Reminders of the storied history of the New York Yankees are ubiquitous in and around Yankee Stadium. Banners of Babe Ruth grace the exterior, while framed images of legendary players line the hallways. Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider, on the cusp of Game 3, passed towering magazine posters showcasing iconic Yankee figures as he entered the news conference room.
The current Yankees lineup, led by stars like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, instills fear in opposing pitchers much like their predecessors. Despite the original House that Ruth Built being elsewhere, the stadium remains an intimidating venue, especially with a passionate fanbase. The American League Division Series will resume at 8:08 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
The Blue Jays are unfazed by the historical aura, exuding confidence after two convincing wins at home. The pressure now weighs heavily on the Yankees, facing a potential sweep. Schneider praised his team’s focus and readiness for the challenging atmosphere.
The Toronto offense has been firing on all cylinders, complemented by solid pitching performances. In contrast, the Yankees have struggled at the plate, with Toronto amassing 23 runs and 29 hits. History shows that overcoming a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-five series is rare, but the Yankees remain determined to seize the moment.
The Blue Jays are set to start right-hander Shane Bieber against left-hander Carlos Rodon. As the series progresses, the Blue Jays hold a significant advantage, with a high probability of advancing to the next round. However, both teams are aware of the unpredictable nature of postseason baseball.
If needed, Game 4 will take place in New York, with Game 5 returning to Toronto. Despite the teams’ identical regular-season records, the Blue Jays have dominated the head-to-head matchups this year. The Blue Jays are eager to break their playoff drought and are approaching this postseason with a renewed mindset.
The winner of this series will face either the Detroit Tigers or the Seattle Mariners in the AL Championship Series, with the ultimate goal of reaching the World Series. For the Blue Jays, success in this postseason signifies a departure from recent disappointments, with the team showing a newfound resolve and unity.