Alek Manoah and Gerrit Cole beef as Yankees avoid sweep with 4-2 Sunday win

In an attempt to sweep a four game series in the Bronx just like the 2021 Jays did last September, the 2022 Jays fell a little short. The Yankees got the best of Toronto today 4-2 behind a late two-run home run from Andrew Benintendi. It was Benintendi’s first home run as Yankee (because of course), and only his fourth on the season.

Alek Manoah was the starting pitcher for the Blue Jays today in a ballpark where he has been very successful during his young career. While he was very good today, his defense surely did not help him through the early stages of the game.
In the first inning, with Anthony Rizzo on first, DJ LeMahieu shot a ball into left field for a single. Rizzo advanced to third on the play, but left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. tried to rush a throw to Matt Chapman at third base. Gurriel short hopped the throw, and Chapman was unable to get to it. The ball got away, and Rizzo scored. Gurriel was charged with the error, but Manoah wasn’t charged with the run.
Whit Merrifield would even things up at 1 in the top …

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Author: Evan Stack / Blue Jays Nation

Pre-Series Notes: Blue Jays look to keep rolling against depleted Royals squad

The Blue Jays wrapped up a two-game sweep with an 8-2 win against the Phillies yesterday and look to be getting back on track after losing nine of ten and falling out of playoff position. Not only did this streak cost the Jays multiple spots in the wild card race, it also cost manager Charlie Montoyo his job. Bench coach John Schneider was named the interim manager prior to yesterday’s game.
At times this season, the playoffs seemed like a guarantee for a Blue Jays team with World Series aspirations but that is no longer the case. At 47-42 they are now tied with the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners for the second and third wild card spot.
The Baltimore Orioles sit just two games back of the Jays after winning their tenth in a row last night. Always a strong division, the American League East now has all five teams sitting above .500. This is the first time since 2012 every team in a division has had a winning record this late into the season. If the Jays want to make the playoffs, they need make these games against weaker teams count.
Playing the Kansas City Royals in July doesn’t scream must-win, but these games cou …

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Author: Scott Ony / Blue Jays Nation