Location: Toronto, Ontario
In a thrilling contest that saw late-game heroics, the New York Yankees clinched a 2-0 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night, courtesy of Austin Wells’ two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning.
The game’s pivotal moment arrived in the ninth inning when Gleyber Torres led off with a crucial single against Toronto’s closer, Jordan Romano (5-7), setting the stage for Wells’ heroics. Wells, seizing the moment, drove a first-pitch fastball deep into left-center field for his third home run of the season, providing the Yankees with a late-game lead they would not relinquish.
Clay Holmes took the mound in the bottom of the ninth, navigating around a single to earn his 23rd save of the season and sealing the Yankees’ victory.
Despite being officially eliminated from playoff contention over the weekend, the Yankees (80-77) showcased their resilience, securing the win against the Blue Jays (87-70), who are fighting to maintain their slim lead in the race for the second American League wild card.
The game featured a pitching duel between Toronto’s right-hander Kevin Gausman and New York’s right-hander Michael King. Gausman delivered an impressive performance, pitching seven shutout innings while allowing just three hits and two walks, and recording five strikeouts. King, on the other hand, went six shutout innings, surrendering only one hit and five walks while striking out five Blue Jays batters.
King navigated through a challenging third inning, escaping a bases-loaded situation after walking two batters and allowing a single. His resilience shone through when he struck out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a called third strike after falling behind 3-0 in the count.
Gausman, meanwhile, showcased his control, walking two batters in the first inning but then retiring 13 consecutive Yankees hitters. It wasn’t until the sixth inning that Estevan Florial broke his streak with a single to center. DJ LeMahieu followed with a double play to end the inning, illustrating Gausman’s ability to stifle the Yankees’ offense.
The Yankees threatened in the seventh inning, as Giancarlo Stanton doubled with one out, positioning himself for a potential run. Isiah Kiner-Falefa added a single to right, and after Kiner-Falefa’s stolen base, the Yankees had runners in scoring position. However, Bo Bichette, Toronto’s shortstop, showcased his defensive prowess by cutting down Stanton at home on Oswald Peraza’s grounder. The inning concluded on Oswald Peraza’s flyout to right.
Jhony Brito (9-7) replaced Michael King in the seventh inning and faced some challenges. He walked Daulton Varsho with one out, and with two outs, Varsho capitalized on a stolen base opportunity, advancing to third on catcher Austin Wells’ throwing error. Fortunately for the Yankees, the inning concluded when Kevin Kiermaier grounded out.
Toronto’s offensive struggles continued, as they managed only two hits throughout the game. Bo Bichette broke the silence with a single in the eighth inning, but the Blue Jays’ hopes were dashed when Guerrero grounded into a double play to close the inning.
Notably, Aaron Judge and Anthony Volpe were absent from the starting lineup for the Yankees.
In a positive development for the Blue Jays, they welcomed first baseman Brandon Belt back from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. Belt, serving as the designated hitter, went 0-for-3 with a walk in his return to the lineup.
As the Yankees celebrate this hard-fought victory, they look to build momentum in their remaining games, aiming to finish the season on a strong note. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays continue their pursuit of securing a wild card spot, with each game carrying immense significance in their postseason quest.
