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Instant Reaction: Blue Jays have a winning record for the first time this season as they beat the Yankees 3-1

Originally posted on Bluejaysnation | By Ryley Delaney | Last updated 4/15/24

For the first time this season, the Toronto Blue Jays are above .500.

On Monday evening, the Blue Jays hosted the New York Yankees, defeating their American League East rivals 3-1 to move to 9-8 for the season. Furthermore, they tied the season series 2-2, which could be a factor later down the line.

The Yankees jumped out to the lead, as Oswaldo Cabrera singled to left field in the top of the second, giving the Yankees the only run they’d score. The Blue Jays were able to answer back, as Isiah Kiner-Falefa walked with the bases loaded to tie the game, before a wild pitch scored Alejandro Kirk.

A double from Kirk and a two-score lead ✌️ pic.twitter.com/wNfCzyJhfA

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 16, 2024

The catcher hit his first extra-base hit of the season, giving the Blue Jays an insurance run. Overall, he went 2-3 with a walk and an RBI, one of his best games of the season.

Things worth mentioning…

Chris Bassitt had another good start, finishing with a line of 6.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, bringing his season ERA to 4.03 It’s his second consecutive quality start, and he’s starting to look like the Bassitt of old.

Tim Mayza had a good game, generating a line out (Varsho’s catch below) and a fly out in his two thirds of an inning of work. Chad Green had a rough Spring Training, but pitched a clean inning with a strikeout, while Yimi García picked up a save and has a 1.17 ERA for the year.

Putting on a Var-show with that catch pic.twitter.com/mJgMpq6f89

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 16, 2024

The Blue Jays only had four hits, with Cavan Biggio picking up a double and Bo Bichette hitting a single. They also drew eight walks, with George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. picking up two, with Justin Turner , Kirk, Daulton Varsho , and Isiah Kiner-Falefa picking up the other three.

Up next: The Blue Jays play the second of a three-game series against the Yankees at 7:07 PM ET on Tuesday. Yusei Kikuchi will start against Carlos Rodón. They’ll have a chance to win the series with a win.

me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.

This article first appeared on Bluejaysnation and was syndicated with permission.

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