Division Series swung the odds in the Blue Jays' favour.

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Friday, Oct. 10, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. celebrates after the Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees in Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. celebrates after the Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees in Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Blue Jays to meet Mariners in ALCS, with Game 1 Sunday in Toronto

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Blue Jays to meet Mariners in ALCS, with Game 1 Sunday in Toronto

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 12:21 AM CDT

SEATTLE - The Toronto Blue Jays will meet their expansion cousins in the American League Championship Series after the Seattle Mariners won the deciding Game 5 of their Division Series with the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in 15 innings on Friday.

Facing a full count, Jorge Polanco hit a single off Tommy Kahnle to score J.P. Crawford. Neither team had scored since Seattle tied the game at 2-2 in the seventh until then. 

The best-of-seven American League Championship Series will kick off Sunday with Game 1 at 8:03 p.m. ET in Toronto. The Blue Jays then host Game 2 on Monday before the series switches to Seattle on Wednesday.

The series is a matchup of the top two seeds in the American League. Toronto won the AL East title and finished first in the league with a 94-68 record, while a late surge moved Seattle past Houston and into top spot in the AL West at 90-72. Both teams had byes in the Wild Card round.

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Updated: Yesterday at 12:21 AM CDT

The Toronto Blue Jays gather for a group photo on the field after beating the New York Yankees in Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

The Toronto Blue Jays gather for a group photo on the field after beating the New York Yankees in Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Dodgers advance to NLCS, beat Phillies 2-1 on Kerkering’s 11th-inning error

Beth Harris, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Dodgers advance to NLCS, beat Phillies 2-1 on Kerkering’s 11th-inning error

Beth Harris, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, Oct. 10, 2025

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers didn't blink as the pressure built, inning after scoreless inning. Both teams pushed a single run across, forcing extra innings. Then came one of postseason baseball's craziest endings.

Orion Kerkering made a wild throw past home instead of tossing to first after mishandling Andy Pages’ bases-loaded comebacker with two outs in the 11th inning, and the Dodgers escaped with a 2-1 win Thursday for a 3-1 NL Division Series victory.

“That was a nail-biter,” beer-soaked Dodgers catcher Will Smith said in the postgame celebration. “They cracked. We didn't.”

Kerkering hung his head and put hands on knees after his throw sailed past catcher J.T. Realmuto as pinch-runner Hyeseong Kim crossed the plate, advancing the Dodgers to the NL Championship Series against the Chicago Cubs or Milwaukee.

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Friday, Oct. 10, 2025

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cristopher Sánchez throws to a Los Angeles Dodgers batter during the fourth inning in Game 4 of baseball's National League Division Series Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cristopher Sánchez throws to a Los Angeles Dodgers batter during the fourth inning in Game 4 of baseball's National League Division Series Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

MLB announces Blue Jays broadcast schedule for first two games of ALCS

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

MLB announces Blue Jays broadcast schedule for first two games of ALCS

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays will open the American League Championship Series with a Sunday night matchup at Rogers Centre.

MLB announced the broadcast schedule for the first two games of the next round on Thursday, a day after Toronto eliminated the New York Yankees to advance.

Game 1 is set for 8:03 p.m. ET on Sunday against the Seattle Mariners or Detroit Tigers. Detroit and Seattle are tied 2-2 in their best-of-five American League Division Series and face off in a decisive Game 5 on Friday.

The timing of Game 2 depends on how the National League Division Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs plays out.

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Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. celebrates with teammates after beating the New York Yankees in Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. celebrates with teammates after beating the New York Yankees in Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Blue Jays set for border series against Mariners or Tigers in ALCS

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Blue Jays set for border series against Mariners or Tigers in ALCS

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

The Toronto Blue Jays are set for a border showdown in the American League Championship Series as they await the winner of the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners.

The Tigers and Mariners meet in Game 5 of their AL Division Series on Friday in Seattle, with the winner heading to Toronto for Game 1 of the ALCS on Sunday.

Detroit’s Comerica Park is about a four-hour drive from Toronto and just across the bridge from Windsor, Ont., while Seattle’s T-Mobile Park sits roughly three hours south of Vancouver, home of the Blue Jays’ High-A affiliate, the Vancouver Canadians.

Toronto has only faced Seattle once in the post-season — in 2022, when the Mariners swept the best-of-three wild-card series at Rogers Centre.

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Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. connects for a single to drive in a run against the New York Yankees during the first inning of Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. connects for a single to drive in a run against the New York Yankees during the first inning of Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Blue Jays ALCS tickets sell out fast as Toronto buzzes over first berth since 2016

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Blue Jays ALCS tickets sell out fast as Toronto buzzes over first berth since 2016

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

TORONTO - Tickets to the Toronto Blue Jays’ home games in the American League Championship Series sold out quickly Thursday morning. 

Only verified resale tickets remain on Ticketmaster, with prices soaring well above face value

The cheapest seats are going for around $500, while premium listings climb past $9,000

The city is buzzing with Toronto making its first ALCS appearance since 2016.

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Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage (39) comes out to a standing ovation as he greets fans after he was pulled from the game during sixth inning MLB American League Division Series baseball action against the New York Yankees, in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage (39) comes out to a standing ovation as he greets fans after he was pulled from the game during sixth inning MLB American League Division Series baseball action against the New York Yankees, in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Two charged for flying drones over Rogers Centre during Blue Jays games: police

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Two charged for flying drones over Rogers Centre during Blue Jays games: police

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

TORONTO - Toronto police say two people have been fined and charged for flying drones over the Rogers Centre during the Blue Jays post-season baseball games. 

