In a thrilling pitchers' duel at Yankee Stadium, Toronto Blue Jays rookie Trey Yesavage outshone New York Yankees' Cam Schlittler, leading his team to a 2-1 victory on Wednesday night. Yesavage allowed just one run on four hits over seven innings, striking out eight and walking two, to improve his season record to 5-2.
Key Moments
The Blue Jays broke a 1-1 tie in the sixth inning when George Springer doubled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. That proved to be the decisive run as Yesavage and the bullpen held the Yankees in check.
Schlittler, who entered the game with a 6-1 record, was nearly as impressive, giving up two runs on six hits over six innings while striking out seven. However, he was tagged with his second loss of the season.
Defensive Highlights
Toronto's defense turned two key double plays to stifle Yankee rallies. In the fourth inning, shortstop Bo Bichette started a 6-4-3 double play to end a threat, and in the seventh, second baseman Santiago Espinal made a diving stop to start another twin-killing.
Closer Jordan Romano worked a perfect ninth inning for his 15th save of the season, striking out two.
Postgame Reactions
"Trey was outstanding tonight," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. "He mixed his pitches well and kept their hitters off balance all game. It's great to see him step up in a big matchup like this."
Yesavage credited his catcher, Alejandro Kirk, for calling a great game. "We had a solid plan and executed it," Yesavage said. "I felt in control from the first inning."
Yankees' Perspective
Yankees manager Aaron Boone lamented missed opportunities. "We had chances but couldn't get the big hit. Their pitcher did a good job, but we need to be better in those situations."
The Yankees' only run came on a solo home run by Aaron Judge in the fourth inning, his 18th of the season.
Series Outlook
The win evens the three-game series at one game apiece, with the rubber match scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The Blue Jays will send Kevin Gausman to the mound against the Yankees' Gerrit Cole.
With the victory, Toronto improves to 28-20, while New York falls to 27-21.
