Game #132 - Toronto Blue Jays (64-68) @ New York Yankees (74-56) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk drove in a run and extended his hitting streak to 12 games in an 8-3 loss to the Yankees

After a huge win on the strength of 6.2 strong innings from Dylan Cease and a 2-RBI effort from Nathan Lukes, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 20th series win and 9th season series win of the season. Jose Soriano got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday's win. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 20th series win and 9th season series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Spencer Jones doubled scoring George Lomard Jr.
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by Brett Bateman that scored Charles McAdoo
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 4th on asac fly by Daz Cameron that scored George Springer
• Carlos Rodon pitching line: 4IP 2H 2R (1 earmed) 2BB 2K 76 pitches (42 for strikes)
• The Yankees took the lead in the bottom of the 6th on a bases loaded walk to Trent Grisham that forced in Lombard Jr.
• A batter later, Ben Rice singled scoring Jones and Jazz Chisholm Jr.
• Jose Soriano pitching line: 5IP 7H 5R (all earmed) 3BB 7K 100 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Yankees added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 7th as Chisholm belted a 2-run jack to the second deck in right; also scoring Cody Bellinger
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 8th as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Myles Straw
• The Yankees added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Grisham hanmmered a solo bomb to dead center
• Final score: Yankees 8 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Jose Soriano battled through 5 innings, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits while walking 3 and striking out 7. Three of the runs should not have been charged to him because he should have been done after 5 innings. This game shows the inability of the front office to address the lack of pitching depth. Yes, they could not have anticipated every single injury that occurred, but they knew Shane Bieber, Jose Berrios, Trey Yesavage (pitched through 4 tiers last season) and Bowsdenn Francis would all be unavailable to start the season. It didn't help that Cody Ponce tore his ACL his first start of the season and both Eric Lauer and Max Scherzer were unable to replicate the 2025 season.
• The bullpen gave up 3 more runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4 over the last 3 innings. At least they stayed away from most of the high leverage guys, other than Mason Fluharty
• The sputtering offence produced a run on a sac fly and a clutch base hit off the red hot bat of Alejandro Kirk, who extended his hitting streak to 12 games. Not good enough 
• Neither team was successful in ABS challenges with the Yankees 0-2 and Alejandro Kirk unsuccessful on the Blue Jays only ABS challenge.
• The Blue Jays were 1-9 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the WC race, the Blue Jays and Twins (could gain a half game if they win today) are 1.5 games back of the Rangers for the 3rd WC spot.. The Guardians look like they are going to be tied with the Rangers with a win today. The Orioles already lost and are 2 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Mariners are losing and could fall to 3 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Tigers have already lost and are 3.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Tigers, Rangers, Guardians, Mariners, and Twins all play tomorrow and would gain a half game on the idle Blue Jays with wins
• Up next, after an off-day/travel day tomorrow, the Blue Jays open a week long homestand as they take on the Royals for the first time this season. The Royals took the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 45-21. Max Scherzer starts against Royals righty Seth Lugo

Game #131 - Toronto Blue Jays (64-67) @ New York Yankees (73-56) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes came off the bench and drove in a pair of runs as the Blue Jays hung on to edge the Yankees 4-3

After dropping yesterday's loss due to the inconsistent offense not getting anything going against an average Cam Schlittler, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series and avoid their 18th series loss and 13th season series loss of the season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was reinstated from the 7-day concussion IL (and took his spot at 1B) and Davis Schneider was optioned to AAA-ball. Ace Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Daz Cameron was in LF Myles Straw was in CF and Brett Bateman was in RF. George Springer served as DH. Could the Blue Jays even the series and avoid their 18th series loss and 13th season series loss of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as George Springer singled Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 4th as Charles McAdoo singled scoring Kazuma Okamoto
• Ryan Weathers pitching line: 3.1IP 8H 2R (both earned) 0BB 3K 72 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Nathan Lukes singled scoring Alejandro Kirk 
• The Yankees got one back in the bottom of the 7th as Austin Wells singled scoring George Lombard Jr.
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 6.2IP 2H 1R (earned) 5BB 8K 111 pitches (60 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Lukes hammered a solo bomb to the second deck in right
• The Yankees got a pair back in the bottom half of the inning as Luis Garcia Jr. belted a 2- run jack to the second deck in right; also scoring Ben Rice
• Louis Varland threw a scoreless 9th for his 29th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Yankees 3

My Take:

• Dylan Cease fired 6.2 strong innings, giving up a run on 2 hits while walking 5 and striking out 8. His command wasn't the best today and the walks and strikeouts drove up the pitch count. Cease is so good that evven when he isn't at his best, it's hard to get to him. Cease had a no-hitter going into the 7th inning. It would have been nice to let him finish the 7th inning, but the Blue Jays are pretty much in must win territory every game now. They have very little margin for error with so many teams fighting for one playoff spot.
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 2 hits while walking none and striking out 4 over the last 2.1 innings. Tyler Rogers experienced 2 firsts on the season: he hit his first batter and was taken deep for the first time this season. Spencer Miles retired the only batter he faced
• Nathan Lukes came off the bench and gave the Blue Jays 2 massive insurance runs, including a solo HR in the 8th inning. Alejandro Kirk didn't waste any time extending is hitting streak to 11 games with a base hit in the 1st inning. Vlad also got a base hit right away in his return to the lineup. George Springer and Charles McAdoo drove in the other two runs the Blue Jays scored
• The Blue Jays were 1-2 on ABS challenges and the Yankees were 3-2 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 4-18 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays, Twins and Guardians are a game back of the Texas Rangers for the 3rd WC spot for the moment. The Orioles are 2 games back of the 3rd WC spot, the Tigers are 2.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot and the Mariners are 3 games back of the 3rd WC spot. Hope you all have like 5 tvs because the Rangers, Orioles, Tigers, Guardians and Mariners all start their games in a couple of hours and all could potentially gain a half game on the Blue Jays if they win their respective games
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 17th series win and 9th season series win of the season. Jose Soriano starts against Yankees lefty Carlos Rodon

Game #130 - Toronto Blue Jays (63-67) @ New York Yankees (73-55) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk drove in the Blue Jays only run in a 3-1 loss to the Yankees

After pulling off a huge series win in Tampa thanks to 7 strong innings from Shane Bieber, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games as they continued the road trip in the Bronx. The Yankees and Blue Jays split the first 10 games of the season series with the Blue Jays outscoring the Yankees 36-35. Josh Smith was placed on the 10-day IL (retroactive to August 20) with left hamstring inflammation and Davis Schneider was recalled from AAA-ball. Spencer Arrighetti was activated from the 10-day IL and lefty Brendan Cellucci was optioned back to AAA-ball. It was another bullpen day with Mason Fluharty opening and Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Brett Bateman was back in the lineup in CF after missing a couple of days with a sore hamstring. Myles Straw was in LF. Kazuma Okamoto was at the hot corner, Ernie Clement was at SS, Charles McAdoo was at 2B and Brandon Valenzuela got the start at 1B. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins? Here is tonight's game recap

Game Highlights:

