Recap: Tanaka Dominates Again, As Yankees Beat Jays

Jun 17, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) pitches during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Sitting 4.5 games back of the Blue Jays for first place coming into Tuesday night, the Yankees knew they had to find a way to win with their ace Masahiro Tanaka on the mound. Tanaka has taken the league by storm, owning a jaw-dropping record of 10-1, with a magnificent ERA of 2.02 coming into the game.

The Blue Jays got off to a fast start, with shortstop Jose Reyes leading off the game with a solo shot off of Tanaka to make it 1-0 Jays.

In the third, the Yankees would respond with a homer of their own. After a double by Kelly Johnson, Brett Gardner lined one into the right field corner. It looked as if it might hook foul, but it stayed fair long enough to hit the foul pole netting, to put the Yankees on top 2-1.

Tanaka would continue to mow the Blue Jays down, recording 10 strikeouts through the first five innings.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Yankees would get some insurance when Mark Teixeira lined a single into centerfield to drive in Derek Jeter to increase the Yankee lead to 3-1.

Masahiro Tanaka’s night was over after six innings. His final line: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 Ks.

Dellin Betances, who has been brilliant out of the bullpen for the Yankees this season, relieved Tanaka, and continued his dominance, pitching the seventh and eighth innings, and getting all six batters he faced in order, while striking out three of them. Betances currently leads all MLB relievers with 68 strikeouts on the year.

In the ninth, closer David Robertson came on to nail down the save, and after allowing a two out triple to Munenori Kawasaki, he was able to get Anthony Gose looking to end the game, and pick up his 17th save of the season.

With the win Masahiro Tanaka improves to an insanely good 11-1. He now leads MLB in wins. He also lowered his ERA to an astounding 1.99, good for 3rd best in the league.

The Yankees have now won their last 14 games in a row at Yankee Stadium against the Blue Jays dating back to 2012. With this win, Joe Girardi also picks up his 600th career win as Yankees manager. He currently sits 6th on the all-time wins list for Yankees managers.

The Yankees will send Chase Whitley (2-0, 2.41 ERA) to the mound tomorrow night as they look to take the first two of this series, against Mark Buehrle (10-3, 2.28 ERA).