The Yankees’ slide continued Thursday night as they dropped their fourth straight game, losing 8-5 to the Blue Jays and falling out of first place in the AL East.
New York was swept in a four-game series in Toronto for the first time in franchise history.
Clarke Schmidt labored early, surrendering a two-run home run to George Springer in the third after Addison Barger opened the scoring with an RBI double. Schmidt exited after just three innings with right forearm tightness, allowing three runs on four hits.
Trent Grisham briefly tied the game with a solo homer in the third, and Jasson Domínguez sparked a rally in the fourth with a triple, later scoring on a single by Anthony Volpe. The Yankees drew even at three but couldn’t capitalize further, stranding 12 runners and going just 2-for-14 with men in scoring position.
Clayton Beeter struggled in relief during his season debut, giving up a pair of extra-base hits that allowed Toronto to retake control. Springer delivered the decisive blow with his second homer of the night in the eighth off Luke Weaver, capping a dominant series in which he hit four home runs and drove in 11 runs.
Despite late chances, including another Judge intentional walk in the eighth, the Yankees couldn’t mount a final comeback.
Domínguez provided one of the few bright spots, going 4-for-5 and raising his batting average to .267.
Next, the Yankees (48-39) head to Citi Field to face the Mets (50-38) in the Subway Series on Friday at 3:10 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].