• Mason Fluharty pitching line: 0.2IP 0H 0R 2BB 0K 14 pitches (4 for strikes)
• The Yankees opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Spencer Jones hammered a 2-run bomb to the second deck in right, just inside the foul pole; also scoring Trent Grisham
• The Yankees added a run in the bottom of the 4th on a sac fly by Jose Caballero that scored George Lombard Jr.
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th as Alejandro Kirk singled scoring Brett Bateman
• Cam Schlittler pitching line: 6IP 6H 1R (earned) 3BB 4K 96 pitches (59 for strikes)
• David Bednar threw a scoreless 9th for his 30th save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 3 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• It was another bullpen day and I'll bet Mason Fluharty won't be tapped as the opener again. He walked 2 batters and only threw 4 strikes of the 14 pitches he threw. This is why I hate the opener. Starting a game vs. coming out of the bullpen are two very different beasts and  require very different preparation. Dennis Eckersley was probably the best pitcher to have succeeded in both roles. Mariano Rivera, the most famous closer in the game was a starting pitcher his first season in the bigs and he wasn't successful at it. He was much better as a closer. The Blue Jays should have at least 2 or 3 relievers who can handle a starter's role and workload on top of the traditional five to account for injury and poor performance. Having bullpen days once or twice every 5 days is not sustainable and will wear down the bullpen.
• The rest of the bullpen gave up 3 runs on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 12 over the last 7.1 innings. Spencer Arrighetti took the loss for giving up the three runs. Brayden Fisher and Paul Sewald retired every batter they faced.
• Offensively, Alejandro Kirk drove in the Blue Jays' only run and extended his hitting streak to 10 games at the same time. His bat needs to stay in the lineup while it is sizzling hot. Brett Bateman also had a good  day at the plate with 3 base hits and scored the only run for the Blue Jays. Jesus Sanchez was the only other Blue Jay to reach base more than once with 2 base hits.
• Alejandro Kirk was 2-1 on ABS challenges and Yankees catcher Ali Sanchez was unsuccessful on the Yankees only ABS challenge of the game
• The Blue Jays were an abysmal 1-14 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays and Guardians are both a game back of the Rangers and Twins for the 3rd WC spot. The Orioles and Tigers are 1.5 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Mariners are 3 games back of the 3rd WC spot. The Twins and Rangers are currently tied in their respective games while the Guardians are winning big in their game and could move into a tie with the Blue Jay if the lead holds. The Mariners are leading their game and could gain a half game if they win. The Orioles won their game and the freefalling Tigers lost their game. Every game feels like a must win with so many teams very much in contention for the 3rd WC spot.
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series and avoid their 19th series loss and 12th season series loss of the season. Ace Dylan Cease starts against Yankees lefty Ryan Weathers

Game #126 - New York Yankees (69-55) @ Toronto Blue Jays (61-65) - game recap

 

Dylan Cease fired 6.1 strong innings in a 4-2 extra innings loss to the Yankees

After another comeback win over the Yankees thanks to a 2RBI effort from Charles McAdoo, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 3 games and complete their 2nd sweep of the season. Ricky Tiedemann was optioned to AAA-ball and Brendon Little was activated from the paternity list. Ace Dylan Cease got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Daz Cameron was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and Brett Bateman was in RF. Ernie Clement was back in the lineup at 2B and George Springer was back in the lineup as DH after a day off yesterday. Could the Blue Jays make it 3 straight wins and comeplete their 2nd sweep of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd on a sac fly by Luis Garcia Jr. that scored Jose Caballero
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 5th as Daz Cameron doubled scoring Kazuma Okamoto
• The Yankees retook the lead in the top of the 7th as Caballero singled scoring George Lombard Jr.. A second run was taken away when the review showed Charles McAdoo had tagged out Caballero before Jazz Chisholm Jr. crossed home plate for the 3rd out of the inning
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 6.1IP 2H 2R (both earned) 3BB 10K 104 pitches (60 for strikes)
• Ryan Weathers pitching line: 7.1IP 6H 1R (earned) 1BB 4K 95 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 9th on a sac fly by Ernie Clement that scored Josh Smith
• The Yankees took the lead in the top of the 10th as Ben Rice hammered a 2-run bomb to right-center; also scoring Ali Sanchez
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Andres Gimenez singled scoring Okamoto
• Tim Hill got the last 3 outs for his 2nd save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 3 Blue Jays 2 (10 innings)

My Take:

• Dylan Cease fired 6.1 strong innings, giving up a pair odf runs on 2 hits while walking 3 and striking out 10. He retired 11 in a row at one point and really didn't get into any real serious trouble all day. Cease is going to get serious consideration for the Cy Young. He'll face the same Yankees lineup in 5 days time.
• The bullpen gave up 3 runs (1 was charged to Cease after Brendon Little couldn't hold the score where it was) on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2 over 3.2 innings. Ex-Dbacks closer Pail Sewald made his Blue Jays debut and recorded 5 outs, allowing a hit and striking out a batter. Brayden Fisher took the loss after being taken deep by Ben Rice.
• The offense needs to start producing more because asking the pitchers to be Cy Young every time out isn't sustainsabble. Daz Cameron made an immediate contribution with an RBI double and Ernie Clement briefly tied the score in the 9th with a sac fly.
• Lots of ABS challenges today with a notoriously bad umpire behind the plate.  The Blue Jays successfully overturned all 3 ABS challenges. The Yankees were 7-2 on ABS challenges.
• The Blue Jays were 2-9 with runners in scoring position
• In terms of the wild card race, the Blue Jays are a game back of the Rangers and Orioles for the 3rd WC spot of the moment after dropping a half game with the loss. The Orioles beat the Rays and the Tigers lost to the White Sox. The Guardians/Padres were scoreless early in their game and the Rangers/A's were knotted at 2-2 in the 5th inning. The Orioles and Tigers play tomorrow and could gain a half game on the idle Blue Jays with wins tomorrow.
• Up next, after a travel day/off-day tomorrow, the Blue Jays commence a road trip in the house of horrors that is Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay. The Rays have dominated the season series so far, winning 8 of the first 10 games in the season series, outscoring the Blue Jays 54-28. Jose Soriano will start for the Blue Jays on Tuesday, The Rays haven't set their rotation for the series yet.

Game #125 - New York Yankees (68-55) @ Toronto Blue Jays (61-64) - game recap

 

Charles McAdoo drove in a pair of runs in a 4-1 comeback win over the Yankees

After a huge comeback win over the Yankees, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 16th series win of the season. Rickey Tiedemann was recalled from AAA-ball and Chase Lee was optioned to AAA-ball. Lazaro Estrada was DFA'd. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was placed on the 7-day concussion IL. OF Daz Cameron was selected to the MLB roster. Brayden Fisher got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Josh Smith was at 2B and Charles McAdoo was at 1B. Alejandro Kirk served as DH. Could the Blue Jays make it 2 straight wins and notch their 16th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• Brayden Fisher pitching line: 1IP 0H 0R 1BB 0K 12 pitches (6 for strikes)
• The Yankees opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as George Lombard Jr. singled scoring Spencer Jones
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 3rd as Alejandro Kirk sungled scoring Brett Batemam
• Cam Schlittler pitching line: 5.1IP 4H 1R (earned) 3BB 7K  97 pitches (56 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the 7th as Charles McAdoo singled scoring Ernie Clement
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as McAdoo singled home Andres Gimenez
• Two batters later, Brandon Valenzuela scored on a ground out hit by Nathan Lukes
• Louis Varland threw a perfect 9th for his 28th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 4 Yankees 1

My Take:

