Hated former Yankee's ALCS first pitch might've been cursed nail in Blue Jays' coffin

It took a lot of will power to resist the sarcastic taunts throughout Game 1 of the ALCS, but now that Game 2 is in the books ... maybe beating the Yankees in the Division Series really was the Blue Jays' World Series?

I mean ... all the signs were there. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. screamed, "Daaaaaa Yankees lose!" on the FOX airwaves with Big Papi. Blue Jays manager John Schneider told the "bitches" he manages to start spreading the news in the Yankee Stadium locker room to celebrate the clinch. All in good fun, sure, but you've better back it up.

Then came Game 1 of the ALCS, where the Jays played Vladdy's "Yankees Lose!' clip during their pregame hype video. It's tough to beat the "we weren't too focused on the Yankees" allegations when you dedicate space in your next round's pre-show to trolling your previous opponent.

In case that - and the resulting fetid 3-1 loss - wasn't enough to derail Toronto's momentum, their choice for Game 2's first pitch might've been the ultimate curse. The Jays chose 2015 MVP Josh Donaldson, who finished his career in Milwaukee on a technicality, but was really finished by the time he spent time at Yankee Stadium in the home dugout. Trotting out someone who starred for your team, then failed with the Yankees and caused clubhouse trauma during his tenure in the Bronx, is the ultimate feather in the cap of a weeks-long troll.

Of course ... what followed Donaldson's pitch was less than ideal, if you're a Toronto fan hoping the Yankees' series wasn't the peak of your season. If you're a Toronto fan who's still celebrating as if it can't get better than a first-round win, though, good for you! Appreciate you acknowledging it, at least.

Former Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson threw out the first pitch before Blue Jays' ALCS Game 2 disaster

Seattle's high-powered offense, spurred by Julio Rodriguez, Jorge Polanco, and Josh Naylor, did more damage against Trey Yesavage than the Yankees could've ever dreamed of. Yesavage's elite splitter looked more like Donaldson's lob in the context of this one.

If the Jays extend this series to Game 6 and bring it back home, maybe they should stay away from anyone with Yankees ties. Jimmy Key and David Cone, don't answer your calls. Ryan Goins, you're probably on deck.