Game #62 New York Yankees (39-22) @ Toronto Blue Jays (23-39) - game recap

DJ LeMahieu was 3-4 with 2 RBI and a run scored as the Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 6-2

After securing their first series win since the end of April, the Blue Jays were looking for the series sweep. Edwin Jackson took a career 5.21ERA against the Yankees into this start. He was torched for 10 runs five days ago. JA Happ made his first start in Toronto since being traded to the Yankees last July. After getting nailed by a pitch yesterday, Randal Grichuk was given a partial day off, serving as the DH. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was back at third base after serving as the DH last night. Luke Maile got the start behind the plate after Danny Jansen caught the first two games of this series. Could the Blue Jays sweep the Yankees for the first time since May 30- June 1, 2016? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees took the lead in the top of the 2nd as DJ LeMahieu doubled scoring Thairo Estrada
• A batter later, Aaron Hicks whacked a three-run shot to right also scoring Cameron Maybin and LeMahieu
• The Yankees added a run in the top of the 4th as Gio Urshela smacked a solo shot to left
• Three batters later, LeMahieu singled home Maybin
• Edwin Jackson pitching line: 3.1IP 6H 6R (2 earned) 2BB 3K 82 pitches (47 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got on the board in the bottom of the 6th on a solo blast by Eric Sogard to right
• JA Happ pitching line: 7IP 4H 1R (earned) 0BB 4K 102 pitches (69 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got another run back in the bottom of the 9th as Justin Smoak scored on a double play ball hit by Teoscar Hernandez
• Aroldis Chapman got the final three outs for his 18th save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 6 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Edwin Jackson was hit hard yet again. He actually escaped the 1st inning unscathed after walking two of the first three batters he faced. It looked like he was going to have a quick inning in the second, but Vlad hit the baserunner on a wide throw to 1st base. After that the inning imploded for E-Jack as he allowed a double, followed immediately by a three-run blast. Jackson had one clean inning in the 3rd. His next start should be against Baltimore, which may be his best chance at winning.
• The difference in this one? The Yankees capitalized on their chances and the Blue Jays did not. Case in point, Eric Sogard led off the game with a double, only to be stranded at 2nd base. Bottom of the 9th, the Blue Jays loaded the bases with none out and only eked across a single run that was conceded to get 2 outs. Between the 1st and 9th innings, the Blue Jays could not advance a base runner past 1st base. They were 1-6 with runners in scoring position.
• The Blue Jays did not draw a walk tonight.
• Up next, the Blue Jays begin a series tomorrow night vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks. They won 3 of 4 vs. Arizona in 2016. Socrates Brito played three innings in the field for the Diamondbacks the June 21st game (opener of the season series that year). Justin Smoak was the final out of that game. Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman recorded back to back wins that year (they will both pitch vs. Arizona this weekend. Brandon Drury played in the season series 2016 as a Diamondback. As mentioned, Stroman starts for the Blue Jays Friday. The Diamondbacks will counter with righty Merrill Kelly, who none of the Blue Jays have faced.