• Brayden Fisher faced an all too familiar position: first man out of the bullpen aka the opener of a bullpen day. It seems the baseball gods want the Blue Jays to have a bullpen day. With a full rotation on the IL (Jose Berrios, Cody Ponce, Trey Yesavage, Bowden Francis and Spencer Arrighetti) the Blue Jays were forced to piece it together to get 27 outs. Fisher got the first three on an efficient 12 pitches, walking 1 batter.
• The rest of the bullpen held the Yankees to a run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 7 over the last 8 innings. Rickey Tiedemann, after years of fighting his own body with injuries, finally made his MLB and rewarded the Blue Jays for their patience in his arrival. Tiedeman gave up a run on 2 hits, but recorded 5 outs, including his first two career strikeouts and his velocity was in the upper 90s. Mason Fluharty and Varland both retired every batter they faced. Thank goodness there is just one day left before a badly needed day off for the bullpen that is absolutely running on fumes after 17 straight days with games and 30 in 31. Spencer Miles, who has been great out of the bullpen, was credired with the win.
• The offense keeps finding ways to caa in runs when they need them. While they are still not exactly tearing the cover off the baseball consistentl, the Blue Jays are getting things done through classic small ball - sac bunts to be exact. Charles McAdoo is taking full advantage of his second stint with the Blue Jays, driving in a pair today. Alejandro Kirk knotted the game at one with a clutch RBI single. This team is getting back to what made them successful last year - comeback wins - never being out of a game.
• Tomorrow could be wi;d - pending the results of the rest of today's games. Detroit has already lost to the White Sox. At the moment, there is a 4-way tie for the 3rd and final WC spot. If the Twins and Rangers lose their games tonight, the Blue Jays will wake up only tied with the Twins for the 3rd WC spot. If the Twins and Rangers both win, the Blue Jays and Tigers would be a half game back of the Twins and Rangers for the 3rd WC spot. The Orioles are also within striking distance. 
• Austin Wells was unsuccessful on the game's only ABS challange
• The Blue Jays were 4-15 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 3 and complete their second sweep of the season. Ace Dylan Cease starts against Yankees lefty Ryan Weathers

Game #72 - New York Yankees (43-27) @ Toronto Blue Jays (34-38) - game recap

 

Nathan Lukes scored a run and drove in a run in an 8-3 loss to the Yankees

After dropping yesterday's game thanks to the inept offence, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 10th series win of the season and end the homestand with a win. Patrick Corbin got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Ernie Clement was at SS and Davis Schneider was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays notch their 10th series win of the season and end the homestand on a winning note? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights;

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Anthony Volpe singled scoring Max Schuemann
• A batter later, Ali Sanchez doubled home Volpe
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 3rd as Kazuma Okamoto singled scoring Nathan Lukes. Yankees 2B Amed Rosario was charged with a throwing error on the play
• Patrick Corbin pitching line: 3.2IP 7H 2R (both earned) 0BB 3K 76 pitches (50 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom of the 4th as Lukes singled scoring Ernie Clement
• Will Warren pitching line: 4IP 8H 2R (both earned) 3BB 1K 98 pitches (62 for strikes)
• The Yankees retook the lead in the top of the 6th as Volpe singled scoring Schuemann
• The Blue Jays tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Davis Schneider hammered aa solo bomb to straightaway center 
• John Schneider was ejected in the top of the 8th for arguing a balk call charged to Jeff Hoffman
• The Yankees took the lead in the top of the 9th as Ben Rice belted a 2-run jack to the second deck in right; also scoring Ryan McMahon
• Four batters later, Jose Caballero drilled a 3-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Jasson Dominguez and Jazz Chisholm Jr. 
• Final score: Yankees 8 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Patrick Corbin battled through 3 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 7 hits while walking none and striking out 3. He may have made his last start as a Blue Jay with Shane Bieber probably set to return after one more rehab start. Corbin has been less effective the last few starts and the Blue Jays can't afford to tax the bullpen anymore. Corbin did retire the last 7 batters he faced, but  Schneider didn't want him facing the Yankees three times.
• The bullpen gave up 5 runs on 4 hits while walking 4 and striking out 5 over the last 5.1 innings. It was a miserable 9th inning with Brayden Fisher and Tommy Nance both taken deep. This Yankees lineup, as the Blue Jays pitchers found out this weekend, don't miss mistakes. Jeff Hoffman retired every batter he faced.
• Offensively, Nathan Lukes (run scored, RBI) and Davis Schneider (solo HR) came through. Although the team still can't come up with clutch hits when they need it. Bases loaded, 1 out in the 2nd inning and Charles McAdoo's fly ball was too shallow to cash in a run and George Springer hit into a fielder's choice to end the inning. The Blue Jays hit into 2 double plays that killed potential rallies and went down  in order in the 5th, 7th and 8th innings. 
• Alejandro Kirk was 1-2 on ABS challenges and Yankees catcher Ali Sanchez was 1-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 2-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, after an off-day/travel day tomorrow, the Blue Jays begin a week-long road trip in Boston. The Blue Jays took the series in Toronto at the end of April, outscoring the Red Sox 11-6. Lefty Payton Tolle starts for the Red Sox. The Blue Jays haven't set their rotation for the series yet.

Game #71 - New York Yankees (42-27) @ Toronto Blue Jays (34-37) - game recap

 

Kevin Gausman fired 7 stellar innings in a losing effort as the Yankees came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 3-1

After a huge win on Alejandro Kirk's long-awaited return to the lineup thanks to a huge night from the offense, largely thanks to Kirk, Kazuma Okamoto (who hit the 5th deck with a mammoth HR), George Springer and Vlad, the Blue Jays were trying to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 10th series win of the season. Ace Kevin Gausman got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Vlad got the complete day off with Charles McAdoo at 1B. Jesus Sanchez was in LF, Nathan Lukes was in CF and Yohendrick Pinago was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 10th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened thr scoring in the bottom of the 3rd as Kazuma Okamoto whacked a solo blast to left
• The Yankees tied it in the top of the 4th as Jasson Dominguez smacked a solo blast to right
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 7IP 1H 1R (earned) 2BB 7K 105 pitches (66 for strikes)
• Cam Schlittler pitching line: 7IP 6R 1R (earned) 4BB 7K 101 pitches (65 for strikes)
• The Yankees took the lead in the top of the 9th as Paul Goldschmidt hammered a 2-run bomb to the 2nd deck in left; also scoring Cody Bellinger
• David Bednar pitched a perfect 9th for his 13h save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 3 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman fired 7 strong innings, giving up a run on a hit while walking 2 and striking out 7. His only mistake went over the wall in right. Gausman had a a nasty splitter working that was producing a ton of hit and miss all day long. He retired the last 10 batters he faced.
• The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking none and striking out 2 over the last two innings. The difference in this one, unfortuntely, was closer Louis Varland getting taken deep for the first time this season.
• The offense had another clunker where they were unable to capitalize on a pitcher who gave up hits and walks. Kazuma Okamoto went deep in the 3rd inning, but that was about it. The Blue Jays loaded the bases in the 2nd and 8th innings and could not score. The Blue Jays had runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out in the 4th inning, no runs scored. They are definitely missing Don Mattingly.
• Both teams were 0-2 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were an abysman 1-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try and notch their 10th series win of the season and end the home stand with a win. Patrick Corbin starts against Yankees righty Will Warren

Game #70 - New York Yankees (41-27) @ Toronto Blue Jays (34-36) - game recap

 

