Varland, acquired from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline, struck out Giancarlo Stanton in a big spot on Saturday, topping the 100 mph mark with his fastball.
Toronto Blue Jays reliever Louie Varland made some unique team history on Saturday afternoon when he struck out New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton with two outs in the top of the sixth inning. That kept the score at 2-1 Toronto as they look to take Game 1 in the best-of-five American League Division Series.
Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:
100.7 mph is fastest strikeout of Louis Varland's career and second fastest pitch overall, including regular season and playoffs (h/t @HarriganMLB) it’s also the fastest strikeout pitch by a Blue Jays pitcher in the postseason under pitch tracking (2008)
The 27-year-old Varland was acquired at the trade deadline from the Minnesota Twins and finished the regular season at 4-3 with a 2.97 ERA in 74 games. He struck out 75 batters in 72.2 innings pitched, featuring his high-octane fastball.
A four-year veteran, Varland is 9-14 for his career with a 4.66 ERA. He was previously a starting pitcher with the Twins, not fully transitioning to a reliever until this year.
The Blue Jays won the American League East for the first time since 2015 this season and they are seeking to advance to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2016.
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Louie Varland (77) pitches to the Boston Red Sox during the second inning at Rogers Centre. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesThe Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox in the wild card round to get here, and they are seeking a return trip to the World Series after losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers a season ago.
We will keep you posted on the remainder of Game 1, and the Jays and Yankees will play again on Sunday afternoon at 4:08 p.m. ET in Game 2.
Rookie Trey Yesavage will get the start in that one.
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