After taking 2 of 3 from the Astros over the weekend to secure their first season series win of the season and the all-important tiebreaker, the Blue Jays opened a three-game set against the Yankees. The two squads split a 4-game series at Yankee Stadium a couple of weeks ago. Ross Stripling got the start. It'll likely be his final start as Hyun-jin Ryu is nearing a return from the 10-day IL. Ryu is recovering from a forearm strain. Tyler Heineman got the start behind the plate. George Springer was in CF after playing RF yesterday. Raimel Tapia got the start in RF. Alejandro Kirk DH'd tonight. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was back in LF after DH'ing yesterday. Could the Blue Jays make it 3 wins in a row? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Yankees opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Gleyber Torres bashed a 2-run opposite-field blast to right-center and into the Yankees bullpen
- The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Bo Bichette doubled scoring George Springer
- Three batters later, Matt Chapman singled home Bichette
- Ross Stripling pitching line: 4IP 5H 2R (both earned) 0BB 3K 63 pitches (47 for strikes)
- The Yankees retook the lead in the top of the 9th as Torres singled scoring Tim Locastro
- Chad Green pitched a perfect 9th for his 1st save of the season
- Final score: Yankees 3 Blue Jays 2
My Take:
- Ross Stripling threw 4 innings in a spot start today, giving up 2 runs (both earned) on 5 hits while walking none and striking out 3. He made one mistake that Gleyber Torres knocked over the wall and into the Yankees bullpen. He got a no-decision after the Blue Jays tied the game in the bottom half of the inning. Stripling retired 4 in a row at one point. He's likely heading back to the bullpen as the long man with Hyun-Jin Ryu nearing a return from a forearm strain.
- Yimi Garcia gave up what would be the winning run in the top of the 9th on a pair of hits. Adam Cimber, David Phelps and and Trevor Richards threw a combined 4 scoreless innings.
- The Blue Jays had plenty of chances to score but could not cash in many runners (team was 1-8 with runners in sccoring position)
- Every Blue Jays starter except Santiago Espinal and Raimel Tapia had at least one hit
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Alek Manoah starts against Yankees righty Jameson Taillon
