Vlad Guerrero Jr. is making a significant impact in his first extended playoff run with the Toronto Blue Jays. On Thursday night in Seattle, he hit his fifth home run of the postseason, setting a franchise record for the most homers in a single playoff year. This achievement comes as Guerrero aims to become the Blue Jays' version of Mr. October.

In Game 4 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), Guerrero's solo home run in the seventh inning helped the Blue Jays secure a 6-2 lead. The ball cleared the right-center field wall, adding to his impressive performance. Just the night before, he had a stellar game, going 4-for-4 in a 13-4 victory over the Mariners. In that game, Guerrero narrowly missed hitting for the cycle, finishing with a home run, two doubles, and a single.

Guerrero's five home runs surpass the previous Blue Jays playoff record of four, set by Jose Bautista in 2015. Heading into Thursday's game, Guerrero boasted a batting average of .464, an on-base percentage of .515, and a slugging percentage of .964. He also recorded six extra-base hits, 10 runs batted in (RBI), and four walks during the playoffs.

His recent performance is particularly noteworthy given his inconsistent regular season, which included a lackluster September. Despite these challenges, Guerrero remained optimistic. He stated that if he could find his rhythm and confidence at the plate, he could lead the team effectively. His resurgence is crucial for the Blue Jays, especially considering he had not hit a home run in his previous six postseason appearances before this year.

Guerrero's home run on Thursday was the second of the game for the Blue Jays, following a two-run shot by Andres Gimenez, the team's No. 9 hitter, who also homered for the second consecutive game. Guerrero's contributions are helping to propel the Blue Jays deeper into the playoffs, showcasing his talent and determination on the big stage.