Game #41 - New York Yankees (24-19) @ Toronto Blue Jays (24-17) - game recap

 

Whit Merrifield drove in a run and scored a run in a losing effort as the Blue Jays fell to the Yankees 7-4

After a dramatic come-from behind walk-off win over the Braves, the Blue Jays were going for their 4th straight win, opening a 4-game series tonight against the Yankees. The Blue Jays took 2/3 from the Yankees at Yankee Stadium almost 2 months ago, outscoring the Yankees 13-5.. Alek Manoah got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the half day off as DH wirh Brandon Belt at 1B. Kevin Kiermaier was in CF and Daulton Varsho was in LF. Whit Merrrifield got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it 4 straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Aaron Judge bashed a solo jack to the opposite field in right-center 
• Three batters later, Willie Calhoun hammered a 2-run bomb to right-center; also scoring Gleyber Torres
• Jimmy Cordero pitching line: 2IP 0H 0R 0BB 0K 28 pitches (19 for strikes)
• The Yankees added a run in the top of the 4th as Kyle Higashioka singled scoring Anthony Volpe
• Three batters later, Oswaldo Cabrera was forced in on a bases loaded walk to Judge
• Alek Manoah pitching line: 4IP 6H 5R (all earned) 7BB 3K 92 pitches (44 for strikes)
• The Yankees added a run in the top of the 6th as Rizzo doubled scoring Jake Bauers 
• The Yankees added a run in the top of the 8th as Judge hammered a solo bomb to dead center 
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Whit Merrifield singled home Matt Chapman
• Two batters later, Merrifield scored on a fielder's choice hit by George Springer 
• A batter later, Bo Bichette singled scoring Brandon Belt 
• A batter after that, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Springer 
• Michael King got the last 4 outs for his 3rd save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 7 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• In a word, yikes and what the heck is wrong with Alek Manoah? The Blue Jays ace was lit up for 5 runs on 6 hits while walking 7 and striking out 3. Clearly his command was not there tonight. The Yankees also took him yard twice in the 1st inning. At this point, John Schneider, or whoever is managing this team next season, should consider a bullpen day on opening dayThis is the second year in a row where the opening day starter has had a rough season. Also, it looks like the umpires are not fallnig for Alejandro Kirk bringing the ball back in the strike zone. One has to wonder if Manoah's struggles are due to him trying to play through an injury. He really has not looked like himself this season
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 2 hits while walking 3 and striking out 6, It is an area where the Blue Jays will likely look for another arm at the trade deadline. While improved over last season, the bullpen is weak after Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano. It might be a good idea to add another lefty besides Tium Mayza.
• Offensively, the Blue Jays couldn't get much going until the 8th inning where they rallied for 4 runs on 5 hits. Prior to that big inning. the Blue Jays had a pair of singles that were immediately erased by double plays and a Kevin Kiermaier double in the 6th
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even this series and retake the lead in the season series. Kevin Gausman gets the starting nod against Yankees righty Domingo German.