Yankees Beat Blue Jays in Extra Innings

nydailynews.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

April 20th, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 5 Blue Jays 3

The New York Yankees were able to pick up their second straight win in Toronto against the Blue Jays on Saturday afternoon despite blowing a lead late in the game, which caused the Yankees to have to get the win extra innings.

Yankees Starter Hiroki Kuroda was fantastic for the second straight start, but the bullpen blew what should have been a win for Kuroda. Kuroda went 7.1 innings only allowing one run on three hits, one walk, and was able to strikeout seven batters. Kuroda didn’t allow a run until the eighth inning, as his good start to the season has given Kuroda a great (2.35 ERA) in April so far.

David Robertson came in the game in the eighth inning, but was unable to get the job done for the Yankees. Robertson entered the game with a two run lead, but he gave up that lead on two hits, and a walk. Robertson was forced to throw 31 pitches in his appearance, which would make it seem likely that he will not be available for Yankees on Sunday.

Mariano Rivera got to get his save opportunity a little later than the Yankees would have hoped, but he did get the job done. Rivera’s good start to the season continued, as he picked up his fifth save in five chances with ease in the 11th inning.

The Yankees offense was lead by former Blue Jay Vernon Wells, who has raked against his former team in the first two games of the series. On Saturday Wells got the Yankees on the board with a solo-homerun that hit the foul pole in Left Field. For Wells it was his fifth homerun of the season, and he finished the game going three for five with two runs scored. The last two games have been great for Wells, as he’s gone five for nine, with two homeruns, three RBIs, and four runs scored.

Kevin Youkilis got the Yankees a comfortable lead in the fifth inning with the bases loaded, as he was able to rip a line drive that seemed to go thru Blue Jays Third Baseman Brett Lawrie, and two runs scored. Youkilis didn’t come back into the game however, as apparently his back stiffened up on him, and he was replaced at First Base by Lyle Overbay.

The Yankees got a bit lucky to get the two go ahead runs, as Blue Jays Reliever Aaron Loup threw the ball into Left Field instead of taking the sure out at First Base after a sacrifice bunt by Ichiro.

The Yankees will be thinking sweep on Sunday against the Blue Jays, as Ivan Nova (1-1, 5.59 ERA) will be facing Josh Johnson (0-1, 6.91 ERA).