The Toronto Blue Jays have secured a thrilling victory against their long-time rivals, the New York Yankees, with a game-winning homer by catcher Danny Jansen in the final inning. The Blue Jays’ 2-1 win at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York, on September 7, 2020, has given them a much-needed boost in their playoff aspirations.
The game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams displaying excellent pitching and defense throughout. The Yankees took an early lead in the second inning, thanks to a solo homer by Luke Voit. However, the Blue Jays’ starter, Tanner Roark, settled down after that and kept the Yankees’ potent lineup in check for the rest of his five innings of work.
The Blue Jays’ offense struggled to get going against Yankees’ starter Jordan Montgomery, who held them scoreless until the sixth inning. However, Toronto finally broke through in that frame when Teoscar Hernandez hit a solo homer to tie the game at 1-1.
The game remained tied until the bottom of the ninth inning when Jansen stepped up to the plate with one out and a runner on first base. He worked the count to 2-2 before launching a towering shot over the left-field wall to give the Blue Jays a walk-off victory.
Jansen’s heroics capped off an impressive performance by the Blue Jays’ bullpen, which had held the Yankees scoreless for four innings after Roark’s departure. Relievers A.J. Cole, Ryan Borucki, Rafael Dolis, and Anthony Bass combined to strike out seven batters and allow just two hits and one walk.
The win was a significant one for the Blue Jays, who are currently fighting for a playoff spot in the American League. They improved their record to 23-18 and moved within half a game of the Yankees for second place in the AL East division.
The Blue Jays have been one of the surprise teams of the 2020 MLB season, thanks in large part to their young and talented core of players. Hernandez, who hit his 14th homer of the season in the game against the Yankees, has been one of the team’s breakout stars, while Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Cavan Biggio have also shown flashes of brilliance.
The Blue Jays will look to build on their win against the Yankees as they continue their push for a playoff spot. With just a few weeks left in the regular season, every game is crucial, and the Blue Jays will need more heroics like Jansen’s if they hope to make it to the postseason.