Alejandro Kirk drove in a pair and scored once in an 8-5 win over the Yankees

After an off-day yesterday, the Blue Jays continued the homestand against the Yankees. The two teams split the 4-game series in NY a couple of weeks ago with the Blue Jays outscoring the Yankees 14-13. Alejandro Kirk was activated off the 60-day IL, Tyler Heineman was DFA'd, Daulton Varsho was placed on the 10-day IL and Davis Schneider was recalled from AAA-ball. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider got the start in LF. Andres Gimenez was at SS and Ernie Clement was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays start the weekend with a win? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Alejandro Kirk doubled scoring Ernie Clement
• A batter later, Kazuma Okamoto annihilated a 2-run bomb to the 5th deck in left; also scoring Kirk
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 2nd as George Springer whacked a 2-run blast to left; also scoring Andres Gimenez
• The Yankees got one back in the top of the 5th on a sacy fly by Paul Goldschmidt that scored JC Escarra
• A batter later, Cody Bellinger smacked a 2-run blast to right; also scoring Ben Rice
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom half of the inning as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring Springer
• A batter later, Kirk singled home Guerrero Jr.
• Ryan Weathers pitching line: 4.1IP 5H 6R (all earned) 1BB 2K 82 pitches (52 for strikes)
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 5IP 4H 5R (all earned) 6BB 3K 81 pitches (42 for strikes)
• The Yankees got a pair back in the top of the 6th as Trent Grisham singled scoring Spencer Jones and Jose Caballero
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Clement doubled scoring Springer
• Louis Varland threw a perfect 9th for his 12th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 Yankees 5

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage battled through 5 innings, giving up 5 runs on 4 hits while walking 6 and striking out 3. Command was an issue once again  - just too many walks and you can't be doing that against a team that is capable of going yard. He got fortunate last time he walked a bunch of batters against the Orioles when he was able to produce a bunch of double plays to escape the jams,. Not so much tonight with the Yankees scoring 3 times off him. Hopefully he just needs to tweak a few things when he throws his side session in a few days.
• The bullpen gave up 3 hits, walked a batter and struck out 5 in 4 scoreless innings. Tyler Rogers  and Louis Varland both retired every batter they faced
• Welcome back Alejandro Kirk! The Blue Jays catcher made an immediate impact, overturning the first pitch of the game on an ABS challenge (he was unsuccessful in a later ABS challenge). Kirk went 3-5 at the plate with 2 RBI and a run scored. Kazuma Okamoto drover him in on a monster home run to the 5th deck in left! George Springer went deep, drew 3 walks and scored three times. Vlad drove in one run and scored a run. Nice job by the first 4 batters in the lineup. The only downside was seeing Davis Schneider go 0-2 - he should no longer be guaranteed a roster spot in spring training.
• The Yankees were 4-2 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 4-7 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 2 games and notch their 10 series win of the season. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Yankees righty Cam Schlittler

Game #50 - Toronto Blue Jays (23-27) @ New York Yankees (30-21) - game recap

 

George Springer hit a solo home run in a 2-0 shutout win over the Yankees

After eking out a win yesterday thanks to some small ball in the 7th and an excellent start from Trey Yesavage, the Blue Jays were looking to make it 2 straight wins and earn the series split. It was bullpen day with Brayden Fisher as the opener and Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. Ernie Clement was at SS with Lenyn Sosa getting the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it two straight wins and earn the series split?  Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue jays took the lead in the top of the 1st as Daulton Varsho doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr 
• Brayden Fisher pitching line: 1.1IP 0H 0R 1BB 4K 23 pitches (15 for strikes)
• Carlos Rodon pitching line: 5IP 3H 1R (earned) 3BB 7K 94 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 7th as George Springer smacked a solo blast to left
• Jeff Hoffman pitched a perfect 9th for his 4th save of the season
• Final score: Blue Jays 2 Yankees 0

My Take:

• Brayden Fisher did his job, allowing a walk and striking out the other 4 batters he faced.  The Blue jays will have to go through this process another 2-3 times with Shane Bieber nearing the start of a rehab assignment, although the Blue jays will certainly be careful using him given he will have missed the first two months of the season and was coming off Tommy John surgery last season. Max Scherzer hasn't been great but maybe his effectiveness is better healthy. Either way, these bullpen games should end soon
• There were some fine performances from the bullpen. Spencer Miles fired 4.1 innings, holding a dangerous Yankees lineup to 2 hits and a walk while striking out 6. Jeff Hoffman retired the side in order in his first savve opportunity in a month on just 12 pitches and rookie Adam Macko hasn't looked out of place in the bigs and struck out Ben Rice to end his day.
• If there's any Blue Jays player that needed a big hit it is George Springer. After turning back the clock last season, Springer has been unable to replicate his work in 2025. No question the broken toe he's been playing through has impacted him at the plate. He went deep in the 7th to give the Blue Jays a huge insurace run. Vlad should move back to his familiar 3rd spot in the batting order.
• Both catchers (Valenzuela and Yankees backsop JC Escarra successfully overturned their teams only ABS challenge.
• The Blue Jays were 1-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays open a home stand against the Pirates, who won the seson series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays with both teams scoring 10 runs. Ace Kevin Gausman starts against Pirates righty Bubba Chandler

Game #48 - Toronto Blue Jays (21-27) @ New York Yankees (30-19) - game recap

 

Andres Gimenez drove in a run and scored a run in a 5-4 come-from-behind loss to the Yankees

After a heartbreaking loss yesterday due to a rough inning from Yariel Rodriguez and a last minute rally falling short, the Blue Jays were looking to even the series. Lefty Joe Mantiply was placed on the 15 day IL with left knee inflammation. Righty Chase Lee was recalled from AAA-ball. Dylan Cease got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate Yohendrick Pinago was in LF and Jesus Sanchez was in RF. Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Andres Gimenez was at SS. Could the Blue Jays even the series? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 4th as Yohendrick Pinago singled scoring Daulton Varsho
• A batter later, Jesus Sanchez singled scoring Kazuma Okamoto
• Two batters later, Andres Gimenez singled home Pinago
• The Yankees tied it in the bottom half of the inning as Ryan McMahon whacked a 3-run blast to the opposite field in left; also scoring Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. 
• The Yankees took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Ben Rice belted a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Trent Grisham
• Will Warren pitching line: 5IP 6H 3R (all earned) 1BB 3K 86 strikes (54 for strikes)
• Dylan Cease pitching line: 5IP 4H 5R (all earned) 4BB 9K 100 pitches (57 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th on a sac fly by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that scored Gimenez
• Camilo Doval got the last three outs for his 1st save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 5 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Dylan Cease battled through 5 innings giving up 5 runs on 4 hits while walking 4 and striking out 9. Real tough 4th inning for him giving up the 3-run lead on one bad pitch and a further 2 runs an inning later. Certainly didn't have his best stuff going and he was fairly inefficient. He'll bounce back
• The bullpen threw 3 shutout innings, giving up 2 hits, walking 2 and striking 3. Louis Varland retired every batter he faced.
• The offense came up a run short on a 9th inning rally for the second straight day. Daulton Varsho got 4 hits and scored a run. Andres Gimenez and Yohendrick Pinago both scored a run and drove in a run.
• The Yankees were 1-1 on ABS challenges and Kazuma Okamoto was unsuccessful in the Blue Jays only ABS challenge
• The Blue Jays were 4-11 with runners in scoring position. 
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 2-game skid and avoid theitr 11th series loss of the season. Trey Yesavage starts against Yankees righty Cam Schlittler 

Game #47 - Toronto Blue Jays (21-26) @ New York Yankees (29-19) - game recap

Ernie Clement hit a 3-run HR, drove in 4 runs and scored twice in a losing effort as the Yankees came from behind to edge the Blue Jays 7-6

