GAME 69: The first-place, yet recently struggling Toronto Blue Jays landed in The Bronx for the first time this season. The Yankees, just off a 5-4 West Coast trip, find themselves in third place, 4.5 games behind in the divisional standings.
Tanaka ERA Under Mendoza Line
On the first pitch of the game, Blue Jay’s shortstop Jose Reyes took Masahiro Tanaka deep. But that was it for Toronto’s run production. The Yankees ace settled in and scattered 5 hits in between 10 strikeouts over 6 innings. The ‘pen took it from there, with Dellin Betances and David Robertson getting the final 9 outs, bringing the overall strike-out total to 15. Tanaka’s one earned-run allowed over 6 dropped his ERA to an American League-leading 1.99.
Tanaka’s overall performance lauded by manager Joe Girardi —
“What he’s done has been remarkable. He’s been a big part of our success this year, and continues just to grind out starts and make adjustments and give us distance. And he wins.”
Facing Medford, New York native Marcus Stroman, the Yankees offense was provided by Brett Gardner‘s two-run homer in the third, scoring Kelly Johnson. Gardy’s blast bounced off of the netting inside the right field foul pole. Aaron Loup took over after Stroman departed in the 5th inning, allowing a Mark Teixeira ribby single that plated Derek Jeter.
Here’s the box score and recap by mlb.com’s Jamal Collier. Tonight’s victory was the 600th managerial win for Joe Girardi with the Yankees.
MEMORY LANE: On June 17, 1978, Ron Guidry strikes out 18 batters in a four-hit 4-0 shutout of the Angels, setting an American League record for lefthanders. The victory raised the Yankee southpaw’s record to 11-0. (Source: Today In Baseball History). Here’s the box score and game stats …
