Yankees Win In Extras Versus Toronto, Stay Hot

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August 5, 2024

The New York Yankees continue their hot streak after a 4–3 win in 10 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays, making it seven wins out of eight games played. Despite the game being interrupted in the eighth inning by a rain delay, the game was completed. The Yankees had their ace, Gerrit Cole, on the mound as he made his first start in ten days. The reigning AL Cy Young award winner had a good outing, as he went 5 2/3 innings while giving up two runs, six total hits, and striking out four. On the other side, the Blue Jays sent Yariel Rodriguez to the mound. Rodriguez debuted at Yankee Stadium and was forced out of the game after four and 2/3 after giving up four hits, no runs, and four strikeouts.

The Bats That Made it Happen

For the Yankees, it was as inspiring as fans could hope for. Juan Soto had a great day at the plate, walking twice and getting two hits, including a solo shot to left-center. Gleyber Torres was the leadoff hitter, and he reached base twice with two singles. Aaron Judge had an unusual day at the plate, as he was intentionally walked twice and once unintentionally. Accordingly, Judge only registered two at-bats, with one of them being a single. However, the hero for the day was DJ LeMahieu, who has largely struggled throughout the season. Despite his struggle, Lemahieu hit a sacrifice fly early in the game to tie it up. Later, Lemahieu came back up in extra innings and walked it off for the Yankees to send fans home happy.

For the Blue Jays, it was a largely uneventful day. Ernie Clement led off and racked up three hits and one RBI. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.‘s only hit of the night extended his hitting streak to 17 games. Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger each contributed to the Jays with hits and RBI on the evening.

The Yankees’ Success

As mentioned, the Yankees have won seven of their last eight games and are tied with the Baltimore Orioles for first place in the AL East. The Bronx Bombers saw a considerable downturn in production from both hitters and pitchers going into the All-Star break, but have seemingly regained their footing. But the best news for Yankees fans is regarding who is getting hot at the plate.

Lemahieu has been unable to get anything going on the plate throughout the season, but things seem to be changing lately. Lemahieu won a game in Philadelphia with a clutch RBI to help sweep the Phillies. He followed up that performance with the walk-off on Sunday, showing some of the vintage DJ that Yankees fans came to love. It also seems like Torres is getting going. Although he left the game on Saturday due to multiple issues, the second basemen has gone into a rhythm lately. With two hits on Sunday and an on-base streak now reaching twelve games. If Torres can figure out his fielding issues, the Yankees will do great things in the postseason.

Next Up

The Yankees have an off day on Monday before hosting the Los Angeles Angels. After that, they will wrap up a home stand by hosting the Texas Rangers. The key for the Yankees right now is to avoid injuries and do the simple things right. Defensive errors have been a costly part of this Yankees team, which cannot continue if they hope to make a run during the playoffs.

The Yankees have 49 games left to play in the season before hopefully facing their World Series aspirations head-on. However, it will be a bumpy road as they look to dethrone the Orioles from first place in both the AL East and American League. It will all come down to the hitting of those struggling, aka Torres, Lemahieu, and Trent Grisham improving. While the guys thriving, Judge, Soto, and Jazz Chisolm Jr. look to keep it going. All while pitching stays both healthy and consistent, which is but a dream for the Yankees.