ALDS game 2 Preview: yankees, Mariners Facing Pressure

Saturday was a big day in the MLB postseason, with the Blue Jays and Tigers securing Game 1 wins in the American League Division Series.

Winning the first game of an ALDS is a importent advantage.Historically, teams that win Game 1 in a best-of-five series have gone on to win the series 72.4% of the time (113 of 156).

As Toronto and Detroit aim for a 2-0 series lead, the Yankees and Mariners are under pressure to even their series before the action shifts. Here’s a look at the key storylines heading into Sunday’s Game 2 matchups:

Yankees at Blue Jays (TOR leads 1-0)

4:08 p.m. ET, FS1
SP: Max Fried (NYY) vs. Trey Yesavage (TOR)

Yankees: Can Fried be the stopper?

Max Fried finished the regular season strong. Over his last seven starts, he looked like the dominant left-hander he was earlier in the year, posting a 1.55 ERA in 46 1/3 innings. Now, the question is whether he can be the stopper the Yankees need in this crucial Game 2.

the Blue Jays have faced Fried four times this season. The results have been mixed; he pitched well in the Bronx (2.08 ERA in two starts) but struggled at Rogers Center (6.35 ERA in two outings). The Yankees will hope his recent form continues.