Blue Jays top Yankees 5-4 on July 22, 2025, as Kevin Gausman dominates and Bo Bichette delivers a clutch game-winning double in a thrilling AL East battle.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a game that had all the tension and drama of a playoff preview, the Toronto Blue Jays stood tall, staring down their biggest rivals and walking away with a massive 5-4 win. In front of a roaring Rogers Centre crowd, Bo Bichette delivered the decisive blow in the seventh inning, cementing a victory that feels like much more than just another notch in the win column. This was a statement.
This group never gives in. We’re finding ways to win close games, and that’s what good teams do.
When you're facing a lineup with Aaron Judge, you need your ace to be an ace. Kevin Gausman was exactly that and more on Tuesday night. Over seven masterful innings, Gausman muzzled the potent Yankees offense, allowing just two runs while striking out eight. His devastating splitter-fastball combination was in peak form, keeping New York hitters guessing all night. It was a vintage performance that improved his record to 11-5 and lowered his ERA to a sparkling 3.12. 'I felt good out there,' Gausman said, crediting his catcher. 'Kirk called a great game.'
While Gausman held the fort, the offense found a way to break through. George Springer got the party started with his 18th home run of the season, but the game's defining moment came in the bottom of the seventh. With the Jays trailing, Bo Bichette stepped up and ripped a two-run double, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and giving Toronto a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Not to be overlooked, catcher Alejandro Kirk continued his torrid pace, smashing two doubles and extending his hitting streak to eight games. He is quietly becoming one of the most reliable bats in the lineup, a crucial piece of this winning puzzle.
Let's zoom out and appreciate what this win means. With their fourth straight victory, the Blue Jays (59-41) have now built a four-game lead over the second-place Yankees in the AL East. They've turned Rogers Centre into a fortress with a 36-16 home record and are playing their best baseball at the perfect time. The analytics agree, with the team's playoff odds now soaring above 84%. As manager John Schneider noted post-game, the team's resilience is defining their season. They're not just winning; they're winning the tough ones.
One game doesn't win a division, but this one felt different. Beating the Yankees in a tight, back-and-forth battle sends a clear message to the rest of the league. With more games in this pivotal series, the Blue Jays have a golden opportunity to bury their rivals and take firm control of the AL East. The bats are hot, the ace is dealing, and the bullpen is holding on. Buckle up, Jays fans, the stretch run is here, and this team looks ready for it.
