New York Yankees Recap: Blue Jays take down the Yankees for second loss in a row

Mike Tauchman, New York Yankees
Apr 16, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Mike Tauchman (39) watches his three-run home run against the Boston Red Sox during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees, after securing a berth in the playoffs, sent Micheal King to the mound last night to face the Toronto Blue Jays, in the first game of a four-game series in Buffalo. King pitched a scoreless first inning, but the game quickly went off the rails when King gave up five earned runs in less than three innings. The usually dependable Jonathan Loaisiga came in to replace King, and things just got worse; he gave up three earned runs in only one inning.

The Yankee’s attempt to hold back the Blue Jays was a complete failure. Both Chad Green and Nick Nelson also gave up a run in the game, with only Adam Ottavino pitching a clean inning. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays Matt Shoemaker and T.J. Zeuch combined held the Yankees to just 2 earned runs over 6.1 innings. Late in the game, as the Yankees attempted a rally, Wilmer Font gave up three runs to the Yankees at the top of the ninth inning.  For the Yankees, it was too little, too late, as the Jays bested them 11-5. T.J. Zeuch got the win and Michael King took the loss. The Yankees had two errors in the game.

The New York Yankees took the early lead in the game when at the top of the second inning Gio Urshela drove in Gleyber Torres; it would be the only time the Yankees would lead in the game. ‘The machine,” DJ LeMahieu hit the ball in all four of his at-bats, resulting in only two unproductive hits. Luke Voit, Gleyber Torres, Gary Sanchez, and Brett Gardner all remained hitless in the game.

Pretty much all of the Blue Jays contributed to the win, either at bat or with great defense in the field. Two of the Jay’s standouts in the game were Vlad Guerrero Jr., who went 3-3 with 3 RBI’s and Alejandro Kirk.  Kirk had the best night of his career as he went 4 for 4, with his first major league home run.

From the fourth inning to the seventh the Blue Jays mowed down 10 straight Yankees. What is disturbing in this game is that the Yankees had their A lineup in the game, including Aaron Judge and Giancarlo, who combined for just two unproductive hits in seven at-bats.  The offensive highlight of the game for the Yankees was with three Yankees on base in the top of the ninth inning, Mike Tauchman pinch-hitting, hit a long single, clearing the bases for the Yankees, for three RBIs. Gio Urshela drove in the first two Yankee runs.

Tomorrow night the Yankees will again face the Toronto Blue Jays at Sahlen Park in Buffalo, with Yankee ace Gerrit Cole on the mound.