Despite the fact the New York Yankees were struggling as of late, I didn’t give the Toronto Blue Jays much of a chance in this current three game series at the New Yankee Stadium. I didn’t think their pitching would hold up against powerful Yankee hitters such as Derek Jeters, Robinson Cano, Nick Swisher, just to name a few.
In the early innings of game one, I had reasons for my doubts. Jay’s starting pitcher, Henderson Alvarez already gave up five hits, four earned runs and struck out only one batter until he had to leave the game in the third inning after the ball hit him on the shin by a line drive. As a result, he suffered a shin contusion.
By the fifth inning, the Jays were down 6-3.
At the top of the eighth inning, the Jays left two on base. My first thoughts were, “ here we go again. Another missed opportunity”, then something happened in the ninth inning I least expected. Colby Rasmus, who has been struggling at the plate lately, hit a three run blast to give the Jays a 7-6 lead.
Unfortunately, my heart sunk when Jeter came up in the bottom of the ninth inning and hit a solo home run to tie it.
In the 11th inning, though, Adeiny Hechavarria drove in Mike McCoy for what would be the winning run.
Game one also saw the return of Adam Lind. How did he do? Well, he went two for five at the plate, including a solo home run in the second inning.
Cninth inning home runolby Rasmus helped the Blue Jays to win over the Yankees with a ninth inning home run.
There would be no late inning heroics for the Jays in game two as they lost 2-1. Starting pitcher, Ricky Romero had one of his better nights, giving up five hits, two earned runs, two walks and struck out six batters in seven innings pitched. Unfortunately, it would be Romero’s 11th straight loss.
Some more bad news for the Blue Jays. Jose Bautista has re injured his left wrist and will need surgery. His season is done. Not good.
The Blue Jay’s bats were smoking hot this afternoon as they defeated the Yankees 8-5.
Yunel Escobar had one heck of a day at the plate, hitting three doubles, one home run, and collecting five RBIs.
Starting pitcher, J.A. Happ had a fairly good day on the mound, giving up four hits, four earned runs, five walks, and struck out six batters in five innings pitched.
The thing I’d liked about this series is not only the Jays won it two games to one, but they played the role of the spoiler here. You see, the Baltimore Orioles are gaining some ground on the Yankees in the American League Division standings, in which New York is leading right now by a very slim margin.
The Jays will face another tough team for four game series, starting tomorrow night. The Tampa Bay Rays.
Yunel Escobar hit three doubles, one home run, and collected five RBIs in today’s game.
About Ellen Piehl