Game #154 Toronto Blue Jays (63-91) @ New York Yankees (100-55) - game recap

Justin Smoak hit the game-winning 2-run HR as the Blue Jays came from behind to beat the Yankees 4-3. With the win, the Blue Jays will avoid a 100 loss season.

After a convincing sweep of the Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays opened up a series against the AL East Champs NY Yankees, who clinched the division title last night. Jacob Waguespack got the start for the Blue Jays. Bo Bichette was not in the lineup as he goes through concussion protocol after taking a fastball off his batting helmet last night. Richard Urena was in his spot and batting 9th. Also, Anthony Alford was the choice to bat leadoff tonight. He was in LF. Danny Jansen got the start behind the plate. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. got the half day off, serving as the DH today. Justin Smoak got the start at 1B. Could the Blue Jays make it five wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled home Cavan Biggio
• The Yankees tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Aaron Judge smashed a solo blast to the 2nd deck in left-center
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 5th as Danny Jansen smashed a solo blast to left-center
• The Yankees took the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Tyler Wade clobbered a 2-run bomb to right-center also scoring Brett Gardner
• JA Happ pitching line: 5.1IP 4H 2R (both earned) 0BB 4K 82 pitches (53 for strikes)
• Jacob Waguespack pitching line: 5IP 4H 3R (all earned) 1BB 6K 88 pitches (52 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 7th as Justin Smoak smoked a 2-run bomb to right-center also scoring Teoscar Hernandez
• Ken Giles pitched a perfect 9th for his 21st save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Yankees 3

My Take:

• Jacob Waguespack battled through 5 innings, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 6. The Yankees did not play their "B" lineup a day after clinching. First of all, they still had home field advantage through the playoffs up for grabs. The Yankees are a half game back of the best record in baseball (the Astros have one less loss, but have the same number of wins). Waguespack has one start remaining.
• This win was all about clutch hitting. With the game tied in the 7th, veteran Justin Smoak tied one out to right-center
• Ken Giles appears to be back to full health. Although, the 2nd strike on Brett Gardner probably should have been ball 4 as it was at least a foot outside
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr (2-4, solo HR), Teoscar Hernandez (2-3, scored game-winning run, drew a walk, and Justin Smoak (game-winning 2-run HR, walk) all had good days at the plate
• Anthony Alford was 0-3 in the lead off spot and struck out twice
• With the win, the Blue Jays have officially avoided 100 losses
• Up next, the Blue Jays go for the series win as TJ Zeuch pitches against Canadian James Paxton. The Blue Jays may opt for the opener. They've used one the past 2 Zeuch appearances