After a huge road series win thanks to the bats of Vlad and Daulton Varsho and 6 shutout innings from ace Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to three games as they faced their division rivals, the NY Yankees for the first time this season in a rematch of last year's ALDS. The Blue Jays took the season series 8-5 last year, outscoring the Yankees 70-59. Patrick Corbin got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. George Springer and Kazuma Okamoto were both in the lineup after complete days off yesterday. Ernie Clement was at SS and Lenyn Sosa was at 2B. Davis Schneider got the start in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• George Springer got his 1500th hit with a leadoff single in the 1st inning\
• The Yankees opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Paul Goldschmidt whacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 4th as Ernie Clement whacked a 3-run blast to left-center; also scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Kazuma Okamoto
• The Yankees got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a sac fly by JC Escarra that scored Anthony Volpe
• A batter later, Goldschmidt doubled scoring Max Schuemann
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the top of the 5th as George Springer smacked a solo blast to left-center and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Patrick Corbin pitching line: 4IP 6H 3R (all earned) 3BB 3K 79 pitches (47 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th on a fielder's choice hit by Clement that scored Lenyn Sosa
• Ryan Weathers pitching line: 5.1IP 7H 5R (all earned) 0BB 7K 90 pitches (59 for strikes)
• The Yankees tied it in the bottom of the 7th as Cody Bellinger hammered a 2-run bomb to dead center; also scoring Aaron Judge
• Two batters later, Jazz Chisholm Jr. smacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in left and off the left foul pole; also scoring Trent Grisham
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th as Jesus Sanchez doubled scoring Clement
• David Bednar got the last 3 outs for his 11th save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 7 Blue Jays 6

My Take:

• Patrick Corbin battled through 4 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3. The team needed a shutdown inning from him after taking the lead in the top of the 4th but couldn't get it done in a bizarre inning that saw Davis Schneider drop a fly ball, Brandon Valenzuela commit a fielding error and later missing a tag. Corbin could not have had a worst start to the game, getting taken deep on the first pitch he threw to leadoff man Paul Goldschmidt. At least the offense was able to bail him out at the end so he got a no-decision
• As for the bullpen, rookie Canadian Adam Macko did his job, retiring all three batters he faced. Veteran Yariel Rodriguez, not so much. Just recalled, YRod was taken deep twice and gave up 4 runs and retired just one batter. At least Jeff Hoffman rebounded from a few tough outings and got out of the mess YRod created.
• It was the Ernie Clement show tonight. Erndog, who has the bizarre ritual of using his teammates bats when his aren't working, hit a huge 3-run HR to give the Blue Jays a brief lead, drove in 4 overall and scored twice. Davis Schneider had a rough day at the office, striking out twice, but at least he was successful in his ABS challenge. At the end of the day, the big bats haven't come through at the crucial times on too many nights. Springer struck out swinging and Vlad followed that up by grounding out to end the game.
• Both teams were 1-1 on ABS challenges
• The Blue Jays were 1-9 with runners in scoring position - not good enough
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to even the series. Dylan Cease starts against Yankees righty Will Warren

ALDS GAME 4 - New York Yankees (1-3) @ Toronto Blue Jays (3-1) - Game recap

 

Nathan Lukes drove in a pair of runs in a 5-2 win over the Yankees to advance to the ALCS for the first time since 2016

After the bullpen Blue yesterday's game, the Blue Jays were looking to eliminate the Yankees and avoid a decisive game 5. It was a bullpen game today with Louis Varland starting with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Nathan Lukes was in LF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner and Ernie Clement was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays finish off the Yankees? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled scoring George Springer
• Louis Varland pitching line: 1.1IP 1H 0R 0BB 2K 20 pitches (12 for strikes)
• The Yankees tied it in the bottom of the 3rd as Ryan McMahon whacked a solo blast to right
• The Blue jays retook the lead in the top of the 5th on a sac fly by Springer that scored Ernie Clement 
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 7th as Nathan Lukes singled scoring Clement and Andres Gimenez 
• Cam Schlittler pitching line: 6.2IP 8H 4R (2 earned) 0BB 2K 88 pitches ( 69 for strikes)
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Myles Straw singled scoring Alejandro Kirk
• The Yankees got one back in the bottom of the 9th as Aaron Judge singled scoring Jasson Dominguez
• Jeff Hoffman got the last 4 outs for his first save of the postseason
• Final score: Blue Jays 5 Yankees 2

My Take:

• Opener Louis Varland bounced back very nicely after giving up 2 home runs last night and getting tagged with both the loss and the blown save. Tonight he got the first 4 outs and held the Yankees to a hit and a hit batter
• The rest of the bullpen to 2 runs on 5 hits and 6 walks while striking out 8 over the last 7.2 innings. This was a good lineup, the key was executing pitches when they had to. Some good defense behind them helped too. Jeff Hoffman got Austin Wells to fly out to end the 8th and escape a bases loaded jam. Probbably not wise to pitch to Aaron Judge in the 9th, but at least there were 2 outs and Hoffman kept him in the ball park. None of the relievers retired every batter they faced.
• The veterans came through tonight. Vlad opened the scoring in the top of the 1st with a clutch RBI single. There is going to be tons of scrutiny on Vlad next year when his $500 million, 14 year deal, especially when he slumps, but at the moment it looks like a steal. Vlad became the first player in ALDS/NLDS history to have 9 hits and 9RBI in a single ALDS series. Veteran George Springer scored once and drove in a run. Nathan Lukes drove in a pair, and Myles Straw had a huge RBI single in the 8th to give the bullpen a 4-run cushion with 6 outs to get
• The Blue Jays were 3-17 with runners in scoring position
• Inckluding the postseason, the Blue Jays were a combined 11-6 against the Yankees, outsoring their division rivals 107-75
• It will be interesting to see if some injured players come back. If Chris Bassitt and Bo Bichette are healthy, both will surely be added to the ALCS roster. Likely, Justin Bruihl and IKF would be left off the roster if both are ready to roll. Could Max Scherzer also be on the ALCS roster. He is 4-2 against the Mariners with a 2.97ERA over 9 starts in his career. He would also surely relish the opportunity to eliminate one of his former teams. Mind you, he is 2-3 with a 3.34ERA against the Tigers over 5 starts.
• Up next, the ALCS where the Blue Jays will face off against the winner of the Tigers/Mariners game 5 on Friday. The Blue Jays won the season series 4-3 against the Tigers, outscoring the Tigers 35-27. The Blue Jays won the season series against the Mariners 4-2, outscoring the Mariners 31-24. The road team won all series in both season series. The Blue Jays swept the Mariners in Seattle. Who starts game 1 for both teams will be largely determined by the health of Bassitt, but it'll likely be Kevin Gausman taking the bump first. With the winner of the Mariners/Tigers game on Friday needing to travel cross country, the ALCS will likely start on Thanksgiving Monday.

