The New York Yankees saw a four-game win streak come to an end Friday night, falling 8-5 to the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Despite multiple chances to erase an early deficit, the Yankees stranded nine runners and went 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position as Toronto improved to 34-36. New York dropped to 41-27.
Toronto seized control early against Ryan Weathers. Alejandro Kirk, returning after a lengthy injury absence, delivered an RBI double in the first inning before Kazuma Okamoto followed with a two-run homer. George Springer added a two-run blast in the second as the Blue Jays built a 5-0 advantage.
Weathers settled down after the early damage but couldn’t escape the fifth inning. The left-hander was charged with six runs on five hits over 4.1 innings, continuing a difficult stretch in which home runs have become a recurring issue.
The Yankees finally broke through in the fifth. J.C. Escarra opened the inning with a double, ending a hitless June drought for New York catchers, and Paul Goldschmidt followed with a sacrifice fly. Cody Bellinger then cut the deficit to 5-3 with a two-run homer to right.
New York threatened again in the sixth after Jose Caballero’s double put two runners in scoring position. Trent Grisham delivered a two-run single to make it a one-run game, but the rally stalled. The Yankees later left the bases loaded in the seventh and couldn’t generate another comeback opportunity.
Caballero reached base three times and scored a run, while Grisham drove in two before exiting with an apparent leg injury.
The Yankees continue their three-game series in Toronto on Saturday, with first pitch is scheduled for 3:07 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].