Yankees Recap: Yankees Swept By Blue Jays, AL East Lead Cut To 1.5

Looking to avoid a sweep and hold on to their diminishing American League East lead, the New York Yankees faced off against the Toronto Blue Jays this afternoon in New York City.

Coming off two straight losses, the Yankees looked to salvage the series as they sent out Masahiro Tanaka to take on Marco Estrada and the Jays.

In the first inning of the game, Tanaka gave up a home run to the red-hot Josh Donaldson, his second of the series and 30th of the season. 

“We took a punch this weekend. Good teams punch back” – Alex Rodriguez

Tanaka quickly settled down, only allowing three hits while striking out five but gave up another solo shot to Jose Bautista in the fourth. The home run was also Bautista’s second of the series.

With the Yankees’ bats frozen, Tanaka’s well-fought outing was for naught, and the pitcher was pulled in the sixth. The Yanks then brought in Adam Warren who quickly gave a single up to Bautista, walked Dioner Navarro and hit Chris Colabello.

Looking to put a stop to a potential onslaught, the Yankees brought in Justin Wilson who struck out the next two batters and got Kevin Pillar to fly out.

Hoping to finally attack, the Yankees managed to get two runners on the bases but ended up with no runs as Stephen Drew struck out to end the seventh.

While the sweep brings the Blue Jays within one and a half games of first-place Yankees, perhaps the worst thing about the series was the Yankees’ lack of offense. The Yankees have not scored since the second inning of Friday night’s game.

After the game, catcher Brian McCann said, “We just haven’t been hitting. It happens. We have to get ready for the road trip and move on.’’

The Yankees open up a three-game series in Cleveland on Tuesday and will face-off against the Jays again on Friday in Toronto.