The post-trade deadline Toronto Blue Jays won their first game.
On Friday evening, the Blue Jays defeated the New York Yankees 8-5, moving their season record to 51-59.
Joey Loperfido started off the game with a double, and was cashed in on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s single. Ernie Clement also hit a double this inning, driving in an additional two runs to give the Jays an early 3-0 lead. However, the Yankees scored two runs in the bottom of the first thanks to Aaron Judge’s 40th home run of the season.
Ernie Clement’s last 38 games:
💪 15 Extra-Base Hits
💪 21 RBI
💪 .307 AVG pic.twitter.com/ZDMbhnxfxr— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 3, 2024
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The top of the third was another good inning for the Jays, as Loperfido and Guerrero Jr. each reached on a base hit, with Spencer Horwitz cashing in the former. Guerrero Jr. was cashed in by Clement, before Brian Serven hit a single, allowing two runners to score to make it 7-2.
Serven up more runs 😎 pic.twitter.com/l1LGLbYQ0f
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 3, 2024
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New York scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth, as Anthony Volpe hit a two-run home run, while Austin Wells would single in another run four batters later. However, this was the last run they’d score. Toronto added another run in the following half inning, thanks to a Spencer Horwitz ground ball.
Things worth mentioning…
Kevin Gausman had a rough outing, finishing with a line of 4.2 IP, 8 H, 4 ER (5 R), 3 BB, 2 K with two home runs given up to bring his season ERA to 4.56. It’s been a rough year for the Jays’ ace.
Génesis Cabrera was the first one out of the pen, giving up a walk and a hit, but pitching a scoreless two thirds of an inning. Brendon Little struck out two in an inning and two thirds, while Zach Pop struck out a batter in a clean inning. Chad Green picked up the save, striking out three in his inning of work.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. didn’t hit a home run in this game, but he did extend his hit streak to 15 games, while also hitting his 27th double of the season. Re-sign him, please.
Spencer Horwitz has had a rough go of things since the All-Star break, as his batting average has dropped to .280. However, Friday’s game hopefully will get him back on track, as he had two singles.
Five batters had a two-hit performance, as Joey Loperfido, Guerrero Jr., Spencer Horwitz, Ernie Clement, and Brian Serven each had two-hit performances. Davis Schneider, George Springer, and Daulton Varsho had the other three hits for the team.
Up next: The Jays continue their three-series against the Yankees, as they’ll play the second game at 1:05 PM ET on Saturday. José Berríos is the expected starter for Toronto, and he’ll face off against Carlos Rodón.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.