The New York Yankees made it closer than it needed to be in the ninth inning, but they ultimately defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 9-8, at Yankee Stadium on Saturday night.
Thanks to three-run frames in both the first and second innings, the Yankees jumped out to an early 6-0 lead. Entering the seventh inning, they led 9-2 before a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. home run cut the lead to six runs. His shushing celebration amid a rain of boos drew the ire of MLB fans.
After giving up three runs in the top of the seventh and three runs in the top of the ninth, the Blue Jays threatened with the go-ahead run at he plate. However, Clay Holmes struck out the dangerous George Springer to end the game and seal the win.
Yankees defeat Blue Jays, 9-8
3 Stars of the Game
- OF Aaron Judge: The towering slugger had a classic Judge game. From the three-hole, Judge wen 2-for-3 with a mammoth two-run home run. He added two runs and two walks.
- OF Juan Soto: Looking to break out of a recent slide, Soto also went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two walks.
- DH Giancarlo Stanton: Finally, Stanton had a big day. Despite his slow start, Stanton paced the Yankees offense going 3-for-4 with a solo home run in the second inning.
Bullpen Gets Tagged
No bullpen is perfect throughout the season. The Yankees relievers struggled a bit to put this game away. After starter Clarke Schmidt went 4.1 innings allowing two earned runs on six hits, righty Luke Weaver came on in the fifth inning. He allowed three earned runs in 2.0 innings pitched before giving way to Victor Gonzalez.
The left was the best of the bunch, going 1.1 innings pitched, allowing no runs and no hits while walking one. Ian Hamilton came on to finish the top of the eighth inning but was pulled in the top of the ninth after allowing a single, a walk and a double. Closer Clay Holmes closed the door but not before allowing two runs, both of which were credited to Hamilton.
Quick Hits
- RHP Clarke Schmidt threw first-pitch strikes to 14 of 22 batters faced and generated 10 whiffs.
- Giancarlo Stanton (116.7 mph) and Aaron Judge (109.7 mph) had the top exit velocity marks on the day.
- The Yankees have started the season 4-0 in one-run games, a far cry from their 17-23 record in 2023. (Katie Sharp)
- Anthony Rizzo got on the board with his first home run of the season in the top of the fifth inning. He has six hits in his last 25 at-bats.
- Entering Sunday, Clay Holmes's four saves are tied for the MLB high with Cleveland Guardians' Emmanuel Chase.
- This win put the Yankees back in sole possession of first place in the AL East.
What's Next?
The Yankees and Blue Jays wrap up this three-game series with a rubber match Sunday at 1:35 p.m. ET.
