The New York Yankees managed just four hits and couldn’t recover from rookie Cam Schlittler’s rough start in a 7-1 series-opening loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night in the Bronx.
Schlittler struck out the first two batters he faced but quickly unraveled. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled and scored on Bo Bichette’s double, then Nathan Lukes delivered a two-run hit to put Toronto ahead 3-0 in the opening inning. Schlittler lasted only 1.2 innings, allowing four runs on five hits and 66 pitches.
Giancarlo Stanton briefly gave the Yankees life in the second with a 418-foot solo homer off Kevin Gausman, his 19th of the season, to cut the deficit to 4-1. Stanton finished with two of New York’s four hits, while Aaron Judge added a single and a walk in his return to right field.
Ryan Yarbrough steadied things in relief, working 5.1 innings of three-hit ball, though Guerrero tagged him for a solo homer in the fifth. Mark Leiter Jr. and Camilo Doval each gave up late runs as Toronto pulled away. Guerrero starred at the plate, going 4-for-5 with a home run, while Bichette drove in two.
Gausman shut down the Yankees over seven innings, striking out five while allowing only Stanton’s blast.
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The Yankees (78-63) look to bounce back and even the series on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. when Luis Gil faces Toronto’s Chris Bassitt.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].