ALDS GAME 3 - Toronto Blue Jays (2-1) @ New York Yankees (1-2) - Game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a 2-run HR in a losing effort as the Yankees came from behind to defeat the Blue Jays 9-6

After another resounding win over the Yankees thanks to 5 no hit innings from Trey Yesavage and a team effort offensively, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 6 games and eliminate the Yankees. Shane Bieber got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Anthony Santander was in RF, Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and IKF was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 6 games and eliminate the Yankees? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr whacked a 2-2-run blast to left-center and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Davis Schneider 
• The Yankees got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Giancarlo Stanton singled scoring Aaron Judge 
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 3rd as Daulton Varsho singled home Schneider
• A batter later, Ernie Clement singled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• A batter after that, Anthony Santander singled scoring Clement and Varsho
• Carlos Rodon pitching line: 2.1IP 6H 6R (all earned) 2BB 2K 67 pitches (44 for strikes)
• The Yankees got one back in the bottom of the 3rd as Judge doubled scoring Trent Grisham
• Three batters later, Cody Bellinger scored on a sac fly by Stanton 
• Shane Bieber pitching line: 2.2IP 5H 3R (2 earned) 1BB 2K 54 pitches (36 for strikes)
• The Yankees tied it in the bottom of the 4th as Judge hammered a 3-run bomb off the left foul pole; also scoring Austin Wells and Grisham 
• The Yankees took the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Jazz Chiaholm Jr. hammered a solo omb off the basing of the second  deck in right.
• Three batters later, Wells singled scoring Arned Rosario
• The Yankees added a run in the bottom of the 6th on a sac fly by Ben Rice that scored Judge
• David Bednar got the last 5 outs for his 2nd save of the postseason
• Final score: Yankees 9 Blue Jays 6

My Take:

• Shane Bieber lasted just 2.2 innings,  giving up 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2. John Schneider continues to not trust his starters in crucial playoff games and it cost the team with Aaron Judge ripping a 3-run bomb off the left foul pole to tie the game.  With the bullpen such a wild card,  I would have let Bieber try to at least escape the 3rd inning
• After giving up 7 runs over 3 innings yesterday, the bullpen imploded again, giving up 6 runs on 7 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4 ove 5.1 innings. Louis Varland was taken deep twice, including the 3-run HR that tied the game and the go-ahead HR. Yariel Rodriguez was the only reliever to retire every batter faced. If the Yankees come back and win the series, Pete Walker should be the scapegoat. The bullpen hasn't been great in the last month or two, his mound visits have been largely ineffective, with the opponent usually scoring shortly afterwards. I said all along that the bullpen was going to be the X factor that determines how deep this team goes. If Blue Jays fans thought tonight ws a nail biter, they best put something bitter on those nails because the Blue Jays are expected to go with a bullpen game tomorrow as they try to elimnate the Yankees tomorrow night.
• The bats certainly did their job with 6 runs. Vladdy has been the difference maker the Blue Jays were hoping for with a huge 2-run HR to give the Blue Jays the lead in the 1st inning. Anthony Santander had a clutch 2-run single that gave the Blue Jays the 5-run cushion that should have been enough on most days
• The Blue Jays were 3-8 with runners in scoring posittion
• It's never a good idea to wake a sleeping giant. Thrtr has no be regrets sbout pullimg Trey Yresavage when they did because it gave Yankees hitters confidence, even though the Blue Jays held on to win two nights ago
• Up next, the dreaded bullpen game. Look for Louis Varland to be the opener and Eric Lauer to get the nod as the bulk inning guy. The Yankees will counter with righty Cam Schlitter.

ALDS GAME 2 - New York Yankees (0-2) @ Toronto Blue Jays (2-0) - Game recap

 

Daulton Varsho drove in 4 runs, including 2 home runs and scored 4 times in a 13-7 victory over the Yankees

After a rout over the Yankees on the strength of a team effort offensively and great defense and pitching,  the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 5 games and put the Yankees on the brink of elimination. Trey Yesavage got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate.  Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and IKF was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it 5 straight wins and put the Yankees on the brink of elimination? Here is today's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Bllue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Ernie Clement whacked a 2-run home run to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen; also scoring Daulton Varsho
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 3rd on a ground out by Alejandro Kirk that scored Davis Schneider
• A batter later, Varsho doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• A batter after that Clement singled home Varsho
• The Blue Jays addeed 4 runs in the bottom of the 4th as Guerrero Jr. hammered a grand slam to the second deck in left; also scoring Andres Gimenez, Myles Straw and George Springer
• Two batters later, Varsho belted a 2-run jack to right-center; also scoring Kirk 
• Max Fried pitching line: 3IP 8H 7R (all earned) 2BB 1K 51 pitches (32 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 5th as Springer hammered a solo bomb to dead center
• The Yankees got a pair back in the top of the 6th as Cody Bellinger whacked a 2-run blast to right and into the Yankees bullpen; also scoring Aaron Judge\
• Trey Yesavage pitching line: 5.2IP 0H 0R 1BB 11K 78 pitches (48 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Varsho smacked a solo blast to right
• The Yankees got one back in the bottom of the 7th as Judge singled scoring Ryan McMahon
• A batter later, Paul Goldschmidt scored on a sac fly by Bellinger
• A batter after that, Ben Rice doubled scoring Trent Grisham
• A batter later, Giancarlo Stanton singled home Judge
• Final score: Blue Jays 13 Yankees 7

My Take:

• Trey Yesavage was fantastic, firing 5.1 no-hit innings, walking one batter and striking out 11. Yesavage retired 15 of the last 16 batters he faced and 12 in a row. It's just a shame he was lifted after recording the first out of the inning in the 6th. I would have definitely let him finish the inning. An extra 5-10 pitches would have put him below 90 on the day.
• The bullpen imploded, giving up 7 runs on 10 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4 over the last 3.2 innings. Jusstin Bruihl, Eric Lauer and Tommy Nance all retired only a batter each and combined to give up 7 runs on 9 hits. This postseason still feels very much like 2022 where that year's bullpen blew a substantial lead on the way to being swept by the Mariners. The bullpen is very much going to be the x factor in whether the Blue Jays prevail in the ALDS. Schneider needs to learn from today and stick with his starter when they are pitching well. Here's hoping the bats stay hot as the series shifts to enemy territory in the Bronx
• Oh baby did the bats ever come through today.Vlad hit a huge grand slam in the 5th to extend the Blue Jays lead to 9 runs, Daulton Varsho went deep twice and drove in 4 runs and scored 4 times, Ernie Clement opened the scoring with a 2-run shot, and Alejandro Kirk drove in one and scored once. The stars are doing what they should be doing and the kids are joining in the party as well.
• The Blue Jays were 4-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays head to New York where they will be looking to extend the win streak to 6 games and get their first opportunity to eliminate the Yankees. Shane Bieber starts against Yankees lefty Carlos Rodon.

ALDS GAME 1 - New York Yankees (0-1) @ Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) - Game recap

 

