| Ernie Clement hit a clutch go ahead HR in the top of the 7th of a 3-0 shutout win |
After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened a weekend series against the Yankees, who won the season series 4-3, but the Blue Jays outscored the Yankees 47-37. Wes Parsons was DFA'd with righty Paolo Espino getting the call-up. Yusei Kikuchi got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Kevin Kiermaier was a late scratch with lower back spasms so Daulton Varsho got the start in CF and Davis Schneider was in LF. Cavan Biggio was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays ruin the Yankees home opener and get back to .500? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- Yusei Kikuchi pitching line: 4.1IP 4H 0R 2BB 7K 96 pitches (58 for strikes)
- Marcus Stroman pitching line: 6IP 3H 0R 1BB 6K 98 pitches (57 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 7th as Ernie Clement bashed a solo blast to left
- The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 9th on a wild pitch by Nick Burdi that scored Isiah Kiner-Falefa
- A batter later, Daulton Varsho scored on a wild pitch by Burdi
- Chad Green pitched a scoreless 9th for his 1st save of the season
- Final score: Blue Jays 3 Yankees 0
My Take:
- Yusei Kikuchi was significantly better today than his first start of the season, where his command was an issue. Today, Kikuchi threw 5.1 shutout innings, giving up 4 hits, walking 2 and striking out 7. He got some help in the 2nd inning with Alejandro Kirk throwing out a base runner at 2b. Too bad he couldn't help out offensively.
- The bullpen kept the Yankees off the scoreboard for the last 3.2 innings, allowing a pair of hits, walking 1 and striking out 3.
- Ernie Clement came up clutch three days after Davis Schneider played hero by giving the Blue Jays a late lead. Clement took advantage of a pinch hit opporrunity and went yard to left on Yankees reliever Caleb Ferguson
- Once again, the offence continued to struggle, going 0-6 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays go for their first multi-game win streak and 1st series win of the season. Kevin Gausman starts against Yankees righty Clarke Schmidt
