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Series Recap
·3 min read

Series Recap: Yankees take two from Toronto

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Starting the month of May, the New York Yankees concluded their homestand against the Toronto Blue Jays. At first, it appeared the flip of the calendar would alter the fortunes of both clubs. Yet, in the end, the players in pinstripes would earn another series victory. Through 26 games, the Yankees at 17-9 are the inverse of their 9-17 mark last season. In addition, the Bronx Bombers are 92-70 over their past 162 contests.

(That’s two outta three, says Joey G!)

As the late great Yogi Berra once said, “You can observe a lot by watching.” Here’s what I observed in the Yankees series against the Blue Jays.

GAME 1

Toronto’s offense was sparked by shortstop Ryan Goins. A two-run tater to right in the second off Luis Severino gave the Blue Jays a 2-0 advantage. Goins also plated two on a sacrifice fly to deep center, after Jacoby Ellsbury slammed into the wall in the sixth inning. During the same sixth, a Chris Coghlan two-run homer effectively chased Severino from the contest.

The Yankees offense and best opportunities came against Marco Estrada in the fourth. Aaron Judge lined an RBI-single to right-center. Yet, Greg Bird grounded into a double play and killed any chance at a sustained rally.

A two-run home run by Jose Bautista in the seventh off of Luis Cessa capped off a 7-1 victory for the Blue Jays.

GAME 2

The second swing of the series saw Masahiro Tanaka pitch to the scoreboard and the Yankee bats bust out.

Aaron Hicks (1), Brett Gardner (2) and Judge (2) combined for five home runs. This marked the first time since May 30, 1961 that the Yankees’ starting outfield combined for five home runs in a single game. Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris hit two apiece and Yogi Berra hit one.

The Yankees racked up 16 hits in total on route to an 11-5 victory.

GAME 3

At first glance, the series finale looked like it would mirror the series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. Before the game, Aaron Judge was named American League Rookie of the Month for April.

For the second time in as many outings, CC Sabathia fell behind the eight ball early. A Steve Pearce three-run home run in the first frame was the big blow and gave Toronto a 4-0 advantage.

Yet, in the home half, Matt Holliday would pull the Bronx Bombers back within one on a three-run home run of his own to center. The milestone home run was No. 300 on Holliday’s career.

Toronto would scratch out three more runs in the second and make it a 6-3 ball game, but the Yankees staff would hold them right there.

In the third, the aforementioned Judge was making his case for May Rookie of the Month. Judge’s two-run jolt to center pulled the pinstripes within one at 6-5. It also made for a short three-inning stint for Marcus Stroman.

After manager Joe Girardi got the heave-ho, the Yankees rallied in the seventh. With one down, Judge got things started with a knock to left. A Chase Headley double to right placed runners in scoring position. Chris Carter’s flare to left was the equalizer, scoring Judge. A pinch-hit infield single by Didi Gregorius completed the comeback and provided the Yankees their first lead at 7-6. A bases loaded walk by Hicks would make for insurance and an 8-6 advantage.

Between Adam Warren, Tyler Clippard, Dellin Betances and Aroldis Chapman, the Yankees’ bullpen pieced together five frames of scoreless baseball, preserving an 8-6 victory and a series win.

ON DECK

At 17-9 on the campaign, the Yankees head to Wrigley Field to take on the defending World Series champion Chicago Cubs in a three-game series starting Friday afternoon.

Pitching probables include Michael Pineda vs. Kyle Hendricks, Jordan Montgomery vs. Brett Anderson, Luis Severino vs. Jon Lester.