Nathan Lukes drove in three runs in a 10-1 rout over the Yankees

The Blue Jays opened their first playoff series in 2 years as they host the Yankees, who defeated the Red Sox in the Wild Card series to earn the right to take on the Blue Jays in what is expected to be a tight and exciting series. The Blue Jays are coming off a tremendous regular season that saw them win 94 games (49 comeback victories). The Blue Jays won the season series against the Yankees 8-5, outscoring the Yankees 70-59. Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt and Jose Berrios were all left off the playoff roster, as well as Bo Bichette, who just wasn't ready. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. The outfield today was Anthony Santander in LF, Daulton Varsho in CF and Nathan Lukes in RF. Addison Barger was at the hot corner, Andres Gimenez was in SS, Ernie Clement was at 2B and, of course, Vlad was at 1B. George Springer served as DH. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 5 games and win the first game of the ALDS? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. belted a solo jack to left
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 2nd as Alejandro Kirk hammered a solo bomb to the second  deck in left
• Luis Gil pitching line: 2.2IP 4H 2R (both earned) 0BB 2K 48 pitches (34 for strikes)
• The Yankees got one back in the top of the 6th on a bases loaded walk to Cody Bellinger that scored Anthony Volpe\
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 5.2IP 4H 1R (earned) 2BB 3K 75 pitches (51 for strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Andres Gimenez singled scoring Daulton Varsho
• Three batters later, Nathan Lukes singled scoring Gimenez and Ernie Clement
• A batter later, George Springer scored on a sac fly by Guerrero Jr.
• The Blue Jays added a run in the bottom of the 8th as Kirk whacked a solo blast to left and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• Three batters later, Gimenez doubled scoring Varsho
• A batter later, Myles Sttaw scored on a sac fly by Clement
• Two batters later, Lukes singled scoring Gimenez
• Final score: Blue Jays 10 Yankees 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman threw 5.5 solid innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 3. Gausman retired 10 in a row at one point, started by a HUGE line drive double play started by a massive diving catch by Vlad, who had a huge game himself. This was the start the Blue Jays needed from their ace.
• The bullpen threw 3.1 scoreless innings, giving up 2 hits, walking none and striking out three. Jeff Hoffman and Anthony Dominguez retired every batter they faced.
• The offence came up huge with Vlad (sac fly, solo HR), Andres Gimenez (2 RBI, 2 runs scored), Nathan Lukes (3RBI), and Alejandro Kirk (2 solo HR)
• Every Blue Jays starter reached base at least once and all but Ernie Clement and George Springer had a hit. Every starter but Anthony Santander and  Addison Barger either scored a run or drove in a run. 
• The Blue Jays were 5-10 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 5 games and put the Yankees on the verge of elimination. Trey Yesavage starts against Yankees lefty Max Fried

Game #143 Toronto Blue Jays (82-61) @ New York Yankees (80-63) - game recap

Vladimir Guerrero Jr briefly tied the game at 3-3 as the Yankees held on to edge the Blue Jays 4-3

 

After dropping yesterday's rain-delayed matinee due to an inept offence, the Blue Jay were looking to notch their 26th series win of the season. Max Scherzer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad got the Half day off as DH with Ty France at 1B. Bo Bichette was completely out of the lineup after whacking his shin against the shin pads of Yankees catcher Austin Wells (Ernie Clement took his spot at SS). Myles Straw was in CF and George Springer was in RF. Davis Schneider got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays notch their 26th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st as Ben Rice drilled a 3-run blast to right-center; also scoring Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 2nd as Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled scoring Alejandro Kirk
• A batter later, Ernie Clement scored on a sac fly by Nathan Lukes
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the top of the 3rd as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring George Springer
•  The Yankees retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Bellinger doubled scoring Judge
•  Max Scherzer pitching line: 4.1IP 3H 4R (all earned) 4BB 8K 93 pitches (51 for strikes)
• Max Fried pitching line: 7IP 6H 3R (all earned) 1BB 4K 100 pitches (64 for strikes)
• David Bednar pitched a scoreless 9th for his 22nd save of the season
• Final score Yankees 4 Blue Jays 3

My Take:

• Max Scherzer battled through 4.1 innings, giving up 4 runs on 3 hits while walking 4 and striking out 8. While his command was off, it was encouraging to see him throw over 90 pitches after leaving his last start with back tightness. Scherzer will almost certainly get a playoff start. 
• The bullpen threw 3.2 scoreless innings, walking 1 and striking out 5. Ryan Borucki and Brayden Fisher combined for 2.2 perfect innings and 5 strikeouts. 
• Offensively, the Blue Jays did well to tie the game at 3, but they were not able to push across a 4th run. IKF, Nathan Lukes and Vlad drove in the runs. 
• With the win, the Yankees drew within 2 games of the Blue Jays for 1st in the AL East and a likely bye to the divisional round. The Red Sox could get as close as 3.5 games back if they won their game this afternoon against the Diamondback (the game was tied at 4 at the release of this recap.)
• Up next, after an off-day tomorrow,  the Astros, who swept the Blue Jays in Houston back in April, outscoring the Blue Jays 15-2 come to town. Ace Jose Berrios starts for the Blue Jays.  The Astros haven't announced their rotation for the series yet.

Game #142 Toronto Blue Jays (82-60) @ New York Yankees (79-63) - game recap

 

Brandon Lttle retired all four batters he faced in a 3-1 rain-delayed loss to the Yankees

After a huge win thanks to an 8-inning effort from Kevin Gausman and great efforts off the bats of Bo Bichette and Vlad, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 26th series win of the season. Chris Bassitt got the start with Tyler Heineman behind the plate. IKF got the start at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 26th series win of the season? Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd as Jasson Dominguez singled scoring Cody Bellinger
• Two batters later, Jazz Chisholm Jr. scored on a sac fly by Austin Wells
• The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 4th on a ground out hit by Isiah Kiner-Falefa that scored Bo Bichette 
• Chris Bassirt pitching line: 5IP 3H 2R (both unearned) 3BB 3K 80 pitches (44 for strikes)
• The Yankees added a run in thew bottom of the 6th on a sac fly by Wells that scored Dominguez
• Luis Gil pitching line: 6IP 3H 1R (earned) 4BB 1K 90 pitches (56 for strikes)
• David Bednar got the last 4 outs for his 21st save of the season 
• Final score: Yankees 3 Blue Jays 1

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt battled through 5 innings, giving up a pair of unearned runs on 3 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3. Both teams opted to end the starter's nights after the hour-long rain delay after the top of the 6th. He was working his way in and out of jams most of the dsy whuch drove up his pitch count. Bassitt could be the odd man out in the rotation, provided the other four starters (Max Scherzer, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Kevin Gausman) are all healthy and pitching well.
• The bullpen gave up a run on 2 hits while walking 2 and striking 5 over the last three innings. Brandon Little had an enouraging appearance, retiring every batter he faced, including 3 strikeouts. Here's  hoping they can pull together in September because a struggling bullpen could lead to a quick exit in the playoffs.
• IKF drove in the only Blue Jays run on a productive ground out. The offence has definitely cooled off in the last month.
• The Blue Jays were 1-10 with runners in scoring posittion
• Standings wise, the Yankees are back to 3 games back of the Blue Jays, whereas the Red Sox, who were losing their game when this post was released, could fall to 4.5 games back or gain a half game on a comeback win to 3.5 games back of 1st in the AL East.
• Up next, the rubber match where the Blue Jays will be looking to notch their 26th series win of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Yankees lefty Max Fried

Game #141 Toronto Blue Jays (82-59) @ New York Yankees (78-63) - game recap

 

Bo Bichette drove in 2 RBI and scored once in a 7-1 victory over the Yankees

After an off-day/travel day yesterday, the Blue Jays opened a crucial three game series against the Yankees in the Bronx. The Yankees, along with the Red Sox, are nipping at the Blue Jays heels in the AL East standings. The Blue Jays have already secured the season series and have won 7 of the first 10 games of the season series, outscoring the Yankees 51-59. Brayden Fisher was recalled from AAA-ball and Dillon Tate was optioned to AAA-ball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Vlad was back in the field after serving as DH Wednesday (George Springer served as DH tonight). Nathan Lukes was in RF. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 3 games? Here is tonight's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Bo Bichette doubled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Three batters later, Nathan Lukes singled scoring Bichette and Daulton Varsho
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 2nd as on a sac fly by Bichette that scored George Springer
• Cam Schlittler pitching line: 1.2IP 5H 4R (all earned) 2BB 2K 66 pitches (46 for strikes)
• The Yankees got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Giancarlo Stanton bashed a solo jack to left-center and into the Blue Jays bullpen
• The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 5th as Guerrero Jr. smacked a solo blast to the opposite field in right-center
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 8th as Ernie Clement doubled scoring Alejandro Kirk. Clement was thr= out at 3rd base on the play
• The Blue jays added a run in the top of the 9th as Varsho doubled scoring Guerrero Jr 
• Kevin Gausman pitching line: 8IP 4H 1R (earned) 1BB 5K 105 pitches (68 for strikes)
• Final score Blue Jays 7 Yankees 1

