The Yankees offense finally broke and New York snapped a four-game losing streak with their 16-5 win over the Blue Jays on Friday night.
Here are the takeaways…
-Yankees hitters not mentioned Juan Soto or Aaron Rechter were struggling as the team headed into Friday’s game. But they broke through with Soto and Judge continuing to lead the way.
Trailing 1-0, Soto scored on an incredible slide home after Judge had created a rundown on the basepaths. And with the Yankees trailing 3-1 in the sixth, Soto unleashed a three-run shot after getting the green light on a 3-0 pitch to give the Yanks the lead for the first time in the series.
a J.D. Davis RBI doubled the ball into Judge and Gleyber Torreswho was benched for the last two games, launched his eighth home run of the year to give the Yankees a 7-3 lead after six games.
Alex Verdugo And DJ LeMahieu double play gave the Yankees their eighth and ninth runs of the night. For LeMahieu, it was his first extra-base hit of the season.
The Yankees’ 18 hits and 16 runs are both season highs. Each starter got at least one hit from Judge and Jahmai Jones each picking up a team-high three hits.
–Marcus StromanThe night was decided by one inning. After giving up a run in the first inning to George Springer — of course — the right-hander would settle down to the fifth.
Back-to-back singles and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases with no outs. Stroman got Vladimir Guerrero Jr. lay on the ground Anthony Volpebut the Yankees infield could not complete the double play. Stroman screamed into his glove, visibly frustrated after the failed DP.
After a walk, which loaded the bases again, Stroman was pulled. The first-year Yankee was seen yelling at himself in the dugout.
Michael Tonkin replaced Stroman and after hitting Springer to cross the Blue Jays’ third run of the game, Guerrero was called home after Jose Trevino took a wild pitch and dove for the tag.
Stroman threw 4.1 innings (88 pitches/52 hits), gave up three runs on five hits, three walks and a HBP, while striking out three batters. Stroman was the first to greet Torres after his home run.
– Including Tonkin, the Yankees bullpen has been a bit up and down. Tonkin gave up a run on one hit in his 1.2 innings. Lucas Weaver gave up a run on two hits in his inning.
Tommy Kahnle And Tim Hill combined to give up just two hits in two innings of work to close it out.
Most Valuable Player of the Match: Juan Soto
Soto is the game MVP because of the timing of his home run. With the Yankees trailing 3-1 and seemingly unable to put up a wrong number, his three-run explosion gave New York the lead and some confidence that seemingly trickled down to the rest of the team.
Soto was 2-of-4 with three RBI and a walk.
Honorable mention goes to Torres who used the lineup timeout to reset. He finished 2-for-4 with three RBI.
Highlights
What’s next
The Yankees and Blue Jays continue their four-game set Saturday afternoon. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:07 p.m.
Nestor Cortes (4-6, 3.40 ERA) is on the mound for the Yankees and he will be opposed by Chris Bassitt (6-3, ERA of 3.45).
