Yankees 8-1 Blue Jays: Bombers split Toronto series with Judge’s bat and Soto’s comeback
Esteban Quiñones
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New York Yankees 8-1 Toronto Blue Jays
The New York Yankees secured an 8-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, thanks to Aaron Judge’s two-run homer and the return of key players Juan Soto and Gerrit Cole. This win helped the Yankees split the four-game series, signaling a potential turnaround after a rough week where they lost four out of five games.
How it happened
Juan Soto was added to the lineup just minutes before the first pitch, making an immediate impact with a 106.3-mph line drive single in the first inning. Aaron Judge followed with a towering home run to center field, his 31st of the season, giving the Yankees an early 2-0 lead.
This home run added to Aaron Judge’s impressive tally of 81 RBIs this year, putting him on track to reach 100 before the All-Star break.
DJ LeMahieu contributed significantly with a single and a double, driving in two more runs for New York. Trent Grisham hit a crucial two-run double, and Ben Rice added an RBI single, demonstrating the depth and strength of the Yankees’ lineup.
Gerrit Cole, in just his third start of the season, allowed one run on three hits and a walk over five innings. The former Cy Young Award winner struck out six batters, lowering his earned run average to 6.23. Cole showed improved velocity and command, a positive sign for the Yankees moving forward.
The Yankees‘ bullpen was solid, with Michael Tonkin, Tim Hill, and Josh Maciejewski combining for four innings of scoreless relief. Toronto’s only run came from Justin Turner’s RBI single in the fourth inning.
Kevin Gausman (6-7) struggled for the Blue Jays, giving up seven runs on seven hits and five walks while striking out seven over 4 1/3 innings. The Blue Jays’ bullpen, consisting of Genesis Cabrera, Nate Pearson, Jose Cuas, Chad Green, and Bowden Francis, managed to limit further damage, but the early deficit was too much to overcome.
Despite the win, the Yankees have lost their top spot in the American League standings to the Orioles due to their recent struggles. However, the return of key players and contributions from the entire lineup suggest a promising outlook for the remainder of the season.
The Yankees have a day off before hosting the Cincinnati Reds in the Bronx. Luis Gil is set to start against right-hander Graham Ashcraft on Tuesday night. With the team’s recent performance, fans are hopeful for a strong series against the Reds and continued success moving forward.
In summary, Sunday’s game marked a significant shift for the Yankees, showcasing their resilience and potential for a strong second half of the season. With Judge’s power, Cole’s improved pitching, and Soto’s timely hitting, the Yankees are poised to make a solid push in the American League standings.
Roster
Up next
The New York Yankees have a day off on Monday. On Tuesday, they will host the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium, with the game set to start at 7:05 PM ET.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
- Categories: aaron judge, New York Yankees
- Tags: aaron judge, New York Yankees
What a bunch of baloney. It’s one game. The Yankees are 5-11 over their last 16 games and the pitching, except for today, has been atrocious. It’s going to take a lot more than one game to right this ship. We also need consistent production from someone not named Judge or Sito.