My Take:

• Kevin Gausman fired 8 excellent innings, giving up a run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. The Blue Jays letting him pitch the 8th says a lot about the trust in the bullpen and perhaps wanting to give all the key relievers an extra day of rest. Gausman made one mistake in the 2nd inning to Giancarlo Stanton, who took him deep. He retired 18 of the first 20 batters he faced and really only start to get hit once Yankees hitters were on their 3rd AB against him. A great start that will be needed in the playoffs
• Brayden Fisher got the 9th and walked a batter. Surely he'll get some opportunities in higher leverage situations
• The veterans prevailed offensively today with Bo Bichette (2 RBI, a run scored), Vlad (3 runs scored, including a solo HR), Daulton Varsho (RBI, run scored) and Nathan Lukes (2 RBI) leading the way. Bichette is going to cash in big in free agency
• With the win, the Blue Jays are now 4 games on the Yankees and Bosox, who are losing to the Diamondbacks and could drop back to 4.5 games back and 3rd in the AL East. The Tigers lost so the Blue Jays are a game up on them for best record in the AL and home field advantage through the ALCS
• The Blue Jays were 5-9 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to extend the win streak to 4 games and notch their 26th series win of the season. Max Scherzer starts against Yankees righty Luis Gil

Game #102 New York Yankees (56-46) @ Toronto Blue Jays (60-42) - game recap

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in a pair of runs and scored a pair of runs in an 8-4 comeback win over the Yankees

After a tough loss last night due to Jeff Hoffman being taken deep in the 9th, the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 17th series win and 11th season series win of the season. Chris Bassitt got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Davis Schneider was in LF and Myles Straw was in CF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner and Leo Jimenez got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays notch their 17th series win and 11th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Jesson Dominguez whacked a solo blast to right-center and into the Yankees bullpen
• The Blue Jays tied it up in the bottom of the 4th as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled scoring George Springer
• Four batters later, Ernie Clement singled scoring Guerrero Jr.
• The Yankees tied it in the top of the 5th as Anthony Volpe smacked a solo blast to left-center\
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning on a fielder's choice hit by Springer that scorred Davis Schneider and Springer. Yankees stater Max Fried was charged with a throwing error on the play
• The Yankees tied it in thew bottom half of the inning as Aaron Judge smashed a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right-center; also scoring Trent Grisham
• The Blue Jays retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as Myles Straw doubled scoring Clement
• Two batters, Straw scored on a fielding error by Fried on a ball hit by Will Wagner
• Max Fried pitching line: 6.1IP  6H 6R (4 earned) 3BB 3K 102 pitches (60 for strikes)
• Yankees manager Aaron Boone and Yankeees pitching coachMatt Blake were both ejected in the top of the 7th for arguing balls and strikes)
• The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 7th as Bo Bichette belted a 2-run jack to left-center; also scoring Guerrero Jr.
• Chris Bassitt pitching line: 7.1IP 3H 4R (3 earned) 0BB 8K 94 pitches (63 for strikes)
• Final score: Blue Jays 8 Yankees 4

My Take:

• Chris Bassitt fired 7.1 innings, giving up 4 runs (3 earned) on  3 hits while walking none and striking out 8. Bassitt got an assist by the Blue Jays video guys on a successful challenge of a safe call at 1B on the first batter of the game. He had out streaks of 5, 6, and 8 batters. I would have let Bassitt try to finish the 8th inning.
• The bullpen gave up 2 hits over the last 1.2 innings. Yariel Rodriguez retired every batter he faced
• Vlad (2 runs scored, 2RBI), Bo Bichette (2-run HR), Ernie Clement (run scored, RBI), Myles Straw (run scored, RBI) and George Springer (2 runs scored) drove the offence today
• The Blue Jays were 4-13 with runners in scoring position
• Tonight was the Blue Jays 31st comeback win. They had 50 comeback wins in 1987 (the most in franchise history in a single season). They had 40 comebacks wins in 1992 and 44 comeback wins the following year. Nobody is going to want to face the Blue Jays in the playoffs
• Up next, the Blue Jays hit the road, beginning in Detroit tomorrow night. The Tigers took the series in Toronto back in mid-May, outscoring the Blue Jays 9-8. Eric Lauer starts against Tigers righty Reese Olson

Game #101 New York Yankees (56-45) @ Toronto Blue Jays (59-42) - game recap

 

George Springer scored twice and drove in a run in a 5-4 loss to the Yankees

After another win thanks to yet another 4-run rally and 7 strong innings from Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 5 straight (6 straight against the Yankees), the Blue Jays were looking to notch their 17th series win and 11th season series win of the season. Max Scherzer got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate.  Joey Loperfido was in LF, Nathan Lukes was in CF and Addison Barger was in RF.  Will Wagner was at the hot corner and Ernie Clement got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it 5 straight wins overall (6 straight vs. the Yankees) and notch their 17th series win and 11th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap. 

Game Highlights:

• The Yankees opened the scoring in the top of the 1st as Jazz Chisholm Jr hammered a 3- run bomb to right-center; also scoring Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger 
• The Blue jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Addison Barger singled scoring George Springer
• The Yankees added a run in the top of the 5th as Bellinger belted a solo jack to right-center 
• The Blue jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning as Barger singled scoring Springer
• Max Scherzer pitching line: 5IP 5H 4R (all earned) 1BB 4K 90 pitches (57 for strikes)
• Cam Schlittler pitching line: 5IP 7H 2R ( both earned) 3BB 3K 90 pitches (63 for strikes)
• The Blue jays got one back in the bottom of the 6th as Davis Schneider doubled scoring Myles Straw 
• Two batters later,  Springer singled home Schneider
• The Yankees retook the lead in the top of the 9th as Ben Rice whacked a solo blast to right-center 
• Devin Williams threw a scoreless 9th for his 15th save of the season
• Final score: Yankees 5 Blue Jays 4

My Take:

• Max Scherzer battled through 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 5 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 4. The Yankees got to him early with Jazz Chisholm hitting a no-doubter for 3 runs. It was enouraging to see Scherzer be able to throw 90 pitches with a cranky thumb that will likely affect him the remainder of the season. It is likely the Blue Jays will go to a 6-man rotation once Alek Manoah returns, although he'll be a few weeks away as he slowly builds back up to a starter's load.
• The bullpen gave up a run on a hit and a walk while striking out 2 over the last 4 innings. Closer Jeff Hoffman gave up a solo HR in the 9th for the run against. Mason Fluharty was excellent in his first appreance since being recalled yesterday after being demoted to AAA-ball July 2nd due to some bad appearances, retiring every batter he faced over 2 innings
• George Springer (2 runs scored, RBI) and Addison Barger (2 RBI drove the offense today. Sadly, the boys were unable to eke out another comeback win, pretty much falling a run short (they failed to score the go-ahead run after rallying to tie the game in the 6th inning)
• The Blue Jays were 3-13 with runners in scoring position
• Up next, the Blue Jays try to notch their 17th series win and 11th season series win of the season. Chris Bassitt starts against Yankees lefty Max Fried