**Guerrero Jr. Leads Blue Jays to Victory in Game 1** Vladimir Guerrero Jr. delivered a standout performance in Game 1 of the American League Division Series, helping the Toronto Blue Jays secure their first postseason victory in nearly a decade. The 26-year-old slugger, who faced scrutiny over his past playoff performances, went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs in a commanding 10-1 win against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Guerrero's success in this game was particularly significant given the pressure he faced after signing the largest contract in franchise history. Despite his talent, he had struggled in previous playoff appearances, recording only three hits in 25 at-bats before this game. His past postseason missteps, including a critical pick-off in the 2023 AL Wild Card Series, had left fans questioning his ability to perform under pressure. In the first inning, Guerrero hit a changeup from Yankees starter Luis Gil over the left-field wall, giving the Blue Jays an early 1-0 lead. He followed this with a diving play at first base to double off Jazz Chisholm Jr., showcasing his defensive skills. In the third inning, Guerrero's sharp single chased Gil from the game, further solidifying his impact. Manager John Schneider had expressed confidence in Guerrero's readiness for the series, noting that the five-day break allowed him to make necessary adjustments to his swing. "He’s right where he needed to be," Schneider said. Guerrero's performance proved the manager's assessment correct. The Blue Jays' victory was not solely due to Guerrero's efforts. Alejandro Kirk contributed significantly, hitting home runs in both the second and eighth innings. Nathan Lukes made a crucial defensive play, robbing Chisholm of extra bases in the fifth inning and later hitting a two-run double. Pitcher Kevin Gausman was instrumental in the win, facing just one batter over the minimum through the first five innings. He encountered trouble in the sixth but managed to strike out Aaron Judge with the bases loaded, maintaining the lead for the Blue Jays. The win ended the Blue Jays' seven-game postseason losing streak, which dated back to 2016. Unlike their previous playoff appearance in 2023, where they never held a lead, the Blue Jays led throughout this game. Historically, the winner of Game 1 in a best-of-five series has gone on to win the series nearly 75% of the time. Guerrero's performance not only silenced critics but also marked a significant moment in his playoff career, establishing him as a key player for the Blue Jays in their postseason journey.