Yankees stage rally in tenth to win series against Toronto

The final game in this three-game set brought yet another series win to the New York Yankees. They are 19-2-2 in the past 23 series, dating back to April 19th. Impressive starts from Domingo German and rookie Ryan Borucki kept the scoring to a minimum. Brett Gardner’s 10th inning hit and Tyler Wade’s pinch-running speed allowed the Yankees to win on a sunny afternoon in Toronto.  

Photo Credit: Toronto Blue Jays

The game began in favor of the Yanks on a ground out from Miguel Andujar to score Aaron Judge from third. Within a few innings, the game shaped into an unexpected pitcher’s duel. Toronto’s 24-year-old rookie Ryan Borucki pitched a solid game in his third career start, completing 7.0 IP and surrendering just one run in the first inning. The Yankees threatened with base hits but couldn’t do any additional scoring against the southpaw. 

Domingo German started this game with a high 5.37 ERA. He desperately needed an impressive, long outing in order to keep his spot in the rotation and prevent the bullpen from yet another straining game. His final line included 6.0 IP with four hits, one run, and five strikeouts with exactly 100 pitches thrown. German shut down the Blue Jays’ lineup until the sixth, when he gave up a solo shot to Kendrys Morales to tie the game at one. 

Photo Credit: Fred Thornhill/ The Canadian Press via AP 

Adam Warren relieved German and quickly got into trouble with a leadoff double from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. He struck out the next two batters and got ex-Yankee Yangervis Solarte to pop out to Greg Bird to end the seventh inning. Warren came back out to pitch a scoreless eighth. Luck was on Warren’s side today after a towering hit from Justin Smoak, which would have given the Blue Jays a 2-1 lead, landed just past the foul pole. He gave up a single to Morales, but pinch-runner Aledmys Diaz was picked off on an attempt to steal second. 

The game went into the ninth inning tied, 1-1. Chad Green kept the Blue Jays scoreless on just 11 pitches, but there were only so many opportunities for the Yankees to make a comeback. 

However, everybody’s favorite ex-Yankee, Tyler Clippard, not-so-surprisingly blew the game. Clippard brought back flashbacks of his 2017 self, hitting Greg Bird with no outs. Tyler Wade was brought in to replace Bird, who is definitely not known for his speed. Wade reached second on a sacrifice bunt by Austin Romine. A clutch single by Brett Gardner scored the speedster to make the score 2-1 in favor of the Yankees. 

David Robertson entered in the bottom of the inning to close out the game due to Aroldis Chapman’s left knee tendinitis. He retired three in a row to deliver the series win. 

What’s Next?

The Yankees will play eight games in seven days before the All-Star break, starting on Monday with a double-header against Baltimore. In game one, the Bombers will send out CC Sabathia (6-3, 3.02 ERA) to face the Orioles at Camden Yards. Game two will see Luis Cessa make his second start of 2018. In his first outing, Cessa went only 3.0 IP, giving up three runs and two walks. Tune in to YES starting at 4:05 PM ET. 

Article by: Isabella Anton

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