Vladimir Guerrero Jr in trouble with the Seattle Mariners
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Seattle Mariners did what the New York Yankees couldn't in game 1 and 2 of the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays, and that is neutralizing Vladimir Guerrero Jr., he looked pretty much unstoppable against New York, but had a disappointing performance against Seattle.
This was easily the worst game of the playoffs for him, Guerrero is the backbone of the Blue Jays offence, and it'll be difficult to win if he loses momentum.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. looks like a mere mortal against the Mariners in game 1 and 2 of the ALCS.
Jose Alfonso Taboada of Jays Journal broke down where it went wrong for the Toronto Blue Jays in game 1 of the ALCS, and it starts with Vladdy Jr.
"One of the more notable bats that went quiet was Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After completely decimating the New York Yankees with three home runs and a .523 average, Vladdy went 0-for-4 at the plate. It may be early, but it's a good sign for Seattle to ease the bat of one of Toronto's biggest giants."-Taboada
While it is not impossible for the Blue Jays to win without Guerrero Jr. having a major impact, it is definitely less likely.
When Guerrero Jr. was struggling late down the final stretch of the season, so were the Blue Jays, he is their catalyst, without him the road gets a lot more difficult.
"In the 15 pitches Guerrero Jr. saw at the plate Sunday night, 12 of them were a mixture of breaking balls and off-speed pitches. Vladdy mostly saw the sinker and let three go by, two of those resulting in strikes. The rest saw a combination of sweepers, splitters, and sliders, most of which Vladdy took, and those that he made contact with would end up being in play for the defense to handle."-Taboada
The variety of pitches is something the Yankees failed to execute against Guerrero, if you give one of the best hitters in the world a lot of fastballs he is going to make you pay. The Mariners didn't prioritize striking him out, just not allowing him to get clean contact.
The Blue Jays really need Guerrero to step up in game 3 as he is now 0 for 7 at the plate against the Mariners through 2 games.
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