August 3, 2024: Yankees vs Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Weekend series with the Yanks looking to keep the momentum going and the Jays trying to make a statement as they chase the AL East. Jays won 8-5. Here’s the breakdown. Player performances, stats, and recent trends.
Game Overview:
Yanks were 65-46 and tied for 1st in the AL East with the Orioles. Their 5 game winning streak was snapped by the Jays. They are still tied with the Orioles but the streak was broken. Jays are 51-59 and in last place in the AL East, 13½ games back. But they can play with the big boys as we saw on August 3.
Box Score:
Here are the key plays:
- 1st Inning:
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. gets the Jays on the board with a single to shortstop that scores Joey Loperfido. Big play to get Toronto up early.
- Ernie Clement adds to the Jays’ lead with a double to deep left that scores Daulton Varsho and Spencer Horwitz. Clement is clutch.
- Aaron Judge hits a 2 run homer to left that scores Juan Soto. His 40th of the season.
- 3rd Inning:
- Spencer Horwitz singles to left that scores Joey Loperfido and advances Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to third. Big play for the Jays and Horwitz is clutch.
- Ernie Clement singles to 2nd that scores Spencer Horwitz and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Clement is huge again.
- Brian Serven singles to center that scores Davis Schneider and Spencer Horwitz. Jays are in control.
- 5th Inning:
- Anthony Volpe hits a homer to center that scores Ben Rice. Bright spot for the Yanks and Volpe’s power.
- Juan Soto also scored, boosting the Yankees’ efforts to mount a comeback.
- 6th Inning:
- Spencer Horwitz singled to first base, scoring Brian Serven. That was the final Blue Jays run and the 8-5 win.
Probable Pitchers:
The Yankees faced off against the Blue Jays with two big time pitchers:
- José Berríos (Blue Jays): Berríos was 9-8 with a 3.93 ERA coming in and had been a workhorse for Toronto. In 130.2 innings he had given up 57 runs and 117 hits and 97 strikeouts. He was gonna have to keep the Yankees in check.
- Carlos Rodón (Yankees): Rodón was 11-7 with a 4.34 ERA and had been a big part of the Yankees’ rotation. He had given up 58 runs and 111 hits in 120.1 innings and 129 strikeouts. He was gonna have to control the game and limit the damage.
Player Highlights:
Several players made an impact in this game:
- Aaron Judge (Yankees): Judge’s two run homer in the 1st was the play of the game and showed he’s still got it. With his 40th homer of the season Judge is a force to be reckoned with in the Yankees lineup. He’s a big player in big moments.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays): Guerrero’s single in the 1st set the tone for the Blue Jays. He’s a threat with the bat and on the bases and was a big part of the Blue Jays win. He provided consistent offense.
- Spencer Horwitz (Blue Jays): Horwitz’s singles in the 3rd and 6th were key to driving in runs and getting the win. He got on base and brought in runners and was a big part of the Blue Jays offense.
- Anthony Volpe (Yankees): Volpe’s homer in the 5th was a bright spot for the Yankees. He’s got some pop and that’s good for the Yankees as they try to finish strong.
Recent Team Performance:
- Yankees: 5 game win streak snapped. 6-4 in last 10. 27-24 at home. +115 run differential. One of the more balanced teams in the league, but a tough AL East.
- Blue Jays: 6-4 in last 10. Having a tough season, but can compete with top teams. 25-31 on the road. -82 run differential. But they beat the Yankees.
Top Trends:
- Aaron Judge: 6 for his last 7. .375 vs Berríos.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: 5 for 9 vs Rodón.
- Yankees Run Line: 5-1 in last 6. Covering big.
Expert Predictions:
- Moneyline: The consensus was the Yankees. But the Blue Jays won.
- Spread: The recommendation was Yankees Run Line. But the Blue Jays covered.
- Total: Trends were OVER 9. The game was OVER.
Summary
The August 3, 2024 game between the Yankees and Blue Jays was a great one. Aaron Judge had a big game for the Yankees but the Blue Jays won 8-5. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Spencer Horwitz and Ernie Clement were the stars for the Blue Jays. Both teams are still playing so this game is a reminder that baseball is crazy and fun. With the Yankees and Blue Jays both facing their own challenges and opportunities, fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups as the season progresses.