The New York Yankees feel they “owe something” to the Toronto Blue Jays after the previous season.
The last time the Toronto Blue Jays were in the Bronx, the visitors’ clubhouse saw quite the celebration. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was heard shouting “DAAAAA YANKEES LOSE” on national television as the Blue Jays celebrated at the Yankees’ expense.
Yankees Seek to Avenge Last Season’s Losses
The Yankees have not forgotten their 6-11 record against Toronto last season, including the postseason. Their 5-8 record against the Blue Jays in the regular season cost them the tiebreaker to win the division. Finishing with the same 94-68 record as the Blue Jays but starting the postseason in the Wild Card Series instead of a bye into the AL Division Series was the ultimate reminder of how every game matters on the road to 162.
Yankees starter Cam Schlittler highlighted the increased importance of games against rivals. “Every game is very important, but there are situations where we should lock in — not that we aren’t locked in, but being aware that there’s maybe a little more to it,” Schlittler said. “I think this is one of those series. The same with Tampa (this weekend) as well. We went to their place and easily could have taken two out of three. We didn’t. So, it’s frustrating. I think we’re in a good position to make a good run here and take these two series as a momentum shift.”
Bednar Holds On Despite Nervous Ninth
The Yankees entered their four-game series against the Blue Jays following a difficult patch. They went 2-7 on their nine-game road trip. One concern is closer David Bednar and his inconsistent form this season. Monday night was no different, as Bednar needed 36 pitches to get three outs in the ninth inning, but he held on for the save in a 7-6 comeback win over the Blue Jays.
Groans filled Yankee Stadium after Bednar walked Ernie Clement to lead off the ninth. Jesús Sánchez followed with an RBI double, cutting the Yankees’ lead in half. But after walking Yohendrick Piñango, Bednar buckled down, striking out George Springer and getting Guerrero to ground out to end the game.
The Yankees’ closer blew the save Sunday against the New York Mets by allowing a three-run home run to Tyrone Taylor. It was his second blown save of the road trip. After giving up a run Monday, Bednar has allowed at least one run in 11 of 21 games this season, which is tied with St. Louis Cardinals reliever Matt Svanson for the most in MLB.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in Bednar. “One of the things we love about him is he’s not flappable,” Boone said of Bednar. “No matter what’s going on, you trust who he is.”
Chisholm Jr.’s Home Run Proves Decisive
Second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. had been a concern for the Yankees for much of the season, but he has begun to find his form at the plate. He delivered in the seventh inning Monday, after Cody Bellinger’s two-run blast, by hitting a two-run homer of his own that ricocheted off the left-field foul pole and gave the Yankees a 7-5 lead. Chish
Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Cam Schlittler said they are playing with an extra edge against the Blue Jays, who stymied the Yankees last year.