Yankees at Blue Jays
The New York Yankees have won nine consecutive series for the first time in 21 years but that streak could be in jeopardy when they continue a three-game set at the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night. The Yankees have lost back-to-back games for the first time in over a month, dropping a 4-3 decision in the series opener in the first meeting between the teams this season.
Clint Frazier had a nightmarish game in right field that contributed to Sunday's 8-5 loss to Boston, but he atoned somewhat with a two-run homer Tuesday for American League East-leading New York. Aaron Hicks also homered and added a double to halt a 12-game drought without an extra-base hit for the Yankees, who were 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Freddy Galvis, who was hitless in 12 at-bats over his previous three contests, clubbed a two-run homer to help Toronto snap a six-game losing streak. Randal Grichuk also homered after going 2-for-23 on the six-game road trip to put the Blue Jays in position to post back-to-back wins for the first time since April 27-28.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, YES (New York), SportsnetOne, Sportsnet360 (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH James Paxton (3-2, 2.81 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Trent Thornton (1-4, 4.53)
Making his return to the rotation after he was sidelined for nearly four weeks with an ailing knee, Paxton did not allow a hit and struck out seven in four scoreless innings in a no-decision against San Diego a week ago. He closed out April with three strong outings, striking out 32 while allowing three runs and 10 hits over 19 2/3 innings. A native of Canada, Paxton is a pedestrian 3-3 with a 4.54 ERA in six starts versus the Blue Jays but he did throw a no-hitter at Rogers Centre while with Seattle in May 2018.
Thornton did not factor in the decision for the third straight start last time out at Tampa Bay, lasting 4 2/3 innings and giving up three runs on seven hits with three walks. The 25-year-old rookie was solid in his previous two turns, striking out a career-best 10 and allowing three runs in six innings versus San Diego on May 24 after yielding one run on three hits over six frames at the Chicago White Sox. Set to face the Yankees for the first time, Thornton owns an 0-3 record with a 6.23 ERA in six starts at home.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blue Jays 2B Eric Sogard is 5-for-9 in the past two games.
2. Yankees 2B DJ LeMahieu has hit safely in nine straight games.
3. Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (elbow) threw a bullpen session Tuesday and is scheduled for another on Saturday.