Blue Jays fans in Waterloo relish ALDS win

Waterloo fans watched at the Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees in game four. CTV's Colton Wiens reports.

The Toronto Blue Jays are moving on to the American League Championship Series after defeating the New York Yankees in four games and Blue Jays fans in Waterloo are excited.

While Beertown Public House in Waterloo is not a sports bar, the restaurant typically shows sports around the building.

On Wednesday, knowing there were Jays fans in town and game four was on television, they decided to turn the volume up so everyone in the restaurant could know what was happening.

“Beertown always feels like a community but the sense of camaraderie and connection just amongst our guests and our staff is definitely amplified,” Jennifer Tamse, director of beer and beverage for The Charcoal Group of Restaurants said. “We don’t normally play the sound, during the playoffs but for something like this, we’re definitely having the sound on.”

While the restaurant wasn’t packed, the Jays fans in attendance that CTV News spoke to were locked in on the Jays game and already had high hopes for a win halfway through the game.

“I like the atmosphere here. You know, it’s a great spot to spend time with friends and they got the big TV, so it’s a plus,” Tyler Robinson, a Blue Jays fan said. “So far, so good. I mean, we’re up two one, so that’s a good sign but hopefully we can stick it out.”

“I give them 90%. They’re getting this done,” another fan, Declan Giulekas, said during the game.

“It’s a lock. If I had a house, I’d put a mortgage on it and then put it all on them winning,” Jays fan Hogan Treslan said.

“Everybody is cheering for them and it’s great to see people get together. And watch the Jays,” Gurpreet Pank said. “I honestly haven’t watched the Jays in years but I heard they’re doing well. I’m all about the Toronto Blue Jays and I want to be there when they succeed.”

Despite a bit of a slow start to the game, the Jays held onto the lead after the fifth inning. Ultimately, taking game three and the divisional series over the Yankees. A loud roar of cheering rang out across the restaurant with the final strike.

“We’re in a good mood. It was a great night. We’ll see Seattle or Detroit,” Giulekas said after the big win.

“Absolutely electric, I’m fired up right now. Let’s go Blue Jays!” Robinson said. “World Series here we come, put it on me.”

The Jays will head to the American League Championship Series which is expected to start on Sunday. Fans in Waterloo Region joining many across the country celebrating that reality.