TORONTO — With the bases loaded, nobody out and Aaron Judge up at the plate, the Yankees finally looked like a threat in Game 1 of the ALDS.

Kevin Gausman had been effective and economical through the first five innings, requiring just 50 pitches with the help of some dazzling defense and impatient at-bats from the Bombers. But with Anthony Volpe leading the sixth off with a double and Austin Wells and Trent Grisham following with a single and a walk, respectively, the right-hander seemed to be in trouble with Judge, fresh off another MVP-caliber season, approaching the batter’s box.

Alas, the Yankees captain struck out on eight pitches, chasing a 3-2 splitter below the zone. Judge’s waving bat elicited a roar from Rogers Centre’s packed crowd, which erupted again a few batters later whe

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