Nick Tepesch’s debut for the Toronto Blue Jays was less than ideal against the New York Yankees.
The Jays called up Tepesch, who was acquired from the Minnesota Twins in late July, for his first start in the majors since May 6. While that May start was short-lived — he was removed after 1.2 innings — Tepesch was called upon in Toronto to fill a void left by Joe Biagini being stretched out at Triple-A Buffalo.
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With the opportunity to create a memorable first impression in Toronto on Wednesday, Tepesch shook off rough start early in the game but the persistent Yankees spoiled his debut by defeating the Jays 11-5.
Tepesch settled down in the first inning after a leadoff double by outfielder Brett Gardner, easily setting aside the next three batters in order, but he would never feel the comfort of a lead.
In the second inning, Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez crushed a 0-1 pitch to deep center field, sailing right past an outstretched Kevin Pillar, for his 18th home run of the year.
#HeIsGary. He is leaving the yard. pic.twitter.com/7QEBFjUiR9
— MLB (@MLB) August 9, 2017
Todd Frazier, following suit during the Yankees next at bat, got enough of Tepesch’s slider to hit his 19th home run.
Tepesch would exit after throwing 81 pitches though 4.1 innings and allowing three homers — two to the aforementioned players and a third to Didi Gregorious.
Despite showing some times of vulnerability, Tepesch made the most of his chance. It left manager John Gibbons optimistic.
“I don’t see why not,” Gibbons told reporters post-game in reference to giving Tepesch another start.
While the game fell out of the Jays’ reach as the Yankees scored five runs in the final two innings, Toronto led a charge that threatened the once-comfortable Yankees lead.
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Sparked by a Jose Bautista home run in the fifth inning, the Jays slowly cut the deficit. With help of Ryan Goins’ two-run double in the sixth inning, the Jays were down by one.
With one Toronto pitcher making his team debut, reliever Taylor Cole made his MLB debut. It didn’t bode well for the 27-year-old reliever, who was with Triple-A Buffalo before being called up. Cole struggled to find his control throughout the game, hitting a batter in the process and making Raffy Lopez do a little more than usual behind the plate.
For their part, the Yankees didn’t show any signs of easing up on their division opponent — especially one that is still somewhat considered in the playoff race.
Marco Estrada will take the mound in the Jays’ rubber-game on Thursday against the Yankees’ newest addition Sonny Gray.