Game #94 Toronto Blue Jays (35-59) @ New York Yankees (59-32) - game recap

Gio Urshela was 2-4 with a run scored and 2RBI as the Yankees doubled up on the Blue Jays 4-2

After a hard-fought win over the Yankees yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking for the series win against their bitter division rivals. Today's start by Marcus Stroman was crucial to prove to other teams that he is over the pec injury that caused him to miss his final start before the all-star break and the all-star game itself. Danny Jansen was back behind the plate as Stroman's primary catcher. Vlad was also back in the field after serving as the DH yesterday. Cavan Biggio got a half day off today, serving as the DH with Eric Sogard taking his place at second base. Randal Grichuk shifted over to RF with Teoscar Herrnandez in CF today. Justin Smoak was back at first base after a complete day off yesterday. Could the Blue Jays begin the unofficial second half with a win? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees took the lead in the bottom of the 2nd as Gio Urshela singled home Luke Volt and Gleyber Torres
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th as Randal Grichuk smashed a solo bomb to dead center
• Three batters later, Eric Sogard knocked one out to right
• The Yankees took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Urshela scored on a wild pitch by Marcus Stroman
• Masahiro Tanaka pitching line: 6IP 4H 2R (both earned) 0BB 5K 79 pitches (56 for strikes)
• Marcus Stroman pitching line: 6IP 7H 3R (all earned) 2BB 7K 97 pitches (58 for strikes)
• The Yankees added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Mike Tauchman drilled a solo bomb to the second deck in right-center
• Aroldis Chapman threw a perfect 9th for his 25th save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 4 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• Once again both starting pitchers threw 6 innings. Masahiro Tanaka was much more efficient, allowing 4 hits, 2 runs, while striking out 5 and walking none over 79 pitches. Marcus Stroman allowed 7 hits, 3 runs, walked 2 and struck out 7 and threw 97 pitches. He also threw a crucial wild pitch that would stand up as the game winning run. The more important factor for Stroman is that he got through the 6 innings with no apparent injury. This start was crucial to prove to teams that he is healthy again.
• For the 2nd time in  three games, the Blue Jays offence was held to 6 hits, and both runs came on measly solo HRs. Danny Jansen was only Blue Jay to have multiple hits (2-4). Teoscar Hernandez was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 7th. Could a demotion to the minors be nigh?
• Up next, the Blue Jays head to Boston to take on the Red Sox, who made the first trade,acquiring Andrew Cashner, who will start Tuesday. Trent Thornton faces former 2016 Cy Young winner Rick Porcello in the series opener tomorrow (Monday).