Police say the charges were laid under Canadian Aviation Regulations. 

Police say they used "specialized drone detection technology" to spot and intercept three unauthorized drone flights over the stadium during the games on Saturday and Sunday.

Police say the two people were allegedly flying "micro-drones," weighing less than 249 grams.

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Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

The Canadian flag is displayed on the field during an anthems ceremony ahead of the start of the American League Division Series MLB playoff series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees in Toronto on Saturday, October 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

The Canadian flag is displayed on the field during an anthems ceremony ahead of the start of the American League Division Series MLB playoff series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees in Toronto on Saturday, October 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Blue Jays flying high after four-game win over Yankees, can recharge ahead of ALCS

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Blue Jays flying high after four-game win over Yankees, can recharge ahead of ALCS

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

BRONX - Blue Jays manager John Schneider rolled the dice for the American League Division Series against New York, and then pulled all the right strings.

Untested rookie Trey Yesavage landed on the roster ahead of veterans Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer. Eight relievers threw a bullpen game in the series-winning Game 4. And Nathan Lukes returned to the lineup for the clincher Wednesday night and had the key two-run hit in a 5-2 victory.

Unlike his last two trips to the post-season, Schneider's moves all seemed to work out. This time the Blue Jays' offence was in top form and the pitching staff delivered.

"I think it just speaks to the amount of feel that he has for the game," said Blue Jays left-hander Eric Lauer. "And that's something that's unquantifiable in baseball."

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Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider celebrates with players and coaches in the locker-room after beating the Yankees in Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series on Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider celebrates with players and coaches in the locker-room after beating the Yankees in Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series on Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Blue Jays set for ALCS against Tigers or Mariners after eliminating Yankees

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Blue Jays set for ALCS against Tigers or Mariners after eliminating Yankees

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays are heading to their eighth American League Championship Series — and their first since 2016.

The Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees 5-2 last night at Yankee Stadium to seal the AL Division Series in four games.

Toronto now looks ahead to the ALCS with Game 1 set for Sunday at Rogers Centre against the Detroit Tigers or Seattle Mariners.

Tickets for the best-of-seven series go on sale this morning.

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Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. celebrates after the Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees in Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. celebrates after the Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees in Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Fans celebrate in Toronto as Blue Jays top Yankees to reach first ALCS since 2016

Abdulhamid Ibrahim, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Fans celebrate in Toronto as Blue Jays top Yankees to reach first ALCS since 2016

Abdulhamid Ibrahim, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

TORONTO - Toronto fans erupted in jubilation Wednesday night after watching the Blue Jays advance to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2016.

The Blue Jays defeated the New York Yankees 5-2 at Yankee Stadium in Game 4 to seal the best-of-five AL Division Series.

With the Jays holding just a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning, Nathan Lukes hit a two-run single to break the game open before Myles Straw batted in Toronto's final run in the eighth.

Fans filled the streets downtown, and many Toronto Maple Leafs fans also made their way to the nearest sports bar they could find to watch the Blue Jays close out the win.

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Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

Fans cheer with a standing ovation for Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage (39) after he was pulled from the mound during sixth inning MLB American League Division Series baseball action against the New York Yankees, in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Fans cheer with a standing ovation for Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage (39) after he was pulled from the mound during sixth inning MLB American League Division Series baseball action against the New York Yankees, in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Aaron Judge remains without World Series ring as Yankees’ title drought reaches 16 years

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Aaron Judge remains without World Series ring as Yankees’ title drought reaches 16 years

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge walked slowly from first base to the Yankees' dugout after Cody Bellinger ended the game with a strikeout, then turned his head to watch the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate on New York's infield.

“You don’t like seeing it and it kind of leaves an impression,” Judge said. “Make sure this doesn’t happen next year.”

New York's 16th consecutive season without a World Series championship ended Wednesday night with a 5-2 loss to Toronto, which won the AL Division Series 3-1 and advanced to a matchup against Seattle or Detroit for the American League pennant.

An hour after the game, Giancarlo Stanton walked over to Judge, seated by his locker in the quiet clubhouse, and put a consoling arm around the captain's shoulder.

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Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge reacts after striking out against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning of Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge reacts after striking out against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning of Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Blue Jays beat Yankees 5-2 in Game 4 to reach first ALCS since 2016

Mike Fitzpatrick, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Blue Jays beat Yankees 5-2 in Game 4 to reach first ALCS since 2016

Mike Fitzpatrick, The Associated Press 6 minute read Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — After taking down the storied New York Yankees in their own ballpark, Toronto manager John Schneider was ready to revel in the triumph.

“Start spreading the news!” Schneider exclaimed while popping a bottle of bubbly to set off the Blue Jays' jubilant celebration inside their Yankee Stadium clubhouse Wednesday night.

With the party underway, those familiar lyrics from Frank Sinatra's version of “New York, New York” — the Yankees' longtime victory anthem — sounded in the background as roaring Toronto players sprayed each other with booze in the Bronx.

This time, it was their time.

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Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. connects for a single to drive in a run against the New York Yankees during the first inning of Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. connects for a single to drive in a run against the New York Yankees during the first inning of Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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