Alex Gonzalez’s RBI single with the bases loaded in the top of the 11th inning started a five-run rally as Toronto topped New York, 6-1, Friday afternoon at Yankee Stadium.
Toronto ended a five-game losing streak with the win. New York lost for the third time in their last four games and dropped to 1-4 this season against the Blue Jays.
With the score tied at one in the top of the 11th, Lyle Overbay singled to lead off the inning against Yankee reliever David Robertson (0-3). After another single by John Buck, Jarrett Hoffpauir moved both runners up one base with a sacrifice bunt. Fred Lewis was intentionally walked to load the bases prior to Gonzalez’s run-scoring single to give Toronto the lead.
The Blue Jays broke the game off of reliever Chan Ho Park. After Jose Bautista struck out, Park forced in a run by walking Vernon Wells. DeWayne Wise then cleared the bases with a three-run triple over the head of center fielder Curtis Granderson to give Toronto a 6-1 advantage.
A.J. Burnett, who was 0-5 with a 7.68 ERA in the month of June, had his best start since his last win on May 30 against Cleveland. He limited Toronto to four hits over 6.2 innings while striking out six and walking three. Burnett allowed six runs in six innings in a 6-1 loss to the Blue Jays on June 4.
Brett Cecil nearly matched Burnett in his six innings of work. Despite walking six, Cecil held New York to one run on four hits with five strikeouts. He has only allowed two runs and nine hits in two starts against the Yankees this season. Jason Frasor (3-1) pitched a perfect 10th inning to earn the win.
For the second consecutive game, the Yankees grabbed an early lead with a first inning run. Derek Jeter and Nick Swisher walked to begin the game. After both runners moved up a base on Mark Teixeira’s ground out, Jeter scored on Alex Rodriguez’s sacrifice fly.
New York wasted a of golden scoring opportunity in the bottom of the third. The Yankees loaded the bases with no outs on a single and two walks. With the middle of the lineup coming up to bat, Cecil struck out Rodriguez and Robinson Cano and induced Jorge Posada to hit into an inning-ending ground out to strand the runners.
After being shutout for the first seven innings, Toronto finally broke through in the top of the eighth off Joba Chamberlain. Jose Bautista walked and advanced to third on a two-out single by Adam Lind. Aaron Hill followed with an RBI single past Rodriguez at third base to tie the game at one.
Toronto and New York will resume their series on Saturday afternoon. Ricky Romero (6-4, 2.83) will start for the Blue Jays, while the Yankees will counter with Andy Pettitte (9-2, 2.72). First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m.
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